Make a Plan: Let’s Go From Surviving to Thriving

Does it make sense to talk about New Year’s resolutions during a public health crisis? In a guest column for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson encourages us to aim not just to survive in these difficult times, but to thrive.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to realize how much of life is out of our individual control, and clinging to old, comfortable ― and sometimes bad ― habits is a way to maintain some sense of control,” Thompson writes. “It may sound strange to talk about New Year’s resolutions during a global health crisis that has made surviving seem like enough of a challenge, but I propose that in this new year we resolve to move from surviving to thriving. Let’s commit to taking greater control of our lives through physical wellness, mindfulness activities, and attention to interpersonal needs.”