For the past several years, I have taken the month of January to reset, fast, and disengage. It’s my own “Dry January” tradition, though, for me, it’s not just abstaining from alcohol but also social media, sugar, and anything that steals my focus away from stillness.

This year, I found the task a bit more burdensome. As the fires ravaged local communities and the winds were relentless in my backyard, I checked in on Social Media more than I would have liked simply to stay informed.

Along with the fires, the shift in our politics began.

I found it challenging to stay away and not share my unwarranted comments on all that was happening in the current social and political climate, not to mention my opinions about pop culture.

So much can be said, but should it be said?

Sometimes, we state the obvious. I found myself pausing before engaging. (But it did not last long…I’m Puerto Rican, we don’t do that keep calm “thing”)

It boggles my mind that folks can’t understand the difficulty many are walking through and will continue to walk through for years to come.

I am amazed at the bubble we choose to live in, which only focuses on “our problems, our hurts, our disappointments, our pain.” Yet, if we look around, it is everyone’s problems, hurts, disappointments, and pain that we should focus on.

Though I was not successful in my 31-day fast, the days I abstained allowed me to stop focusing on myself and pause long enough to see the world through an unfiltered, quieter lens.

It allowed me to consider what “stuff” or “distractions” I would reinstate in my life? And if it actually mattered? I paused long enough to consider how will I engage in the remaining 11 months? How will I respond to those who show petty indifference to others’ misfortune? How will I extend my heart, mind, and soul to those who are deserving and to those who are indifferent but still need to be acknowledged and loved? How will I show up for myself and my neighbor?

A 31-day reset allowed me to look at the things that no longer serve me or bring me joy. Some of those came in several forms- location, relationships, jobs, and material things.

A lot can be discovered and reassessed when you give yourself a 31-day reset. You will be required to deny yourself the things that you believe you cannot live without. It will expose your weaknesses and strengths. BUT it will allow you to gain control of your life and your narrative, release what no longer serves you, and pick up the things that make you better.

I challenge you: pick a month and try the 31-day reset!
You will be better for it!