As 2020 gets started many people will look at making resolutions or changes for the new year. Several people I know choose to select a word to focus on for the year and I really appreciate this concept! My word for 2019 was rest which may seem odd but I tend to run at a pretty good rate and focus on other’s needs without attending to my own. I cannot effectively care for others if I don’t take care of myself. As such in 2019, I made time to slow down and allow time for rest and recuperation.

For 2020, my word is health both for myself and for others around me.

I am looking at my physical health. Where can I make room for a 15-minute walk or add a veggie to my plate? We also work with this in 4-H through our Foods and Nutrition project and Health and Wellness project. 

Healthy relationships are another area of health to consider. Where do I need to improve or expand relationships with family and friends? Are there toxic relationships that I need to step away from? How can I support the youth I work with to understand and develop healthy relationships?

An area of health that is especially important is mental health. Mental health is a tough subject but important for all of us who work with youth. It causes me to ask myself hard questions. Am I showing kindness and compassion? Am I providing the best version of myself to the youth around me? Am I aware of distress in myself or others? Do I know what resources are available? Are we providing youth with the life skills to develop confidence to handle life’s challenges?

What is your word for 2020? Joy, Peace, Growth, Kindness, Compassion? 

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood District, Barton County office. Email Beran at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.