One of my favorite all-time shows is CBS Sunday Morning.  Because of life, I sometimes end up watching it in bits and pieces, but this week I got the treat of watching it in real time!  I thought there was some good advice about new year's resolutions - take a look.  If you didn't have time to watch the video clip, basically comedian Michael Ian Black is encouraging us to resolve to continue what we've already been doing instead of making promises we won't keep.  It's a fun, sarcastic (and pessimistic) view, but a good point nonetheless.

This week, we are all heading back into a routine of drop-offs and pick-ups, homework battles, bus stop roulettes, and never-ending "what's for dinner" debates.  There is comfort in returning to a routine.  I am, in so many ways, doing exactly what Black advised me to do.  However, I also recognize that the new year is a good time to make new goals.  But, I know that in the past, I fell victim to feeling like all was lost if I didn't hit the ground running right on January 1st. 

Focusing on the date for when I was to start changing was clearly the wrong thing to focus on. 

So, I'm taking a deep breath and easing back into the routine.  I'm going to allow myself some time before I decide how I want to make any resolutions or changes.  I also want to make sure that I'm making the changes for myself and not expecting those changes of others.  This isn't always easy to do!

In my new job as the Coordinator of Integrative Medicine at Mary Washington Hospital's Regional Cancer Center, I've thoroughly enjoyed connecting patients to therapies that help them with their mind, body, and spirit connection.  I offer to you to give yourself these 5 simple "retreats" this week as you ease back into your routine:

1)     Make a cup of tea - Chai is a good pick

2)     Listen to an instrumental station - I like the Spa Station on Pandora

3)     Practice Hand Reflexology - A simple step-by-step guide        

4)     Read an inspirational story

5)     Take a walk - the temperature later this week looks good!

Be well,

Gin