This time of year there’s a tendency to feel pressured into renewing yourself, or kicking off the year right. And I’m here to tell you a secret today.

You don’t have to do anything. Not a single thing.

We tend to put too much pressure on ourselves and try to do it in a way too short a time span.

The last week or so before new year, I just disconnected from work and from writing and publishing, because I truly just needed it. Yes, I had to fight myself a lot to let myself relax. And recharge.

I came across this great text about what does rest mean, during my break. And I need to re-read it. Especially now, while we’re still in a pandemic, resting is more important than ever, because recovering if you get sick will be vital. Please don’t push yourself too hard.

I know, you might be in survival mode, but I have another secret for you: you can still rest. You might have to plan it, and make it part of your survival plan, or do it in defiance of whatever is weighing you down. But I promise you, you can. Even if it’s just a small small ritual before you go to bed, and a tiny ritual when you get up.

Welcome to 2023, time to practice to write the year right for the rest of the year. Take care of yourself and each other.