The New Year Marks a Time for Reflection, Introspection, and Personal Growth.

Saying goodbye to another year conjures up many emotions in me. For some years, I waved goodbye and never looked back.

"You only grow by coming to the end of something and by beginning something else."

~ JOHN IRVING

I read that quote today, and it made me think about how the end of one year always brings a new beginning. The freshness of a new year brings unlimited opportunities and dreams to fulfill. Starting with a clean slate makes me wonder what new opportunities and adventures await me. What will I learn this year? What lessons will I pass on? What will the highs and the lows be?

I remember my breast cancer year, lying in bed, alone with thoughts of my mortality. I couldn't do anything physical because I did not have the energy. So, I like to start each new year with physical activity.

This New Year's Day, I attended an awesome two-hour yoga class that involved a meditation on what you wanted to manifest in your life for the new year. I brought my journal and wrote my wish for 2024.

I want to live my life mindfully and with purpose.

What does living mindfully mean?

• It’s about being present in the moment.

• It’s paying attention to everything that is around you.

• It’s about practicing compassion and gratitude.

• It’s recognizing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

• It’s about practicing self-care.

What does living a life with purpose mean?

• A life purpose is whatever makes your heart sing, what fills you with bliss.

• It’s a focus, an intentional way of living.

• It’s understanding your values and living those values.

• It’s living your life how you want to.

• It is NOT something you do or something that you’re after.

• It is NOT something you should do or what other people expect of you.

• It is NOT setting goals — but ways of being.

I asked myself what I thought my true values were:

• Living my life as an ethical person

• Honesty always

• Being loyal

• Compassion and empathy for others

How do I want to show up in my life?

• To love and accept love.

• To accept who I am and where I am at in life.

• To live one day at a time.

• To care for my physical and mental health in kind ways.

 There is no single answer to a life’s purpose. I think the real purpose of life is to learn, adapt, and grow.

I love this quote from Mary Oliver.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

– Mary Oliver

I said I wanted to learn something new this year in my last newsletter. The new skill I decided on is the process of candle making.

How do you want to show up in your life? Are you living by your values?

I hope you will challenge yourself to learn something new. Step out of your comfort zone.

Until next time....

Be well.

Be kind to yourself and others

Sue