This is the time of year we tend to think about the year behind us, and perhaps get excited about the potential of the year to come. It’s also a very emotional time though, when we may find sadness, loneliness, overwhelm or even frustration creeping in. It’s certainly a time of year that stirs up a lot of thoughts and emotions for all of us.
I honestly believe that you should feel every bit of it though. Don’t shy away from this perfect opportunity to do a life review, and to recalibrate if needed. I think it’s normal to have a lot of sadness sometimes and allow yourself to feel it, and really cry it out. There is no one out there that doesn’t have regrets, loss, or heartbreak in some way. Let those feelings flow. But use them to also help you to move forward – don’t get stuck there.
Reflecting on Your Journey
To help move things into the positive, I tend to also go back and look at how far I’ve come. From the young woman who had very little self-worth, who took abuse from a lot of people, and thought she didn’t deserve better – to the strong, happy, self-loving person that I am today. Is everything where I want it to be now? No, but it’s the reason to re-inspire yourself at this time of year and to keep moving forward.
From the outside, it probably doesn’t look like much has changed for me this year. From the inside though, I know I’ve made great strides and I need to acknowledge that. I’ve been working to really unearth old, painful stuff this year, and it’s been emotionally challenging – but I’ve made huge progress. I’ve achieved a new level of self-love and self-worth for myself that feels amazing.
Were there hard times this year? Yes, many. I honestly think I’ve cried more this year than any before, as I’ve done a lot of healing work. Sometimes making strides means breakdowns. Having the courage to unearth your most painful stuff. And even acknowledging changes to your life that you don’t understand at the time that may cause you to feel like you are going backwards. There may be times of devastation for many of us, or feelings at times of “why me?”
Life wasn’t Meant to be Easy
Really though, life is meant to be a series of challenges. We came here to learn and grow, and we agreed to many of the challenges put in front of us before we ever reincarnated into this lifetime. So we can’t just sweep things under the rug and not deal with them. I really think sometimes it’s a matter of getting clear on that – that you need to look at what your challenges have been and where they were leading you. What have they taught you? And can you trust that they were moving you in a better direction in the long run? Try to see it all in a big picture perspective to better understand how things are changing you for the better, and how you can take those lessons forward into the future.
I know, for example, that some of the biggest challenges I came into this life with were financial. And subsequently that affected my own self-worth, and how I valued (or didn’t see the value in) myself. My challenges weren’t just around money though, but also around the relationships I pursued, the jobs I chose, how I spent my time, treated myself, let people treat me, my lack of confidence, how I felt small and unworthy, etc. I can see it all very clearly in so many ways now and have grown immensely. But I still have challenges thrown at me regularly, and I work hard to recognize them and not to go to my old patterns of thought, belief or reactions.
Reflection and Letting Go
Really, I think that’s what this time of year can be about for all of us – a time of letting go. When you look back at the old, the regrets, the bad things that happened – look for the lessons. Look for how you’ve changed, for how you can see things more clearly now. You are stronger, wiser, and more firmly on your path of joy. Realize that you can heal all of that for yourself emotionally and move forward in a stronger and happier way.
So where can you begin with moving forward now? You may want to journal, talk with a friend, therapist or healer, or even just have some quiet time in thought. Get clear on some of these things from the past, from this last year, and where you hope to see yourself next year, and in the years to come. Allow yourself to dream about it. Don’t throw away ideas that pop into your head that seem impossible. Write them down. Come up with plans, goals, visions, and initial steps to take forward into the new year. Put on your most courageous and supportive self, and start to inspire yourself to greater things. Dream beyond what you think is possible in every area of your life.
Support Support Support
If you have a super supportive friend or partner, maybe talk them through your goals and future vision. Let them help to cheer you on. And if you don’t, be your own cheerleader for goodness sakes. Give yourself the love and the positive words of encouragement you really need. You can do it!
I would also start to find yourself the resources you need to get inspired and to stay inspired. That means books, music, a planner to set goals in, healers, classes, leaders that inspire you, friends who lift you up, etc. Anything that brings you to a point of greater self-love and helps you along on your path. This will be different for everyone, so seek out what resonates with you. Follow your intuition, and look at what the Universe is showing you and guiding you towards.
Keep Learning, Growing and Living a Life of Joy
I should also say that it may be that you need to heal things in your life, or it may be that you’ve been doing the work and now it’s time to step forward in a bigger way in your purpose, career, relationships, and more. Only you know what is next on your journey. I will say that it will ALL be a learning experience, but the ‘rewards’ you will have in your life when you are doing the work and aligning (and loving) yourself will just keep getting better and better. You will get yourself to greater levels of happiness, joy and peace that you didn’t think was possible.
So onward into the new year! May it be your best year ever!
Some inspiring resources for you:
2020 My Shining Year Life Goals Workbook by Leonie Dawson
Big Magic – Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Succulent Wild Love: Six Powerful Habits for Feeling More Love More Often – by SARK and John Waddell
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