New Year Resolutions -Again
This Year, Just One Resolution (Maybe)
I know, I know — we all say it this time of year: “I’m not making any resolutions.” I say it too. In public, at least. But privately? That little voice in my head still whispers, “Well, maybe just one...”
Let’s be honest — resolutions are everywhere this time of year. They sneak into commercials, conversations, and social media posts, all shouting some version of “New Year, New You!” But for those of us living with Inclusion Body Myositis, that message can feel exhausting, or worse — irrelevant.
I used to get swept up in it, too. There’s something hopeful about a clean slate. But last year, I was more than a little too optimistic about how things would go. I had great intentions — maybe even grand ones. And then life, muscles, and IBM reminded me that plans often need to be rewritten. So this year, I’m backing off a bit.
I’ve discovered — and I say this with just a pinch of regret — that I can no longer leap tall buildings in a single bound. (Okay, fine — I never really could. But I always believed I could if I just focused hard enough.) This year, I’m willing to admit that it might be out of reach. It’s okay if my friends still think I can, just as long as they don’t ask for a demonstration.
I’m not giving up on goals entirely. I’m just shifting them. Instead of promising myself I’ll “improve everything,” I’m setting a more realistic and meaningful intention: Find the right professionals, support, and resources to help me stay active — and feel like myself — for the next 12 months.
That feels like something I can do. It doesn’t mean pushing through pain or pretending everything’s fine. It means listening to my body, trusting the process, and leaning on the people who know how to help. Whether that’s a physical therapist who understands IBM, a book that sparks new insight, or just the wisdom of a fellow patient who’s a few steps ahead on this journey — that’s the kind of progress I can celebrate.
And maybe—just maybe-I ’ll stick to this one this year.
Happy New Year! Dream big and get as far toward that dream as is possible.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
This blog post is based on personal experiences and is not meant to provide medical advice.
Always consult your healthcare professional for personalized guidance on your health journey.
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