Growth can be quiet. It’s the first 9 days of the year. I quietly put in overtime at work and learned new things. I began a walking routine my doctor suggested. I didn’t miss any health appointments. I’m in touch with all my providers. I lowered my internet bill.

I began eating a healthy, varied diet that minimizes junk food. I made plans with friends. I cooked a meal. I baked cupcakes. I spent time with my parents.

It all feels quiet because this year none of the “new year sparkle” came. I didn’t feel any newness or freshness to January. In fact, according to chatgpt: I’m recovering from illness and over stimulation. To an extent that’s very true.

I had to overcome a cold, normalize a chronic high blood pressure, get over my anxiety, and take a step back from trying to engage my cousin (who disrupted my routine relaxation). Chatgpt thinks my mind is in restoration low-dopamine mode.

I’ve been keeping up with my skin care routine and oral hygiene. I now supplement daily with fish oil and the occasional Mary Ruth (which got a green light from my doctor). I’ve raised my dose for metformin and am aiming to taper down my seroquel. I have a solid morning routine of a healthy breakfast plus hygiene plus meds and supplements.

This last few days I didn’t feel like it. I had a bout of not wanting to go or be at work. Thank goodness fate decided to strand me there because I learned a lot and also— money.

These past nine days I got my nails done and made a chores plan. I have really gotten into nutritious foods. I’ve had to include carbs because of my job but that’s okay. It’s a very gentle step toward eating better. I don’t expect to lose a lot of weight through this. At least not at first.

I’m starting a lot of new things. I’m also restarting some old hobbies like learning Hangul, painting by numbers, and embroidering. I’m keeping up with my reading. I’m documenting my days on my iPad. I’m journaling on paper and blogging. I’m listening to new things on audible.

My friends are reaching out and I should too. We all have plans to see each other.

ChatGPT says that I am being foundational. I’m planting dopamine friendly seeds, where I help my brain come back online gently. I managed to regulate my nervous system about the guys’ comeback. I made the resolution to work as much as I can.

I didn’t make a promise for Monday but I’ll definitely try to at least do a lunch shift. Who knows. I have to self motivate for now until Wednesday, when I get a clearer picture of where this year will take me.

For now, it’s quiet nights. It’s audible and quiet growth. I’m sure looking back I’ll thank myself for truly beginning this year. I’m more aware of my health state. I’m practicing my budgeting.

This year doesn’t feel fresh or new, although I’m definitely living a fresher life. An opportunity for newness at every corner. My goal is to vary my diet: eat new things that are healthy choices. New fruits, perhaps nuts. All that. I had a long work week but I’m trying to commit to walking for 30 mins straight every day. So that’s part of my days off.

I’ll keep stabilizing and elevating. There’s always something I can enhance on the fly. I’m keeping up with my food journal and chat gpt, which validates me and teaches me new things. I have all the tools at home for a good workout (music, tik tok, bands, weights). Going for a walk is healthy no matter what. Maybe I’ll do it at Whole Foods tomorrow!

The guys’ comeback is quiet too. We’re all trying to reaclimate to our lives. It’s this whole thing. I bought myself reward tea and ferro rochet chocolate to enjoy with my morning tea.

I’m also thinking maybe a 3 day weekend would be really good for my mental health. I know I overdid it this week. I want to stay motivated and fresh. And rested. And happy.

Sleep is my foundation above all. So good night