Back in the (good old) blogging days, we’d share our goals for the month and year ahead. While I’m not necessarily saying that’s something I’m looking to bring back, it was something I enjoyed and something I found helpful to hold me accountable to my goals. Any other Gretchen Rubin 4 Tendencies Obligers here?
On New Year’s Eve, I spent a lot of time journaling and reflecting on the past year. Writing on the things I hope to leave behind, the things that went well, the people who played an important role, the joys, the sorrows, etc. It took a couple of hours but it was well worth the time. When I was done, I had a ceremonial cleansing of my space with a bundle of sage to remove any lingering negativity and to help usher in this new year.
I then spent another chunk of time journaling on my hopes and dreams for the new year. What I want it to bring into my life, how I want it to feel, what I want to experience, where I want to travel, etc. For a few weeks prior, I had some goals for the new year pop into my head and I would write them down in my notebook; maybe they’d stay, maybe they’d go, but I just needed a space to write them down and reflect on later.
As I took this time to just freely journal and write on my desires, without attaching any goals just yet, I noticed a theme. Then looking at my list of potential goals for the new year, I noticed most of them fell right in alignment also with that theme. A couple of the goals needed some adjusting to feel more in alignment, some got let go, and some still fit like a glove. But they all fell under one general scope:
CREATE
Despite the weeks I had spent wondering what my word of the year would be; despite the internal debate in my mind if X word was better than Y word or Z word; despite the noise from outside sources; it was clear the moment I realized it.
CREATE
Sure, I want to create this year. I want to tap back into my creative nature that’s been dying to come back out these last few years in whatever form possible. But I want to create the life that lights me on fire; I want to create a life that I’m proud of; I want to create a life where I choose myself every day; I want to create the life of my dreams.
Maybe to some that sounds like a lofty ass goal for a single year and maybe it is, but does it have to be?
I’m sick of people telling me that my dreams are too big and scary. I’m sick of hearing their words and allowing them to dictate my belief in myself. I’m sick of hiding in the shadows wondering when it’s my turn to step into the light. I’m sick of feeling like it’s everyone else’s turn, but no one wants to give me my own. I’m sick of choosing everyone else over me.
I’m ready to create the life I truly desire.
So while I’m not here to share the goals (big and small) that I’ve set out for myself this year, at least not today, I am here to say that 2023 is the year to CREATE.
Do you set a word, intention, or goals for the year? I’d love to know what yours is.
