Newness

Every January 1st, there is such a pressure to begin the new year right, whatever that means.  I have set so many New Year's resolutions that have petered out, but I didn't create them with a sustainability plan.  They were just made to make me feel better and to fit in.  

One thing I've stopped doing is manifesting things out of pressuring, but what I need in my life.  This requires a deep amount of vulnerability, so let us be kind. 

As I reflect on 2024, I have made many mistakes that have helped me to grow as a person.  I took risks and it felt great.  I didn't always get what I wanted, but that is part of growing as a human being.  When we do finally get it, we will be a bit more appreciative or so I keep telling myself. 

For 2025, I want to reflect on something that I love about myself and something that can be improved.  We can all grow and it shows vulnerability and truth to admit them.  I'll begin. 

Relationship with Myself

Our relationship with ourself is the longest lasting connection we will make.  Sometimes, we have to face ourselves and share what we like and need to change. 

• I am resilient with change.  I have a high tolerance of bouncing back after being hurt, disappointment, and setbacks.  I've had many in my life, but I know they help me to become stronger, even when my heart breaks. 

 

• I struggle to admit my fears.  Putting them out on paper helps me to sit with them.  We often create vision boards, but what about uncertainty boards?  I plan to put down my fears, so I can figure out how I might tackle them, instead of pretending they don't exist into 2026. 

Relationship with Others

I want to find a healthy balance in my social health.  I tend to squirrel away on the weekends after a long work week and chat with my friend Netflix.  I'm trying to figure out what is the next best step. 

• I am quite a caring person.  I like to help others feel at ease in social situations and connecting people together.  It makes my heart happy when I see new friendships flourish.  
  

• Because I am a caring person, I tend to get hurt when others are not equally invested in me.  In a way, I put expectations on them that are outside of their comfort zone.  I need to get better at reading people and their intentions, before investing whole-heartedly. 

Relationship with the World

Sometimes,  I take things too personally.  I listen to external voices tell me what I can and cannot do.  I am trying to listen to the only one that matters, which is my gut instinct.

• I have overcome my fear of sharing my ideas with the world through my podcast, blogging, and videos.  It took a long while to get over the sound of my voice, the look of my body, and aging.  Now, I focus on the message that I am sharing and try not to consider the rest. 

• I get too invested in social media outside of work.  I need to find a balance where I post and interact, but do not internalize messages that distract from my purpose.  I will put myself on a social media allowance each day, so I am more wired into to the world in front of me and not on a screen. 

To be honest, this process of highlighting a strength and growth area has been cathartic.  I needed to get these ideas down and hold myself accountable.  Once I get home from my winter break, I plan to sit for awhile to map out how I might reach each goal area. 

Are you willing to be vulnerable do the same?  I guarantee that you will feel much better on the other side and it won't feel like a list of your shortcomings, but ideas to help you to move forward.