BY: EMMIE JERNIGAN

As we approach the New Year many people begin to think about New Year’s Resolutions.

Many years ago my good friend encouraged me to come up with a word to focus on for New Years. Her thought was to focus all year on one word instead of a goal. As the New Year begins we are bombarded with images and stories of our “perfect” New Year.

Shortly into our new year many of us “slip and slide” into our bad habits. Although we intend on carrying out our resolutions we quickly “mess up” and let go of our goal or habit.

Letting go of our expectations and thinking about one word that will sum up our next year frees us from “perfect.” What is the one word that will sum up next year? What is one word that will help you strive for a healthier, happier, and more successful year? Many of my friends have chosen excellent words. Integrity, Faith, Love, Abundance, Success, Forgiveness, Closure, and many more. Incorporating your “word” into your everyday life to become the best you can be.  Letting go of “perfect” and “messing up.”

During the time that my husband was sick I was a caretaker. I was responsible not only for my children and my family, but also for my husband.  It was a time of love that I will cherish. It was a time of heartache. It was also a time of exhaustion. Taking care of myself was important and one of the best decisions I made during that time.

As I think back to the last year of my husband’s illness I remember choosing the word “balance.” I was striving to keep a balance in my own health in order to take care of my family. It is impossible to take care of others if you are not taking care of yourself.

I am now working with Comfort Care Hospice and talk with family’s everyday about taking care of loved ones. I encourage all caretakers to consider where they can improve their own health in order to take care of their loved ones.Taking time for your own health will allow you to be more available to your loved ones.

My word for this year? As a single mother, I am still a caretaker. My word is once again “balance.” Balance reminds me to take care of myself in order to be the best caretaker for my family.

What area of your life requires your attention? Choose your word carefully and apply it daily to all that you do. Let go of small failures and start over when necessary. Choose to live each day to the best of your ability.  The New Year is about to begin!  I am hopeful that each of us will choose health, happiness and blessings.