Embrace Your Truest Self for an Even More Wonderful Year
I love how the New Year can remind us to take some time for reflection, introspection, and contemplation. To check in with ourselves about where we stand, and where we want to grow. What we want to add, and what we want to shed on a personal front. This attitude can give us momentum for a fresh start and new perspectives in the new year.
One thing I don’t necessarily love, however, is the idea that we need to have it all figured out by January 1. What’s the big rush?
Why Not Give Ourselves The Permission To Really Take Our Time In This Inward Focus? There’s so much we can learn and discover when we really listen from within and trust our own advice. I think we owe it to ourselves to give that important process an extra few weeks, or even another month to help us better attune to what our minds, hearts, and bodies are really wanting and needing in this upcoming year.
Of course, be mindful that ideating with no action gets us nowhere, but if a little extra conscious time enables and leads us into a more meaningful 2025, then why not take that extra time? I think you’ll be amazed by what you learn about yourself and your needs when you really give yourself that time and space to go more inward.
Start by asking yourself, when was the last time you truly listened and trusted yourself? How did it impact you?
For me, it was just a few weeks ago as I was preparing for the holidays. As I thought about how I wanted my holidays to look, I felt called to ask for something totally new to me. It was a bit of a scary feeling, because it would require vulnerability on my part.
I’ll explain… With the guidance of my incredible coach, Elisabeth Kingsley (yes, even coaches need coaching!,) I realized that I personally needed something. And I needed to share that with those whom I would be spending the holidays with.
That initial realization alone already felt a bit uncomfortable. It’s hard to switch things up after a lifetime of following the same tradition. But Elisabeth encouraged me to not let those outward voices take over. I was feeling inwardly called to something different, and I owed it to myself to follow that. Elisabeth said, “I know you want this holiday season to be special, but let’s dig one level deeper. What are you really craving? What do you truly need and want this holiday season?"
The answer became clear to me. What I really needed from the holiday season was some special time to celebrate and appreciate both myself, as well as those who have meaningfully supported me along my journey. That was it. Everything else could wait.
I was feeling a huge need to applaud myself for my efforts, and to intentionally take the time to honor all the connections that have sustained and inspired me along the way. Because I Deserved It!
So, I wrote a heartfelt letter to my husband and two daughters. Then I shared my intentions with the dear friends I would be spending the holidays with. I approached our holiday gatherings with my theme in mind, and intentionally incorporated activities that aligned with my goals.
And I have to say, the impact was profound! And not just for me, I could tell it was also the case for those I was with. In fact, I’m still feeling the positive effects of my intentionality. Every time I recall those carefully crafted moments from the holidays, I smile. These memories will last a lifetime.
On the heels of that, I definitely plan to carry this practice of deeper self-attunement and trust into 2025, and I invite you to do the same. And if you notice an impact from it, please share your experiences with me. I'd love to hear how listening to yourself has made a difference in your life!
With this theme in mind, and keeping in mind that our inner reflection doesn’t need to stop on January 1, I’d love to extend an invitation.
On January 31st, 2025, coach Elisabeth Kingsley and I will be hosting an intimate farm-to-table dinner to help kick off the new year in a meaningful & intuitive way. If in Portugal, please know we would love for you to join. See event details below.