A Fresh Outlook for the New Year
With the beginning of a new year, many of us are starting to think about what we want to carry forward, and what we’re ready to leave behind. There’s often a sense of possibility in the air, but this can also come with the quiet pressure to reinvent ourselves overnight in order to “do it right.” For many people, that expectation can feel overwhelming before the year has even really begun.
At Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships, we believe the new year doesn’t have to be about fixing ourselves. Instead, it can be an invitation to bring in small, meaningful practices that truly support us. A chance to slow down and gently ask: What actually helps me? What helps me feel more connected, grounded, and well?
That’s the heart of our Numb or Nourish resource. Numb or Nourish was created to help individuals and families make intentional choices about how they move through daily life. Our Pause, Reflect, Decide framework isn’t about rules or rigid expectations. It’s a simple practice designed to help people notice what they’re reaching for in moments of stress, boredom, or overwhelm, and consider whether those choices truly nourish them.
As we move into the new year, this can be a powerful lens. What habits do we want to carry forward? The routines, connections, and practices that help us feel more like ourselves. And what might we gently leave behind? The patterns that no longer serve us, even if letting go takes time.
So, what if instead of trying to change ourselves, we simply took a moment to lean into curiosity and asked:Will my choices nourish and connect me? Or numb and disconnect me?
This isn’t about “right” or “wrong”, it’s about building awareness and practicing care, one small decision at a time. Some days that might mean choosing rest. Other days it might mean choosing connection, movement, or asking for support. Over time, these small moments of reflection add up.
Numb or Nourish offers families a shared language to talk about choices without judgment and to model thoughtful decision-making for young people. It reminds us that slowing down is not a failure. It’s a skill. One that helps us take better care of ourselves and each other.
As the year unfolds, we invite you to move forward with curiosity rather than pressure. Pause when you can. Reflect honestly. Decide with care. That practice alone can be a meaningful way to begin.
Visit numbornourish.org for information and tips.