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