This is NOT about New Year's Resolutions!

Happy New Year! Jon Macaskill here - so happy to have you as a subscriber to my newsletter on living mindfully.

As we step into 2024, let's embrace a fresh perspective. This year, we're not just talking about resolutions; we're reimagining our approach to the New Year. It's about evolving, not just changing. Let's embark on this journey together with mindfulness at its core.

A Fresh Start – Beyond Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions often fade by February, but what if we looked at the New Year differently? Let’s focus on continuous evolution – small, sustainable changes that last.

1. Embracing Mindful Growth: Each day is an opportunity for growth. Let’s be mindful of our daily choices and how they shape us.

2. Building Healthy Habits: Instead of big resolutions, focus on forming small, healthy habits that contribute to long-term well-being.

3. Reflecting on Lessons Learned: Take time to reflect on the past year. What lessons can you carry forward?

4. Setting Intentions, Not Just Goals: Intentions focus on the 'why' behind our goals, aligning them with our values and purpose.

Mindfulness Exercise of the Week:

Try 'One Minute of Mindfulness' exercise each day. Pause for a minute, take deep breaths, and bring your focus to the present moment.

Inspirational Story:

At the age of 64, Diana Nyad made history by swimming from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage, a daunting 110-mile journey through treacherous waters. This incredible achievement in 2013 was the culmination of a lifelong dream, one marked by setbacks, challenges, and unwavering determination.

Diana's journey began in her twenties when she first attempted long-distance swimming. She faced numerous obstacles, including jellyfish stings, rough seas, and physical exhaustion. However, it wasn’t just the physical challenges that Diana had to overcome; it was also a mental battle. After four failed attempts and many years of preparation, most people would have given up, but not Diana.

Her success was rooted in an extraordinary level of mental strength and mindfulness. Throughout her training and during her swims, Diana practiced mindfulness techniques to maintain her focus, manage pain, and keep negative thoughts at bay. She used a powerful mantra, "Find a way," which helped her remain resilient in the face of adversity.

Diana's story is not just about athletic prowess; it's about the power of the human spirit and the importance of a mindful approach to life's challenges. Her journey teaches us that age is just a number, that the body is far more capable than we often believe, and that the mind, when trained with discipline and positivity, can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

As we begin 2024, let Diana Nyad's story inspire us to embrace our own challenges with a mindful and resilient spirit. Her journey reminds us that with determination and a positive mindset, we can achieve our goals, no matter how distant they may seem.

Book of the Week:

"Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins. This inspiring and transformative book chronicles Goggins' journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete. Through personal anecdotes and powerful insights, Goggins reveals the strategies and mindset that helped him overcome immense physical and mental challenges. The book focuses on mastering the mind and defying the odds, offering valuable lessons on pushing past limitations and achieving greatness. (Heads up - there’s a lot of foul language. Also, if you enjoy the book, you’ll LOVE the audio book which is a combination of the book and some bonus commentary by the co-author and David).

Engagement Section:

What does a fresh start mean to you? How are you approaching 2024 differently? Email us your thoughts or share them on our social media channels.

Until next time, train hard, breathe easy!

Jon Macaskill?

Navy SEAL Commander (Ret.)

Frogman Mindfulness and?Men Talking Mindfulness

Check out my speaker reel here: