Reflections to make room for Resolutions

Dearest,

How are you in this moment? Are you in the moment, or given the time of year where "to do's" seem to multiple by a ridiculous magnitude, is your mind pulling in every direction? Take a breath. Unless one of your to do's is literally saving the life of someone, everything else can wait just three minutes.

A Year In Review is a great excuse for pretty stationery and pens - but just a blank page will also work

Take a deep breath. Feel your tummy expand and now push it all out. Do it again. And Again. As you breath in think "only three minutes". As you push it out think "everything is okay". Repeat three more times.

Social feeds this time of year are full with resolutions. Good intentions for the New Year. While I will be completing my Big Ass Calendar, its the time I give myself to reflect. Living in the moment is always the goal, but reflecting on our behaviours, thoughts and actions through the year can provide some clarity - if you are willing to keep it real.

I've followed the framework created by Marie Forleo #mfyearinreview for years and it goes something like this (I've also dropped a link at the bottom in case you would like to hear this directly from her which will have more insights and tricks). Grab a notebook/paper and pen/pens (my book may well be coloured with doodling throughout #youdoyou) and answer these questions.

What I'm Proud Of

Write if all down. Big things, small things. I scroll through my calendar, photos on my phone and Instagram account to help for this. Look through and see which were the most important and why by writing a couple of sentences.

My Learnings

What have I learned - normally by looking at my "mistakes". What was the most important lesson and why

What I'm Willing to Let Go Of

This is always the one that moves the dial for me. Letting go - old projects, goals, resentments, anger, upsets, limiting beliefs and crappy old stories. What's most important to let go of and why.

What's Next, What's My Future

What's the best possible year/decade look like. What are the three most important goals for next year and why. What habits and skills do I need to make them happen.

What Future Me Wants Me to Know

Write a letter from future you to present day you. If you need prompts include things like

• I'd love you to start

• I'd love you to remember

• I'd love you to focus on.

When I'm looking back at previous reviews its amazing how many things I already knew, without knowing, and not understanding where a particular thought came from. Woo woo, maybe, but experience is showing me every time I embrace it, it never fails.

It's one of the best things I do for myself. Which in turn means that I can turn up for the people that I love and my community in the best way possible. What's something that you do that you know helps support creating a life you'll be proud to share the story of when you are about to depart this world? It's never too late. Listen to Natasha Bedingfield - she knows.

I hope this holiday season brings lot's of laughter and interesting conversations with people who add to the joy and gratitude for all the good around us.

Take care Dearest - of yourself, of others, of your thoughts, of your actions and of our beautiful world.

You are worthy - always

Ngā manaakitanga xx

Part One - Marie Forleo Year in Review

Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten