New Year / New Start

What does the new year have in store? How are you feeling about it? Are you excited, anxious, indifferent? I’m feeling a sense of relief to say goodbye to last year and welcome in the new one. It wasn’t that anything particularly bad happened, it just felt like a bit of a struggle. Being challenged is definitely a good thing but sometimes it feels like you loose yourself along the way.

I’m not concerned with giving things up this year but rather prioritising what I think is important. This includes relationships, sleep, being in nature, challenging myself, being creative, getting out of the city and waking up early. These are things that recharge me and help me feel grounded. It’s easy to get carried along by the flow and loose days, weeks and months. I don’t want to feel lost or like I don’t have agency over my decisions.

New challenges can feel daunting but there’s so much to learn about yourself when you push into unknown territory. The things I feel most proud of from last year are the experiences I found difficult, either by myself or with others. Doing something that pushes you out of your comfort zone can feel hard but rewarding. Also watching someone else push themselves is incredible to watch.

I’m thinking about how small habits can make massive changes. Getting up half an hour earlier to do yoga or taking the time to ring a friend. These things can fit into a day and can completely change how that day pans out. I feel like if I start the day on a positive note it runs through everything I do. The way I interact with others is easier and I’m not so hard on myself.

What are your thoughts and feelings about the new year? Is there anything holding you back from making changes, which would make you feel more fulfilled? Does change feel too much at the moment? Maybe things are too heightened or you don’t know where to start. It can feel like a challenge but making small changes in the here and now can have big benefits in the long run.