Nourish

At the end of 2023, I wrote in my journal, “I am depleted. I think I know how I got here, but I’m not sure that matters. I’ve felt this way for a while. 2023 came with far more challenges than I felt I could handle. I am currently in a negative headspace where I feel like I’m doing everything wrong.”

Not long before I wrote that, I decided my word for 2024 would be nourish. It was the afternoon of Wednesday, December 20. My kids were supposed to be in school that week (make-up days from the Portland teacher strike in November), but there was a norovirus outbreak at our elementary school. I picked up the girls at 1pm hoping we could avoid a stomach bug before Christmas. 

I was feeling frazzled while I ate lunch, played games with them, and queued up Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour movie on Amazon. My mind started to wander. “I always feel frazzled. My current state of being is unsustainable.” 

In that moment of chaos, I knew nourish had to be my word for 2024.

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Honestly, I don’t do much for New Year’s other than think about everything I didn’t do over the previous 12 months. I find New Year’s difficult enough without thinking of all the ways I need to change. I know I need to change! That’s part of my problem! 

I usually don’t have a word for the year either, but I felt like 2024 needed one. (And, I was motivated by my dear friend, Danika.)

While I listened to my girls sing along to “Cruel Summer,” I wrote down how I define nourish: 

NOURISH

I’m not going to hustle.

I’m not going to crush it.

I am going to slow down.

I can treat myself with care and move gently while still accomplishing my goals.

It’s March now, so how have I done? I’m honestly not sure, but rather than chastise myself, I’m going to take a few deep breaths and head out for a walk. Because that will nourish me in this moment and give me the energy I need to navigate work and life today.