Can we SMART-goals our way into self-care and self-love?

I don't think so, but we can have FUN.

Hello!

We've made it to 2025. (Here's a little recap reel of my 2024.) And while I have absolutely no idea what the year has in store, there's one thing I'm sure of: we are all worthy of being gentle with ourselves.

I'm preparing for the annual deluge of posts about self-improvement tips and SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals, which always touch a nerve for me. I used to be incredibly hung up on the idea that I was in need of "fixing," so I'd make new year resolutions with the intention that I'd finally change what was "wrong" with me.

A few years ago, I decided I'd had enough of that. I was so tired of beating myself up or feeling broken if I didn't stick to arbitrary metrics of achievement. I finally started to realize that I couldn't SMART-goals my way into self-care and self-love. So, I came up with FUN goals.

Flexible - Life happens, things change, goals shift.

Uplifting - Bettering myself isn’t a punishment. It's a process that should feel good, even when it's challenging.

Numberless - Nothing will be radically different if I read 29 books this year instead of 30.

It turns out plenty of other people were also feeling unenthused by self-imposed rigid goals, and FUN goals took off, going a bit viral. It was first covered by Shape Magazine, and then the next year it was shared by The Washington Post.

Now, every year around this time, I see FUN goals popping up as people apply the concept to their own work and personal lives. I love how it continues manifesting. It makes me feel less alone when I need the reminder that it's okay to give myself grace.

I have some FUN goals for 2025: Pursue career opportunities that are meaningful and fulfilling. Take breaks and move my body. Eat what nourishes me. Prioritize moments of joy and love over always working myself to the bone. Continue speaking out for access and justice.

I get that these may seem too free-flowing. I know some people need structure, and if that's the case, I see you and respect that. And none of this is to say I won't set concrete goals throughout the year or aim for tangible outcomes. But in many cases, too much structure becomes stricture.

Regardless of what your goals or resolutions may be, I hope that as we move ahead in this new year, whatever comes our way, we'll hold on to FUN and honor what our minds and bodies truly need.

What I'm Watching

First, I wanted to share with you my updated list of what to watch for authentic disability representation. I've sent this list out to new subscribers as a thank you for a couple years, and decided to revamp it, so I figured I'd share the list with this amazing community, too!

And now, two new recommendations to kick off the new year!

1) Patrice: The Movie - Such a vibrant, creative documentary about such an infuriating topic: the lack of marriage equality for disabled people. Disabled people who receive government benefits cannot get married without jeopardizing those benefits. I had to sit with the massive knot of anger in my stomach while thinking about how much I adored the couple in the film. This is a must-watch to understand just how far society has to go to ensure bare minimum rights for disabled people.

2 Out of My Mind - I've been waiting to mention this to you all! I got to see a screener earlier this year before it was released, and watching was truly a journey. I've noticed some concerns and reservations about the film (e.g. the film plays into the idea that if you're nonspeaking, you have to prove yourself as smart; the main actress herself doesn't use an assistive communication device; the family is the film is white, but many interpret that in the book its based on, the family is Black). Even so, it seems like the film has generally been a critical darling. It's tricky because I understand where all this feedback is coming from, but I was also just so jazzed to watch a film that counters typical narratives of disability and underscores the importance of centering disabled perspectives. And the story is fun! A nice break--with the exception of a few twists--from anything too heavy. It's a worthwhile watch for the whole family.

What do you recommend I watch next? You can reply to this email! Looking for past recommendations or critiques? Click here for past issues of my newsletter.

Let's Demystify Disability Together  in 2025!

If you've ever wondered about the vibes and passion I aim to bring when I speak, check out the video below! You can see me in action, learn more about what drives my work, and get a preview of topics I love to talk about.

I'd love to join your community (either virtually or in-person) and support you in creating a safe space for open, honest conversation about a range of disability-related topics. I'm now booking speaking engagements for 2025, so please reach out and let's make it happen!

Disability Around the Interwebs

Secretary Buttigieg Announces Sweeping Protections for Airline Passengers with Disabilities 

Health insurers limit coverage of prosthetic limbs, questioning their medical necessity

An Artist Who Has Something in Common With Her Subjects

Guggenheim Offers the Poetry of Motion: Sign Language Verses

RFK Jr. thinks people like me are just evidence of Big Pharma’s crimes

Some disabled workers are making pennies per hour. Will that change under Trump? 

New Yorkers Deserve More Public Restrooms

How Katz’s Deli’s Legal Woes Started With the 2011 Zagat Guide

I wanted a piercing at Accessorize. What I got was pure ableism

Agencies still struggling to meet digital accessibility standards

Cracker Barrel dismisses 3 workers after 'unacceptable' handling of special education students

Here's what can be gained when students with disabilities are included in classrooms

Until next month, keep on wheelin’ on! 

💖
-Emily