taking care

This year, we've asked each other on Sunday nights - what will you do to take care of yourself this week?

I walked through Princeton on Thanksgiving morning and realized I hadn't walked, without a destination in mind, in months.  This semester has tested the boundaries of patience and endurance, especially for me.  You look tired a lot this year, a colleague told me.  She wasn't wrong.  

I've spent too many nights awake when I should be sleeping, too many early mornings in the office, too many late and hurried lunches at my desk.  I have felt immeasurable guilt and shame at the way my work has consumed me -- how I have forgotten to check in with friends and sent very belated birthday cards.  I have worked myself sick, more times than I care to count.

As we bound towards the new year, I am feeling hopeful for change -- for more time spent taking care of myself, and more walks outside.