7 minute read
A NOTE
FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR . PAYTON NORTH
The holidays are over, and the new year is here. We made it!
As the holidays approached, I spoke with people from different walks of my life. Coworkers, my hairdresser, family, friends and more – and one common question kept coming up.
Where has the time gone?
Each person shared with me their own frustrations and general sentiment of feeling burnt out. Many reflected that the holidays crept up on them much faster than usual and they had no time for themselves as their proverbial “cups” runneth over with errands to run, endless to-do lists, gifts to buy, parties to attend and more.
I do not know about you – but I am not a “New Year’s Resolution” person. I am – however – a goal setter. While I do not make traditional resolutions, I made it a habit a few years ago to write down some items I would like to achieve in the new year. Career goals, personal goals, financial goals, health goals – things that I work toward in my day-to-day life already.
For example, a 2022 goal, I wrote that I wanted to get a raise or a promotion (or both). Happily, judging by my presence in this column, I can report this goal was achieved.
In 2021, I had a goal to get back into reading for fun. I spend so much of my week reading and editing our newspapers, that I stopped reading for enjoyment in my personal life altogether. I did achieve the goal last year, reading 12 books. This year, I set out to read 24. I didn’t quite reach this goal – coming in at 15 books. I do like to note when I share this, though, that I read the Harry Potter books for the first time in my life. Most of those books are 600-, 700-, 800-, 900plus pages! Surely those count as more than one book? I digress.
I’m not beating myself up about not reaching my book count goal for 2022, though. Why?
Because forcing and pressuring myself to achieve a goal that should be about relaxing and bettering myself is the opposite of what I’m trying to achieve.
One of my 2023 goals is to take more time for myself. Whether that be in the form of reading a book, continuing to take the spin classes I have been enjoying every week, going on more frequent walks with my puppy, learning a new skill – I don’t care.
I’m sure we could all use some time to be present and enjoy ourselves. Many of the people and businesses featured in this month's Go Local would agree.
One of Ludlow’s newest businesses – Aura Day Spa – hopes to bring a myriad of services to the community to promote rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. They will be offering facials, nails, waxing, massage, body sculpting and an infrared sauna. Co-owners and mother-daughter duo Kirsten and Hayley Procon share with readers that they know the struggle the past few years have presented, not allowing people to truly take time for themselves and unwind.
For some, the new year may bring focus to creating healthier habits. Nestled in Suffield, CT – the Nutrition Shack is whipping up shakes and teas with the goal of offering an on-the-go option for people as meal or caffeine replacements. Owner Lindsey Anadore chose to open the business in 2020 after a series of life-altering changes led her to needing fast but wholesome nourishment.
Perhaps in the new year you’re hoping to indulge and enjoy yourself – to fulfill that need, Deep Roots Street Food offers fresh, quality, diverse cuisines. The restaurant owners, Brandon Pappalardo and Mark Sproule explain eating in-season and cooking from scratch are not just priorities of their business – but wholly part of their philosophy.
Or – maybe your goal has nothing to do with physical and mental health. Maybe you’re hoping to de-clutter and clean out your space. If that is the case – consider working with a local consignment shop, such as Soul Shine Consignment Boutique in Feeding Hills. Owner Katy Shea found herself looking to add soul and love to others wardrobes and opened the boutique in 2021.
If you are hoping to pick up a pastime – artist George McLean is the perfect example of someone who consistently picked up new hobbies throughout his life. His latest? Woodworking – specifically creating bowls and platters made of wood he finds outdoors – or what he calls F.O.G. wood: found on ground.
Whatever you are hoping the new year will bring, I hope you do not pressure yourself. Half the fun of creating a goal – or resolution, if you prefer – is dreaming up accomplishments. From there – enjoy the ride. Happy New Year! EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Payton North
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