Happy Spring!

I did not do any New Year’s resolutions, diets or promises to “be better” in January. Some years turning the page to the new year is the perfect time for me to reset. But, not this year. The winter doldrums also wrecked a bit of havoc on my motivation but I am finding my footing now. The shift to a new season (and the time change) energized me to look back on last year and decide to take control, be honest and look forward.

A Look Back

2023 was a solid year. Reviewing my journal I realized I haven’t had much direction or any goals that I was actively working towards. I might have lived through 2023 but I was going through the motions.

Let me rewind a little further. Since 2017 I’ve been trying to uncover who I am and what my purpose is. It has been an up and down back and forth battle with my independent, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we shall die self and the self that learned, experienced and believed that I am supposed to be busy and perfect 24/7. Yes, I thought those were my only two choices on how to live this life. But, I’m learning!

A few highlights from 2023:

• I started teaching yoga again
• I learned about and began setting boundaries
• I learned about letting go in order to create space for new experiences
• I traveled to India and Nepal
• I learned that I’m a short-term thinker always looking for that next hit of dopamine (but it took me several months of delving deeper on this and then accepting it)

Those highlights are big deals and I don’t take them for granted. I have spent my life living as it comes at me. Not trying to wrangle or plan any part of it. I have enjoyed every minute of my life so far – the good, not so good and all the stuff in between. All of those experiences have made me who I am and have brought me to this moment of knowing that I can and want to be more.

Looking Forward

I am intentionally creating a plan for my life. I am letting go of the labels, the supposed to’s and shoulds to find the real me again. I am weaving the past versions of myself – my knowledge, accomplishments, and experience with all the wishlists, dreams and imagings of what I thought life could be – allowing the real me to fully live, love and experience my life in all its brilliance.

The biggest change (and challenge) for me is letting go of my short-term, ego based thinking. Instead of always instantly going for what feels good I will pause to see if that decision actually supports who I am and the life I am creating. I will not abandon my spontaneity and I will live in the present moment enjoying and savoring each fabulous moment that comes my way.

Actions for 2024

• Be present moment by moment
• Be curious, explore, learn
• Laugh and have fun
• Let my creativity run free
• Deepen and expand my yoga practice and teaching
• Lead 3 Mindful Outdoor Experiences
• Get involved and give back
• Create daily routines and self-care that support this shift
• Be aware of old habits and ways of being slipping back in
• Focus on progress not perfection and
• Enjoy what I do not expecting a certain result

I will journal daily as part of my daily routine to keep me accountable to this shift in my way of thinking and being. I’m looking forward to starting (and finishing) projects and activities that I have been wanting to do but have either been too focused on the outcome to get started or been too busy chasing that next dopamine hit.