 By The CML Providers
Each December, as we turn our attention to the coming year, each provider at CML comes up with a word that they hope will help orient them toward growth over the coming twelve months. Here’s how we’re approaching 2026: Hillary – Polarities This past fall, I completed my Level 1 Internal Family Systems training. This was a very expensive, very time-consuming endeavor, and I am SO grateful I embarked on the journey. One of the (many) concepts that pulled me in was polarities, or competing/contrasting parts of ourselves (e.g. “the health-conscious” part vs. the “I want to eat whatever I want!” part.) While our inner polarities may seem to be fighting against one another, oftentimes, when we invite them into respectful conversation with one another, we find they have the same (or similar) goals and the ability (and desire!) to be teammates. As I write this paragraph, noticing both fear/anxiety and hopefulness for the year ahead, I gather these parts to my kitchen table for tea and frank conversation. I remind them that they are both important to me and both necessary to my protection and my growth. I ask them what they both need—to energize them and, also, to offer them relief/rest. I ask if we can work, play, and learn together in 2026. I receive from both parts a tentative, tired, open-minded, open-hearted, committed YES. Laura - Peacefulness Nurturing and wishing peace for all beings. Meeting the moment with kind awareness. Inclining toward a truce with what’s present and true right now. Louisa – Simplicity There was a time when I valued, and even sought out, intricacy and complexity. Now I yearn for essence and depth. There is beauty and ease in what is natural, straightforward, and unadorned. Marilyn – Cozy “December, a month of lights, snow, coziness, and feasts; time to make amends and tie up loose ends; finish what you started and make your wishes come true.” -Unknown Stay cozy this year under layers - layers of warm clothes and accessories, as well as layers of love. These layers keep you cozy, inside and out. Expand and share your coziness with others, do simple or profound acts of kindness that warm up the sudden cold we all feel. Just as we need layers to protect our bodies, we need layers to protect our family, neighbors, friends, community, environment, nation, and the world. Make efforts to find coziness in your life in creative, comforting, and compassionate ways. Pamela – Energy My word for 2026 is ENERGY. I am juggling multiple interesting projects that are both completely engulfing and happening all at the same time. Should I work on my book? No! I need to work on Social Prescribing! Oh wait NO, I have a private practice and need to attend to my clients! WAIT, I HAVE A FAMILY and I’ve heard rumors kids need to eat dinner every night. I do believe that the more energy I expend in a meaningful way, the more energy I have access to. I also believe that a woman needs to nap sometimes. I have made steps to improve my skills managing my time, and have worked for years to wrangle my attention, but this year I think what will serve me well is becoming a better steward of my energy.
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