Why “Empathy” is My New-Year Mantra

After a year of loss, it’s time to self-love.

This year, I’ll lighten the load.

Today, I cried on the couch, wrapping my arms around me with an ironclad grip. I was hurting in that deep, ragged place. I felt afraid when I wanted to be strong. I would have rather been at a cozy coffee shop, taking tiny steps toward my goals, or seeing friends and feeling less alone.