The Blank Canvas Of A New Year
Hey there, fellow dreamers and doers! As we bid farewell to another year, and eagerly anticipate the fresh start promised with a new one, I can't help but feel a bit of excitement within me. There's something magical about the turning of the calendar pages—a chance to redefine, reinvent, and reimagine our lives.
Last year I felt quite stagnant for the first six months. I had made no real plans for the year. Rather, I was stuck in this monotonous loop with pretty well the same routine day in and day out. My ex moved in early in the year and we immediately adopted an 8-week old puppy. This was pretty closely followed by a formal ADHD diagnosis, and changing jobs. Add to the mix that my kids caught what felt like every single cold and flu possible, the first six months of the year felt like a lot. In the seventh, my world was turned on it’s head when my ex essentially walked out. All I knew and had planned for left with him, and the latter part of the year was spent in many counsellor’s offices (ha ha)…(no, but really). The magnitude of healing and growth that has taken place in the past five months is astonishing to me. My mind finally feels…clear. And that void that was left, that big open space, in the midst of the dismantling and rebuilding, cracked room for the dreams, goals, and plans of mine that I was forced to table over the past twelve months. And I am so excited to sit and make plans for my next year. Plans that run through each facet of my life - personal, family, health, career, business, fitness, finance, travel, friends, relationships - and I am so here for it.
I know the quote goes something like, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. But, without a plan, where are you, and where are you going?
Starting there…
Reflect on the Past. Before we rush headlong into the future, let's take a moment to reflect on the past year. What were the highs and lows? What lessons did you learn? Reflecting on our experiences, both good and bad, is the first step in creating a roadmap for the year ahead. It's like cleaning the canvas before starting a new masterpiece.
Define Your Values and Priorities. What matters most to you? What are the values that guide your decisions? Take some time to identify and prioritize the things that are truly important in your life. Whether it's personal growth, relationships, or making a positive impact in the world, understanding your core values will help shape your goals for the new year.
Set Realistic and Inspiring Goals. Goals are the compass that guides our journey. When setting goals for the new year, strike a balance between ambition and realism. What do you want to achieve in your career, relationships, health, and personal development? Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps to make them more achievable. Remember, it's not about the destination; it's about the journey.
Create a Vision Board. A vision board is a powerful visual representation of your dreams and aspirations. Get creative and assemble images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with your goals. Place it somewhere you'll see every day to serve as a constant reminder of the life you're working towards. Visualization is a potent tool in manifesting your dreams.
Build a Support System. No one achieves greatness alone. Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who uplift and encourage you. Share your goals with friends or family members who can hold you accountable and celebrate your victories. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could on our own.
Embrace Flexibility. Life is unpredictable, and plans may need to evolve. Embrace flexibility and be open to adjusting your goals as circumstances change. The ability to adapt is a key ingredient in the recipe for success.
Prioritize Self-Care. In the hustle and bustle of chasing our dreams, it's easy to neglect self-care. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's essential. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness. And, remember, sitting down to plan your next steps - your aspirations, dreams, goals - and how you’re going to get there, is a vital part of self-care.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let's approach it with a sense of wonder and anticipation; paint a bright, beautiful canvas of passion, experiences, growth, purpose, and joy. Let's make 2024 the year we turn our dreams into reality!
