January 1st. Such a time of new beginnings. Tonight, I am getting ready for another quarter of teaching and learning. I tend to do both, some learning in my teaching, some learning in my counseling, and some teaching, either purposely, or accidentally. I am 56 years old, trying to support a 17 year old, a 12 year old, a retired partner, and myself by working multiple jobs. This quarter, I am teaching an ethics class, and realized that, as a clinician, it is imperative that I take time to take care of myself so that I can take care of others. According to Alan Marlatt(?) and others, the four cornerstones of sustained recovery are: Tools, Accountabilty, Structure and Support. Well, I certainly have the tools. With my schedule, I am too structured. I am accountable to many professionally, and only to my family personally. I have limited support as I am usually driving or working. Thus this blog is born. I hope that it assists me in creating accountability, either to persons who end up following, or just to the amorphous internet. As a caretaker, it is difficult to prioritize my own needs, and I hope this blog becomes a way for me to focus on my self care in the coming year. I am looking forward to taking time to be more visible as me, warts and all.