Thanks for the reminder.

You know how sometimes life tries to get you to slow down. And the longer you go on, the harder it tries, until finally you're on your ass with life standing over you saying "What now?!"

Goodness. This past week month has been a bit like that. It just seemed like everything was coming to a head and even the simplest, most basic tasks were just too much.

So the Universe, in her infinite wisdom, kindly handed me a bout of mastitis that forced me to stay in bed, cycling between feeling freezing cold and sweltering hot, sleeping for about 20 out of the 24 hours. A slap in the face if there ever was one to not just slow down but STOP.

Only now, my to-do list is massive, but hey, I'm rested!

But I realized something while I was lying in bed. I've let myself go. I have truly failed myself. There was a time, not terribly long ago when I was making myself a priority; exercising, tending to my own needs, etc. Yet somewhere along the line, I lost sight of how important I am.

And it's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're neglecting yourself. Easy to feel resentful when you tend to everybody's needs but your own.

I've never done this before but I've read of other people doing this: I have chosen a word for 2013. A word to guide me and focus on throughout the year. A word to keep me in tune with my goals. I encourage you to do the same. My word:

Nurture

Here's to taking care of me.