I have always said that I am a woman of routine. I don't dislike living with routines; on the contrary, I feel that there is order in the hours and it is an excellent way to plan my days. Of course, those routines can shift, change, or even disappear if I don't find anything positive in doing them or simply because they have served their purpose. The routines I had last year, for example, have nothing to do with the ones I have this year. These past few months, my priority has been my mental health, my peace, my tranquility.

Last year, I had certain experiences that made me reflect and ponder the things that are important to me. That's why I forced myself to change certain behaviors that were affecting me and take on other routines that could bring not only physical but also mental benefits. In other words, I started choosing my actions based on self-love rather than habit.

One of the things that was difficult for me at first, but which I have gradually gotten used to, is not procrastinating. Before, it was normal for me to put off tasks with the excuse that they weren't urgent, that they weren't important, or that I had enough time to do them. That bad habit left me with unfinished work and even anger towards myself. In the end, I had to do those tasks under pressure and, in the worst cases, I didn't do them at all. In recent months, I have planned ahead and tried to do everything at the right time. This has brought me peace of mind, as I no longer feel like I have to rush to get things done or lie to anyone, including myself.

I have also left toxic friendships behind. This is perhaps one of the changes that has been most difficult for me to make. I have great friends whom I love with all my heart, but who unfortunately are not good for my spirit. They are friends who complain all the time, who only see the negative side of things, who spread pessimism, anxiety, and disinterest. Listening to them made me feel weighed down by their heavy burdens. And although I always try to cheer people up, many of them prefer to live in darkness. So, if I can't give them light, I won't accept darkness from them either.

The last big change has to do with my diet. While it's true that there was a time when people in my country had to eat whatever was available, whether it was good or bad, it's also true that we were left with very bad habits from that time. Eating large amounts of carbohydrates just to satisfy hunger, not eating meat or vegetables because they were expensive, were not healthy habits. Nowadays, I try to balance my meals: eating lots of protein and fruit, fewer processed foods and sugar, and drinking plenty of water. Sometimes it's not easy, especially because Venezuela is a country where food is very expensive, but feeling good is priceless.

Last year, a very young nephew of mine, aged 18, died of cancer, and his death made me stop and think about what I was doing with my life. When you go through an experience like this, on the one hand you think about your health, what negative things you are doing, what your habits are, but also who the people around you are. Life is too short to make it even shorter and surround yourself with negative people. This year has flown by, but it has brought great changes, satisfying and positive ones, thank God.