For some, the notion of “New Year, New You” will resonate. And if it does, by all means, I cheer your transformation on! For others, like me, the sentiment does not land and so I like to think of it as New Year, (re)New You.

 Each year as the ball drop approaches, we see articles and TV segments about “New Year, New You”…

And I often wonder, do I need to be a new me?

Am I not good enough as I am?

Am I so flawed that I must try each December 31st to come up with a plan to create a whole new person? A better, different me?

As if the liminal period of a new year isn’t enough! It always left me feeling kind of unsettled and I never really embraced the idea of resolutions and all the New Year’s hubbub. 

Maybe that’s why the resolutions never stuck.

The past couple of years have been filled with challenges and, with enormous opportunities. The more things changed in my life, the more intentional I became in both my thoughts and actions. I have reconnected to who I am and what drives me.

To what brings me joy.

So as New Year’s Eve and those resolutions are fast approaching, I wanted to share how I have come to approach it a little differently: New Year, (re)New You.

This is a natural time for us to pause and reflect on the end of one year and the beginning of the next.

To reflect on possibilities. Consider opportunities.

To sit in gratitude and dream.

Perhaps it is the perfect time to consider what it might feel like to renew our relationships – starting with the relationship with ourselves. 

Have you ever wondered…

What might it feel like to reconnect with your inner joy?

To listen to what dreams and desires lie close to your heart?

How might you allow your intuition to be heard and guide you in the coming year?

What would it look like if you prioritize all of your feelings – both the physical and the emotional – and truly allow them to be?

How might you show yourself the profound kindness and compassion you freely give to others?  What would that look like? How would that feel?

How might your year look if you lead from a place of love? If you are more gentle with yourself? If you allow for more rest and play?

An Invitation to (re)New You

I will invite you to take a moment to find a cozy spot where you will not be disturbed. 

Take a few deep breaths and sit with these questions quietly for a moment or two:  what does renewal or reconnection to yourSELF mean to you? 

Renew yourself. However you need to.

In whatever way supports and nourishes you.

Renewal or reconnection may look or feel differently to each of us at different times.

Sometimes it may be taking a walk. Or a much needed rest. 

Or saying no to the requests of others.

You might also:

• Read a book – for fun.
• Rediscover your passions and hobbies.
• Journal. Dance or paint.
• Learn to be still. Or to sing.
• Maybe you will catch up with an old friend. Maybe the friend is you.

Go ahead and make those resolutions if you are moved to do so.

If they feel right and support your dreams, your heart and soul. 

But don’t confuse the new year with the need for a new you. 

You are exactly where you are supposed to be.

You are worthy of all the kindness and joy in this world for no other reason than that you exist.

Not because of who you are or because of what you do.

You are enough. Exactly as you are. 

No matter how you choose to renew in the New Year, I invite you to do so with curiosity.

With compassion. With intention.

With LOVE.

Here’s to a renewed you in 2023.