This past week has been filled with anger, sorrow, grief, and confusion. As we begin our path to understanding, and arm ourselves for daily battles, it can be easy to have sleepless nights and mornings when getting out of bed seems impossible. On this Monday, I am so exhausted that my eyes won’t stop watering. It’s very strange, and like my body is involuntarily crying (it’s probably retaliating from not looking at a cute puppy picture in the last 24 hours), but I am here and ready to tackle whatever is ahead.

My New Year’s Eve plans are unfolding, complete with another live action role playing murder mystery and renting a house with a group of close friends. With the celebration will come the evaluation and goal-setting for 2017. Orey recently told me that based on numerology, next year is a 1--a beginning of a new 9 year cycle. A whole new chance to make change, both personally and around us. Although we may be terrified and tired, there can be hope ahead.

I started brainstorming some new resolutions during my commute this morning. At 7:40 a.m., I was already trying to decide if I wanted to work out when I got home at 5:00 p.m. I also thought, “But what about dinner”, “I need to get some writing in today too”, and “I might feel better if I made my car look less like a garbage can.” Like I mentioned, I am beyond tired today, so my mind surprisingly, yet gently, settled on the thought “As long as you do one good thing for yourself, then you can consider it a good day.”

Whoa, I pondered, pleasantly surprised by a fleeting idea that I didn’t even know was about to materialize. I began to think of all of the simple, but good, things I can do for myself and others daily. Do other people think about this? I wondered. How many out there are struggling with depression, anxiety, and other issues (only intensified by the election) who are not taking care of themselves and others?

Of course, I don’t have all the answers. But I know that I’m always striving to love myself more. My thoughts, my work, my body, how I can hopefully influence and be shaped by others. And I know that I am not the only one who feels this way.

If you’re as big of a Twin Peaks fan as I am, then you may remember this delightful quote from Dale Cooper:

“Harry, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen.”

"As long as you do one good thing for yourself, then you can consider it a good day." After all, how can we work to better our communities and the world around us if we aren’t taking care of ourselves, too?

Need a list to get you started? Here are 15 “good things”:

1. Buy yourself a good cup of coffee or tea from a local shop, because you deserve it.

2. Take 10 minutes to clean your room, home, or car. (I obviously need to do this one…)

3. Eat something delicious without wondering if it’s bad for you.

4. Make time to be active, even if it is only a 15 minute walk. Try yoga, or dancing. Connect with your body and be thankful of the space that you take up in the world.

5. Cook a nice dinner for yourself with fruits and veggies. Vitamins are like batteries, and we need them.

6. Dedicate time to your craft. Whether you make music, take pictures, write, or anything else, give yourself an opportunity to let your passion grow.

7. Read a book (you know there is that one hardback that you’re dying to check out).

8. Write down something that you like about yourself, and hang it up as a reminder.

9. Plan to get involved in a volunteering activity.

10. Make a donation. In light of the election, Jezebel recently compiled an amazing list of organizations that need our help.

11. Learn something new. Is there an interesting story or fact you just heard about, and you want to research more? Go on a Google journey and educate yourself on something cool.

12. Text a friend or family member to say hello, or just tell them that you love them. A nice message and affirmation of love will make both of you smile.

13. Watch your favorite movie with a bowl of popcorn.

14. Do something for someone that they cannot pay you back for.

15. Be open to the flow and change of your day. If an opportunity to do something good for yourself or someone else comes up, embrace it fully.

So, work to love yourself. Love someone else. Pass it on. The only way we are going to get through this, is with each other.

I hope that everyone finds peace and has a good week. Do something good.

Oh, and here is a cute puppy picture. Because I needed this too: