We all want to change the world, right?
I’ve avoided New Year’s resolutions for ever. It seems like a setup. So before I begin a new year with an anxiety producing list of new things to do, I take a moment to notice what’s been working.
In 2025 I was kinder to myself. I’ll practice that more because it’s changed my world.
Maybe you noticed or maybe you didn’t but I backed off social media. I was afraid my business would crumble. It may have. But it wasn’t from not posting. The economy crumbling helped. But through it, I worked things that kept me sane: family, friends, my animals, visiting natural places, real places. More time with the real meant less time with photos and images that weren’t always real and weren’t helping me move forward. So, I’ll continue with more direct contact, like this email, like a call or message or a visit when I can. I even sent some Christmas cards this year. Real cards! It’s a start.
I got into the whole buy local and boycott movement. I’ve not been to Sam’s, Walmart, Home Depot or Whole Foods for the year. I didn’t ever visit them much, I admit. It hasn’t been tough. But it feels good to say no. We’ve got local hardware and grocery stores I support instead.
I cancelled Amazon and Spotify accounts. You can manage without them. Trust me. People tell me the “om’s” I now play in class from Insight Timer are meditative and non-triggering. I funnelled those membership dollars into non-profits I love like World Central Kitchen and the Coastal Conservancy in Maine. I also donated to a politician I like. I ask people to buy my books on bookshop.org or at their local bookstore.
It’s empowering to stop supporting things and people that put me down. Ending what amounts to one more abusive relationship is another step toward taking care of me.
I broke routine, accepting challenges that frightened me. I knew I’d grow from them. Or not. But I tried.
I travelled more than usual. That was wonderful.
So, do I want to change the world? I am. Because the only thing I can really change is me.
Happy New Year.
Don’t forget. You can buy my books on bookshop.org or at your local bookstore.
Have a look at Bathsheba Monk and my e magazine Paradise Found. You can find it here: https://issuu.com/paradise.-found/docs/paradise_found_85e548238de327?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw It’s real artists with real impressions of the paradise we call earth. We’ve also got a substack that supports it.
Join us here in Mexico for a great retreat at Tribal Tulum this winter and spring. Our new retreat featuring traditional Mexican healing modalities will be transformational. First is in January. Let me know if you’re interested.
And…. I’m very excited to plan a few weekend retreats in Down East Maine with Salt and Oak Farm over the summer. Still in planning but the seed’s been planted so perhaps you will come down to practice in the wild.