This January, I want to pause and center something that often gets pushed aside in frontline work: ourselves. So much of our work is about holding space for others, responding to crises, and meeting needs. Over time, it can become easy to lose sight of ourselves in the process - to keep going, even when we’re depleted. Self-care in frontline work isn’t about doing more or getting it “right.” It’s about noticing where we are, how we’re showing up, and what we might need to keep going in sustainable ways. As you reflect, you’re invited to be honest with yourself and, if it feels right, here: • How do you see yourself right now? • Are you remembering to include yourself in your care, or are you forgetting yourself? • Do you feel like you’re giving yourself enough rest, boundaries, and compassion? • When things feel heavy, do you seek support?• Who do you usually reach out to just to vent? And if you need a place to vent, this can be that space. You don’t have to have a solution. You don’t have to tidy it up. Sometimes being heard is enough. This month, we’ll be starting our Self-Care Challenge, beginning January 5. You’re invited to join! Let’s support one another in centring ourselves as we move into this year together.

Today’s challenge is about paying attention to energy, not emotions or productivity. Pause and consider: • What has been draining my energy lately? • What has been giving me even a small sense of steadiness or relief? • Where am I pushing when my energy is already low? Make one small adjustment today based on your energy. This could be: - slowing one task down - taking a short break earlier than planned - postponing something non-urgent - choosing rest over pushing through Poll: How does your energy feel right now?

Gratitude in self-care is about pausing long enough to notice what helped us get through, a small win, a moment of ease, or someone who showed up in a quiet way. Gratitude is about naming our unseen impact and affirming the ways we keep showing up, even when the systems around us make that difficult. These moments don’t erase stress or fatigue, but they can help steady us. Over time, noticing them can be a gentle way of caring for ourselves while we continue to carry the work we do. It says: “I see the work I do, even when no one else names it.” “I honour my persistence, my creativity, and my emotional labour.” “I am grateful for the strength I’ve cultivated and the values I’ve held onto.” Take a brief pause to notice one small thing that helped your day feel a little lighter. It could be: • a small win • a moment of ease • something that went okay • a routine that held you • a person (or animal) who had a positive impact Now take a moment to acknowledge someone who supported you today, this week, or even long ago. Please share one win, or one thing you are thankful today in the comments

Pause and consider: • What would feel most supportive for me right now? • What is one small thing I could do to care for myself without effort or pressure? • If I only had the capacity for one thing, what would I choose? Please share one

Pause and notice: - How am I actually feeling today? - Where do I feel tension, tiredness, or ease? - What do I need right now? Share one word that describes how you’re feeling