New Year, New You?

As January begins, many of us take time to reflect and cast vision for the year ahead. We think about the changes we might implement to step into the new year with a "new you." For others, the focus remains on the challenging journey of bringing healing to the traumatised child.

In this moment, I challenge us all to pause and reflect on the words of this poem.

See the beauty in each passing day,
Embrace your flaws, you're perfect in your way.
Listen to your heart, let it guide your stride,
Find moments of peace where your worries can hide.

Choose kindness for yourself, it’s where love begins,
Appreciate the small joys, let happiness in.
Rest when you're weary, it's a gift to your soul,
Elevate your spirit; self-care makes you whole.

As parents or caregivers, it’s easy to dismiss self-care as selfish or a luxury for those who have more time. But what if self-care is actually where love begins? When we allow ourselves moments to be kind to ourselves, doesn’t it become easier to extend kindness to others?

Think about it: self-care can Sustain, Elevate, Love, Free, Care, Accept, Regulate, and Energise us. So why don’t we make space in each day for small moments that bring us joy? Why don’t we grant ourselves permission to rest?

Is it guilt? Or do we feel we’re somehow unworthy of such care? I wonder?

As we embark on another year of pouring sustenance, elevation, love, freedom, care, acceptance, regulation, and energy into the wonderful children we live and work with, why not replenish our own reserves with the same?

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Let it be where love begins.

Barry, South Wales at Sunrise