The year 2020 has come to an end. Did we ever need a collective new beginning more than we need it now?!? Maybe not in our lifetime!
Even though the year may have been filled with challenges, it is important to take a moment to notice what you learned from these experiences.
What have you learned?
During this past year, life may have shown you what you don’t want – this is an opportunity to acknowledge what you DO want to experience in life! That’s part of learning – to notice when you are in or out of alignment and learn from each experience. Learning what you want is a huge part of personal growth. Look back and see that even during the tough experiences, there is something to be learned this past year. Even if you have to dig deep, take a few moments to review 2020 and see what you have learned about yourself and life. Don’t let this opportunity pass!
What are you grateful for?
What is working for you? Consider not only what you learned you want to change, but also what you want to do more often. What did you discover this year that feels like a priority – something you have learned that’s really important to you? Perhaps something you took for granted in the past, or maybe something new.
What are the things you have noticed that are a priority to have or experience in your life? Take a moment to feel grateful.
Being grateful for all of our blessings, large and small, attracts more blessings to us. Practice gratitude. Consider that everything has a meaning and a purpose. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Once you have experienced feeling gratitude for blessings that are in your life, move to feeling grateful for no particular reason. Just be grateful for whatever life brings to you – and learn to see the blessings in it!
The reset: what would you like to adjust or change?
You’ve realized you have learned through the challenges of 2020. You’ve taken time to feel grateful for the learning. Now what needs an adjustment or change in your life? What can you do to create more alignment within yourself and how will you express it in your life?
Based on what you’ve learned about yourself, what do you envision in 2021? Whether it feels like a soft reset or a hard reboot, take some time to go within. What adjustment would reset you to personal alignment? What would it look like? How would it feel?
Review the areas in your life to see where adjustments might lead to greater personal alignment. It may be in your personal habits, your relationships, or your career. New beginnings, like the New Year, are powerful times for a fresh start.
Choose an area of your life, big or small where you would like to hit reset. Let it be personal within your own life, since as you may have noticed in 2020, the only life you have any control over is your own. You may find you want to spend more time and attention with what you see as your priorities. You may discover you want to have less focus on areas that do not serve you as they may have in the past. It might be that what you really need as a reset is your perspective – a mindset upgrade!
How can you re-connect to YOU so you can get back into alignment with yourself? Start by noticing when you feel off. Bring yourself into the present moment. Slow down and get grounded so you can listen within. Let go of the “shoulds”. Increase your awareness to the thoughts you are thinking. If the thought has a should in the phrase, set it down and go deeper.
For most of us, personal alignment implies that all aspects of ourselves; body, mind, sprit and emotions are in harmony with each other and functioning in unison. It will feel like being in the zone or in personal flow. Rather than feeling emotional extremes, when we are in alignment, we feel less stress or chaos and more peace and satisfaction.
“When the basis for your actions is inner alignment with the present moment, your actions become empowered by the intelligence of life itself” – Eckhart Tolle
How can you stick to it?
When you paused to contemplate gratitude you likely noticed a pattern of priorities in your life as part of what you have learned. What actions can you take to integrate those priorities into your life in 2021? How will you stick with it? What will you do when you see yourself getting off track? Write down your goals and intentions for the year to come. If you knew everything would turn out in the end, what would you change today – behaviors, goals, perspectives? More on that here
Stay watchful of the negative self-talk, especially the thoughts of fear you might take on from those around you during a time when we need to stay cautious and aware but not fearful.
“As you think thoughts that feel good to you, you will be in harmony with who you really are.” –Abraham Hicks
What practices can you do daily to reset yourself to your best self? Consider taking time each day to clear your mind and start your day with some form of silence. Meditation, personal reflection, deep breathing and gratitude are all highly supportive on the journey of personal alignment. Consider journaling as a way to write out your thoughts, feelings, inspirations, lessons and successes.
It helps to declutter your mind and relieve stress. Consider other forms of self-care like movement to help you stay in touch with your physical body and the flow of your energy. Read something to stimulate your mind – I love audio books! Especially after a full day working.
As we cautiously look forward to 2021, what change, what adjustment, what small or large intention can you bring into the new year. Let’s not squander the pause we have been given this past year. Let’s bring forward what we have learned in a way that brings us closer to alignment with your highest path and the expression of our greatest gifts.
Wishing you all the blessings of a new year and new beginning. ~Ginny
