What's your 2023 New Year's resolution?

My New Year's resolution is to lose 55 pounds by August 1st, 2023. Keep my A1C at 6.0 so with the weight loss and A1C's I will be (hopefully) able to get my hip replacement surgery. So I can Walk again!!

To watch my sugar levels; I don't want back on insulin.

Permanently quitting alcohol and get back into working out again

Complete my graduate program and research my doctoral concentration.

When it comes to the special holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, it is extremely difficult for those that never served and could NOT be with family what it means to become self-sufficient. How it feels when you and your spouse, young and far away start to prepare for a Holiday Feast, and cooking for 2. (More if you invited others, which usually is what happens). Although you have friends with you, it is never the same as the same old family routines. There is a feeling of belonging yet something is missing. The table discussions ALWAYS end up about Aunt Jane's casserole, Uncle Jim's crazy way of doing things or how "my mom would..." etc.
Very few that have never served will understand the stories you have to tell when you are able to make it home. It becomes idle chatter, and the service member becomes isolated because the only thing anybody talks about is "remember when" and all of your recent experiences become unimportant to those around you and you long for someone to talk to with similar experiences.
Only those that served will understand the sense of belonging to two different worlds. The experience of seeing Holiday traditions from other countries while trying to be traditional and "normal” for those routines you loved and hold dear.
In answer to the question, there is never ONE THING that only the military would understand about the holidays. Only those that served can understand that the Service Member needs nothing, yet needs it all; Can be alone, especially with company; Has family, both blood and by those we serve with; mostly, that no matter where we are or who we are with, we are a special breed of proud Americans ready to serve and protect at all cost regardless of those that never served whether they understand that dedication or not.

To be my best self

So many loose ends to be tied up after so many years being discharged. Now is the time to complete everything. I’ve reconnected with the VA,had a Dr appt, and am finally doing many things that should have been done years ago. Now I can breathe easier now that they are off the to do list

To become a better me, and all that entails! I want to be able / capable To truly help anyone in need with all that I can without drowning my own self in the midst of it!

To be more consistent in my movement, yoga, and cardio.

Not to make any resolutions that I'll end up breaking in a week anyway.