Looking Back, Moving Forward
As we enter into this new year, let’s take a moment to reflect. Taking a moment to say thank you to the events of last year, all that went well and all of the opportunities to learn and grow can help you to gain clarity, shift your energy, and prepare for this new year.
You have the power to change your life every moment of every day. I was working with a client today, and she was pretty upset about something. We did 2 minutes of breathing, and she was able to get unstuck and see things differently. Do you give yourself that gift, or do you forget that you have it?
Also, this is that time of the year where we think about the new year and many of us are motivated to make changes. What a great time to take advantage of the momentum and enthusiasm of what’s to come and set some intentions for the new year. I will say more about intentions vs resolutions in the next few weeks.
I was listening to Gabby Bernstein this week, She shared an affirmation that I would like to pass along to you. “I welcome transformational shifts in the new year.” This really resonated with me. Welcome your desire to create transformation in your life by reflecting on what last year taught you and how you have grown before you begin to look forward. It doesn’t need to take long, but it allows you to shift to a positive vibration and strengthens your ability to accomplish your goals.
Here is how you can get started. Grab your journal and settle in. Take a few minutes to breathe and center yourself. When you are ready, use your journal to reflect on these questions…
Letting go of last year…
Reflect on last year. What worked? What didn’t work? Instead of getting stuck on what didn’t go your way, forgive yourself for the hard times and the challenging moments. Appreciate what worked for you, the efforts you put forth, and honor the tough situations that provided you with chances to show up, take care of yourself, and open yourself to a new way of being. If you are looking to change and grow, honor all that is so you can step into what can be.
Next, be grateful. Gratitude is the choice of looking at the good and being intentionally greatful for what is good despite what glaringly is not. When I wrote the reflective journal prompt myself, I was able to see all that I accomplished last year and how I had grown, despite being incredibly sick with Lymes for several months and ripping my calf muscle. I could have chosen to focus on how I lost my summer, what I didn’t get accomplished, or that I couldn’t play pickleball for a few months. Instead, I saw my resiliency to move through this challenging situation. My determination to build a website, grow my coaching business, gain my next level of certification (I am almost there), found coaching peers that are aligned with my vision for my coaching business and support and encourage me, plus I started working with a new coach on some personal growth goals. Also, because I was sick, and couldn’t barrel my way through things, like I have a tendency to do, so I really prioritized self care in a new way, and was still able to meet my goals and accomplish quite a bit.
Here is another of Gabby’s affirmations, “I commit to releasing this previous year and honoring all the lessons that I have learned, so I can commit to taking a huge step forward.” This really resonated with me. I am not going to spiral down the drain because of what did not happen, or because of my missteps, I am going to keep focusing on the life that I desire and moving in that direction.
Stepping into your future…
Next, write down all of your intentions for the year. What are your desires, what do you want to accomplish related to finances, health, spirituality, relationships, job… Write them down, no matter how big or small.
Use the momentum of this new year to let go of that which is no longer serving you, open to the possibilities, and step into your best life. Release what was, forgive yourself for what didn’t go your way, and respect that you were exactly where you needed to be doing what you needed to be doing at the time, and grow from these learning opportunities. Begin again and choose again so you can step into your future and achieve your desires.
Once you have created your list of intentions, sit with these new desires. Breath into them. Let them swirl around your brain, and visualize them happening. Taking this time will open you up to the clarity of what you really want, and the creative solutions for how you can attain them. Getting clear about what you want, how you want to feel, and most importantly, not spiraling when obstacles emerge will keep you moving in the direction of your best life.
Much love, joy and wellbeing this new year, and always.
