2020 has certainly been a year of unexpected change and uncertainty. A little over 12 months ago, I went skydiving, jumping out of a plane at 15,000 ft. It symbolised the start of a new chapter in my life; one where I needed to adapt to change and to the unknown. I needed to learn to release control, to trust and to let life unfold. Little did I know that I would need these mental skills and adaptability to weather me through the 2020 storm.
There is a saying that I love and I try to live by each day “life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain”. This year has been one big storm for so many – friends, family and strangers alike, and we’ve all had to learn to dance in some way. We’ve seen a year of wildfires, floods, a global pandemic, lost jobs, lost businesses and greater mental health awareness. But it’s also been a year of kindness, compassion, connection and gratitude.
It’s been a year of ups and downs, tears and laughter, uncertainty and faith. While the people around me have gone through different things and at varying levels and timing throughout the year, there seems to have been one common shift - they are more grateful, for the simple things. They are starting to see the light shine through the cracks of 2020. They are starting to reflect, re-assess and re-align: their values, their ‘why’ and their life in general.
When I first started reflecting on the year that has gone, I wondered what on earth I had achieved this year. But I soon realised that SO MUCH has been achieved; mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I had to remind myself not to minimise my internal growth and success.
As 2020 wraps up, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on all the little things we take for granted, or those little things we see as ‘normal’ and ‘everyday’, but added up, they shape us, inspire us, and hold us together so that we can keep moving forward.
Think about the personal empire you built this year – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual changes and transformations. Reflect on the year that’s gone, and what you want for the year ahead. Remove the illusions of what ‘should’ have been, remove the illusion that you need to have it all together, and celebrate your accomplishments; no matter how small.
Sit down with a coffee or a wine, and use the following questions to prompt you in your reflection.
2020 Wrap Up:
Who were you with when you felt your best this year? (PS. stick with those who pull the magic out of you!)
What were you doing when you felt your best?
Where did you find joy?
Where did your energy come alive?
What is the fierceness that resides deep within you?
Where was your discomfort?
Where were you living in the grey?
Where did ‘comparison’ rob you of your joy?
What are the lessons learnt?
What old habits (or people) didn’t serve you this year? (Stop choosing what isn’t choosing you!)
What have you discovered about yourself?
What 3 things did you accomplish in 2020?
What are 3 things you’re grateful for?
What aspects of 2020 can you release and leave behind?
What can you take with you into 2021?
2021 – A Fresh Start:
How do you want to feel in 2021? (When you visualise coming home to a life you love, what does that look like and feel like?)
What 3 things will you accomplish in 2021?
What other goals do you have that you’ll make a start on? (think about the goals that excite AND scare you)
What role models can you draw strength from to help you with your goals?
What new habits will you start to better support you?
How do you want to direct your energy in relationships, your business/career and yourself?
What hobbies or activities will you make more time for?
What friendships and connections will you nurture and make more time for?
What does ‘self-care’ mean to you?
What 5 things can you do to take better care of YOU?
Who will you turn to when you need help and support? (think of those who have earned your trust, as well as the many wonderful mental health organisations like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Headspace etc.)
Don’t be afraid to start all over again! If you need to, re-write your life script – you’ll be starting from experience, not from scratch. That’s what 2021 will be for me!! I’ve come to realise that sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought your life would look like and simply turn the page and begin a brand-new chapter.
Learn to find the joy in the story you’re living today.
And remember to keep things in perspective and find certainty amongst the chaos. The biggest thing that fuels us in times of uncertainty is FAITH: just knowing that we can handle whatever comes our way. Easier said than done; I know! But the best way we can maintain our faith is by connecting with others; so, don’t be tempted to withdraw or keep small during 2021. Humans are amazing when we are connected - we learn together, adapt together and grow together.
Let the unknown surprise you and guide you.
I’ll leave you with 5 of my ultimate ‘self-help’ tips for 2021 (adapted from something I read this year):
KISS more, and with passion
READ with curiosity
Feel the MUSIC
WRITE deeply and often
BREATHE from the heart
Enjoy this next chapter, and be open to new challenges and adventures. Do more of what sparks your soul.
“You can do anything you want, just not everything you want. You’ve got to choose. Don’t waste time with indecision. Nothings will feel perfect. Just choose, and start walking the path to greatness” – Tom Bilyeu
With love,
Christine xx