Reimagining this season of reflection…
Dearest Ones,
As we approach the close of another year, many of us feel a natural pull toward reflection. This time can bring a mix of emotions—a chance to savor moments of joy, grapple with challenges, or even wish for certain chapters to close. The end of the year often carries the weight of expectations, encouraging us to focus on resolutions, change, and reinvention. But today, I invite you to take a gentler path.
What if we reimagined this season of reflection?
Instead of striving to "improve" or "start fresh," allow yourself to pause. To be here, in this moment, just as you are. To look inward with curiosity and compassion, the same way you might for someone you deeply love and care about.
Here are some simple, meaningful ways to approach this season with care and intention:
1. Embrace the Power of Small Moments ("Glimmers")
Glimmers are those fleeting moments that bring a sense of peace, ease, or connection. To find them:
Pause and Breathe: Take a deep breath and notice the sensations around you—the warmth of sunlight, the rhythm of your breath, or the feel of soft fabric against your skin.
Savor Connection: Whether it’s a smile from a loved one, laughter shared with a friend, or a quiet moment with your pet, let these moments remind you of what feels safe and grounding.
Practice Gratitude in the Now: Jot down one or two glimmers each evening—simple things, like a kind word or a moment of stillness.
2. Offer Yourself Compassionate Check-Ins
Take time to tune in to your inner world with these prompts:
What am I feeling right now? Name your emotions without judgment.
What do I need at this moment? Maybe it’s rest, connection, or simply permission to feel what you feel.
How can I support myself? It could be a kind word to yourself, a comforting ritual, or asking for support from someone you trust.
3. Honor What’s Already Working
Reflect on what is already bringing value to your life, no matter how small:
Make a list of three things that are going well. They could be as simple as sticking to your morning routine or showing kindness to someone.
Celebrate your progress—even if it doesn’t feel monumental. Progress is made in tiny, consistent steps.
4. Create a Ritual for Reflection
Mark the transition into the new year with a practice that feels meaningful:
Write a Letter to Yourself: Reflect on what this year has taught you and what you’d like to carry forward.
Release and Renew: Light a candle, and as you watch the flame, let go of expectations or disappointments that no longer serve you.
Set Gentle Intentions: Instead of resolutions, consider intentions that honor your well-being, such as “I will nurture rest” or “I will listen to my needs.”
5. Build a Toolkit for Nourishment
Keep a few go-to practices handy for moments of stress or overwhelm:
Grounding Exercises: Use your senses to connect to the present—notice five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
Self-Soothing Practices: Wrap yourself in a soft blanket, sip a warm drink, or listen to music that feels calming.
Connection Breaks: Reach out to someone you trust for a short, heartfelt conversation.
You Are Enough, Just as You Are
Your worth is never tied to productivity, achievements, or progress. Your journey unfolds in its own time and in its own way. There’s no "right" way to move through this season—or any other.
Wishing you a peaceful, kind close to this year—and, when you’re ready, a renewed opportunity to embrace what lies ahead.