This week I want to share some helpful reflections on the past year, as well as some thoughts on resolutions.
New Year’s Resolutions get a bit of hate, especially in the “fitness” space, as every trainer/coach is blasting you with “wHy wAiT TiL tHe nEw YeAr”, “the best time to start was yesterday” etc… in hopes of taking your money before Jan 1.
There’s something to be said for that… but also, we are cyclical & seasonal beings and there can actually be a lot of benefit in viewing the New Year as a fresh start and joining the collective in their pursuit of improvement. If YOU want to make a resolution, make one.
But first, take a look back at 2023 with the following reflections & lessons:
- What wisdom did you gain? (hint: honor it)
- What really challenged you? (hint: what did it give you?)
- What brought you joy? (hint: create more)
- What brought you pain? (hint: feel it & transmute it)
- What did you learn about yourself? (hint: remember it)
- How did you give/receive love & compassion? (hint: create more)
- What actions brought you fulfillment/purpose? (hint: do more)
- How did you surprise yourself? (hint: remember it)
- If someone looked at your behaviors alone, what would they assume you value most? (hint: if you don’t like these answers, change something)
- The wisest decision I made was…
- The thing I am most grateful for…
- The biggest risk I took…
- The people who influenced me the most…
- The people who supported me the most… (hint: thank them)
- Where am I harboring pain & resentment? What can I forgive?
Sit with your answers. Now, instead of asking what you want to DO this year, I actually want to know:
How do you want to FEEL?
EXAMPLES:
Empowered, wise, connected, seen, loved, fulfilled, peaceful, gentle/soft, present, devoted, healthy, strong, free, content, ambitious, hopeful, creative, spiritual, expansive, playful, wonder, proud, confident, aligned, courageous, grateful, inspired, energetic, rested, passionate, loving, adventurous, compassionate…
Choose a few that really strike a chord with you.
Now the question is… how will you create those feelings? What is the strategy to feel as [X] as possible this year?
EXAMPLES: (action: feeling)
•Daily gratitude practice/list: GRATITUDE
•Get consistent with strength training: STRONG/EMPOWERED
•Daily phone calls to a friend: CONNECTED
•Daily prayer, meditation, or time in nature: SPIRITUAL
•Choose to do something that scares you: COURAGEOUS
•Put yourself out there, as authentically as you can: SEEN
Time will pass. Pain will come. What will it be? The pain of fighting the good fight or the pain of complacency?
If I can urge you to cultivate & keep one thing, it is a reckless & unwavering belief that you can and will be the person you want to be, living the life you dream of.
The vision you have — whatever it is — exists for a reason…
…and it’s right on the other side, waiting for you with open arms.
Peace & Love,
Sofia