Dear Patient,
It’s a new year—a time for resets and beginnings. A fresh date on the calendar doesn’t magically solve our problems or erase the hardships of the past, but it’s an opportunity to reflect upon where we’d like to go in the days ahead.
I like to be intentional at the start of a new year, but I’ve never been one for new year’s resolutions—I never stick with them and then I just end up feeling bad about myself. And I’m not much of a goal-setter either (I know, I know—all the experts say you should set goals…but I don’t). For several years I designated a word of the year. That all went well until 2020, when my word of the year was “play”—I had a superbly playful two months (Did an improv workshop! Took a West African dance class! Tried rock climbing! Booked a girls’ trip! Wore a fun hat to a party!)…before my playful dreams were crushed by the pandemic.
This year I am trying something different.
My wonderful ballet teacher Jen writes inspirational quotes on a chalkboard in her studio, and recently she shared this one by the poet Rumi:
“Anyone who genuinely and consistently with both hands looks for something, will find it.”
I like this idea of seeking something out, taking action, and not just waiting for good things to show up. So this year I am genuinely and consistently with both hands looking for two things: joy, and connection. We’ll see what I uncover. As we acupuncturists like to say, “where the attention goes, the qi flows.”
I hope you find what you’re looking for this year.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
This is truly wonderful. Thank you.
Tears. This is wonderful. As you know I also try to have a word for the year, but I have really struggled even deciding on one this year because the last few years have just not worked out well. Joy and connection are both things I seek, but often find elusive. Always proud of you, friend!