I don’t know who said this phrase originally but it was quoted in a book I read recently. It epitomizes new year’s resolutions and why we make them to a tee. A resolution by nature needs to be resolute, determined. It’s often why they fail. I use a gentler approach, adjusting what is and isn’t working. Here’s a recent example of how, what I do, is different.

 “Start as you mean to go on.”

 I haven’t been interested in New Year’s Resolutions setting ever since I read Danielle LaPorte’s book The Desire Map and used her planner in 2018. Since then I am much gentler with myself and start a resolution when the timing feels right, not when the rest of the world says it’s time.

It’s not to say that I don’t take a look at my life and set intentions for my life. I do. But I do it on my time. My favorite day for this is early April, on my birthday. Or based on the season of life I’m in. When my daughter was born and I became a full-time SAHM I became obsessed with learning how to manage the house. Before the age of 35, this held no interest for me whatsoever.

Start Where You Are

Where Am I? As I write this it is 11 AM on Sunday, January 5th, 2020. (Happy New Year to you, by the way!)  For the past week, I’ve been on vacation with attempts at productivity in between the holidays.

I haven’t wanted to do anything. My husband even asked, “Have you given up on the whole “getting up early” thing? My answer was unequivocally, “No.”

Take a Moment to Breathe

What I was doing was taking a break. It has been an amazing year of transition. 2020 feels like it’s going to be big and fast-paced. Before the rush begins, I want to pause, breathe and then take steps. Make plans.

To Start As I Mean To Go On

Taking time to ask myself what’s working and what’s not. I’ve felt a disconnect when I write the blog, for instance.

Lately, I’d sit down to write something short and concise and it would turn into a book chapter in need of tons of editing. It felt like a self-help DIY book rather than a look into my heart. Disconnected and distant rather than deep and real.

Going Forward 

My process had to change. I want it to feel like you, the reader, my tribe, are reading right from my sacred and private morning pages journal. (Sometimes I don’t even re-read those pages.) 

So here I am, scratching my fountain pen across the lines of a composition notebook, where all my notes can stay combined. It feels grounded and still. I’m writing in my bed, listening to my daughter play in her room.

This “work” feels relaxed and organic. Simple, easy, and in the flow of creativity. Not so rigid, scheduled or, worse yet, forced. It feels playful! Grounded. May all my work feel this way. It feels like a good start.

POSTSCRIPT

Starting the blog sketch in the notebook made this work feel so much easier than it used to. There is no more hesitation. I write when I’m inspired, no matter what my agenda, and I share what I’m ready to share. It all still gets done! What a simple pleasure.

Is there an area where you could adjust one small thing to help you feel even just a little bit happier? As I type these words on the computer I’m listening to some of my favorite music, wearing jeans, with a candle burning on my desk. I am surrounded by some of my favorite things.

If you need help figuring out how to bring more simplicity, balance, and happiness into your life I’m am opening the doors to coaching in January 2020. Let’s work together to find your version of happiness.

Bright Blessings. Happy New Year!

Melissa