A man was among my New Year's Day visitors who provided intellectual conversation of the calibre that's only a dream in this island paradise. During our exchange, I told him about a current challenge.
He showed a lot of concern for my situation asking: "Do you have a solution?" to which I smilingly replied in the negative. He looked bewildered.
"I'm very uncomfortable with the comfort you are exhibiting while not having a solution," he said sombrely.
I laughed. I told him I had learned to trust the universe and follow its lead, to which he replied, "I am not so trusting of the universe at all" and we both laughed.
I understood his reservations because that was (and, to some extent is) me about entrusting myself fearlessly.
I am learning to relinquish to God's will more, daily.
If I do not resolve to not become anxious when the tides are high then I live in utter misery.
I'm tired of the miserable life (a la Ziggy Rankin) and 2016 proved me wrong so many times that by December I had surrendered.
Against all odds, I finished all the theory (four semesters and 12 courses) of the current master's programme and have done so with distinction.
Contrary to what (who) I thought would embrace me this year, I faced rejection of a new order on multiple levels.
Contrary too, to how well I thought I'd learned to manage my health, I had to seek an intervention to remain buoyant.
Quite apart from everything else is the fact that I managed my life's expenses with judicious disquiet, having not been able to attract employment since 2015.
So with the lessons learned, I summed up my year with a few guidelines to lower my worry level another notch in 2017. Here are some random rules of my "surrender."
 
1 On losing weight�
I have done reasonably well in 2016 but plateaued in the last quarter.
My weight goal is foremost about being healthier.
For 2017, it is to rid myself of all body-shaping garments.
And having already gifted most of my clothes, I intend to part with the elements of my wardrobe that I have been trying to fit since 2014.
Motto: If it don't fit, don't force it.
 
2 Unfriending�I generally do not engage in the practice but I should because the people who tango with me are no match for me with words.
So someone I hold in high regard openly attacked my belief in Jesus one time too many on social media and I responded.
Surprisingly, when she read my response she unfriended me.
It's such a hostile move, this unfriending, but it has its value.
All I said was: "I do not want to get involved in whatever Jesus has done to distress you" among other things, and, well... (I'm considering patenting "unsocial media").
 
3 Medicating–I always called my meds "happy pills". That's what Jovan named them when he was a teenager. Somewhere, someone said to name it by a character or person you like and call it that.
It's a good emotional exercise. So since my meds are extremely useful but come with complications and can be a hard pill to swallow, I named them after the last pursuit (sighs, deeply).
 
4 Feeling your feelings– This is necessary. Allow yourself to feel and express as you wish, then move on.
I have done this for years but people mistake it for ongoing feuding and remain vexed with me.
I express today what I feel today and move on.
I hold no malice and generally can continue with a relationship after a disagreement if I am allowed to so do. I am extremely forgiving. I expect that of others.
 
6 Exercising–Please see 1 above.
7 Nutrition–Without gainful employment, I hope first to have sufficient money to buy food.
Then I pledge to continue on the glorious path of nuts, grains, and celery sticks. I also plan to have bread, potato, rice, all in the right manner, once I have purchasing power in 2017.
 
8 Alcohol–Nothing to resolve here. I have no immediate plans for that sorrel rum, bois bande rum, rum punch, and ponche de cr�me I got as Christmas gifts.
 
9 Rest–Sleep is underrated. I'll write a book on the subject if I can stay up long enough.
 
10 Moods–To manage them you must recognise them. This December I told my friend that I was not in the mood to be moody so I increased my meds when I needed to.
 
11–Humour
12–Medical check-ups
The last two need no explanation.
What are you going to do for you?
I suggest you figure out your own issues and make up your own rules.
Write me at mindful.tt@gmail.com I'd love to hear about them.
 
Caroline C Ravello is a strategic communications and media practitioner with over 30 years of proficiency. She holds an MA in Mass Communications and is pursuing the MSc in Public Health (MPH) from The UWI. Write to: mindful.tt@gmail.com
5 Socialising–