Happy New Year, lymphies! I got a feeling that this year will bring on a lot of changes – good changes – and I can only hope you all are feeling similar positive vibes.

One of my resolutions for 2012 is to keep up with my MLD and wear my compression garments more regularly. I’ve been so, so bad about it recently (well, a little longer than recently) and I know better than that. You all have taught me, through your emails and comments, the consequences of slacking off in lymphedema maintenance, and I’d be really dumb – and a little hypocritical – not to heed your words as well as my own preaching on the blog. So this year, I’m going to work extra hard at wearing my garments and practicing MLD on a daily basis. Scout’s honor!

I think the reason I’ve been so bad about maintaining my lymphedema is denial. I feel like if I ignore it or don’t wear my compression garments, it just isn’t there. Obviously, this isn’t true – just a day or two without my garments and my leg feels swollen and heavy in protest – but I stupidly cling to the denial because I’m still really insecure about my lymphedema. I’ve definitely gotten better about it, a little more accepting, but it’s something I struggle with a lot. Acknowledging my condition by actively taking care of it will probably assuage these fears, I think.

So – here’s to a new year, and a new resolve to take better care of our health!!

What are your resolutions for the new year? Do you have any that relate to your lymphedema?