Happy New Year Service Members, Veterans, and Family Members!
Here’s to feeling thankful for the year behind and enthusiastic for the year ahead. I’m not sure about you, but I am thankful that 2022 is in the rearview mirror. While I do feel blessed and grateful for the time spent doing all the things in 2022, there was always a feeling of it not being exactly what it should be. Whether it be the political chaos, weather disasters, global war, pandemic fallout, and local tribulations- being totally “at ease” was elusive to me. I assume many of you may have felt the same way. If so, let’s decide to focus on two things that we can control and that will have a positive impact on us and thus our community.
Choose Health: In early January the gyms tend to be jammed with fresh faces ready to get their PT on, and their health headed in the right direction. But, by mid-February, a lot of those faces have disappeared or lacked their eager attendance like the month prior. There are many thoughts as to the cause of this phenomenon, but there is a consensus that a lack of planning for the long haul is at the foundation. Ask yourself where you want to be in one year and what you want to feel like when you move your body. Be stronger? Be more flexible? Less fluffy? Whatever it is, we can all get closer to our goal every day. We just have to start! (And stop with the treats!)
Prioritize Self: Stress. Job. Parenting. Money. Obligations. There are so many things in our life that are pulling us in many directions and draining our tank. It can be easy to go with the flow, tread water and “get by”. But, by “getting by” do we prioritize ourselves as an obligation we must take care of? I’ll be the first to raise my hand to say, “no”. I find it easy to put myself at the end of the to-do list. But, over time, my needs continue to grow until they can’t be ignored. And it’s usually kind of messy for me and anyone in the blast zone. Let’s avoid the mess and find time to do the things that fill our tank (like sleep). Let’s fly instead of a crash and burn in 2023!
Upcoming Events: All American Grand Bash, supporting OWH. March 17-18. Over $800,000 in cash and prizes awarded! Buy tickets at OWH or online at www.allamericangrandbash.com
Good to know: Your life is worth it. Keep fighting and never give up. Every day, responders at the Veterans Crisis Line help people going through a crisis. Call this number—Dial 988 then Press 1—to reach qualified, caring responders who are ready to listen.
Operation Welcome Home is here to serve veterans and their families in the greater Morgantown area. Let us know how we can assist you by visiting www.welcomehomewv.com or by calling 304-816-4854. Happy New Year to you and yours!