Starting the Year, slowly

This year might be starting A-OK, all systems go. This year might be starting for you Meh-to-fine or maybe even definitely-not-so-great. Certainly nothing to sing about. And that too is OK.

Whatever the truth of our situation, let's not hesitate to name it, at least for ourselves. Life can be tough, tougher still if the only thing we know how to do is "move on and forget it." Let's learn to let the emotions be real, and be named. Professionally and personally, the weight of our griefs and anxieties and frustrations are going to catch up to us eventually. Let's name them, even when they feel petty or small, especially when they feel big or heavy.

And for that, we probably need help! And fortunately for us, help is always there. Whether it's a good friend or support group or coach, or all three, find what can help you carry the reality of your specific situation.

Name the way you feel. Productivity is important, and we won't get it done without help. Procrastinating is the result of emotions not getting processed, not getting named. We put too much pressure on doing stuff on our checklist, when our bodies are telling us to work out the feelings. Whether it's a work-out routine, a journaling exercise, a nap, ... Maybe it's talking to chatgpt or participating in your religious community or getting a little vulnerable the next time you meet with a colleague.

January starts the calendar year, a wonderful time to resolve for yourself that whatever happens next, you will be more OK taking a little time to name how you're feeling. And if you aren't sure how you're feeling, take a breath, close your eyes, listen to your body, to your intuition. It might feel scary, it might feel dramatic, it might feel subtle.

Listen: and then set up time for yourself to welcome in more help. Schedule it in. It's good to get help. It doesn't matter the means, as long as it really is helping you move forward in health (body and mind, professionally and emotionally). Whatever your situation, help can be found. You will be ok. Step by step, little by little.

Slow down... allow things to be repeated. Let it sink in, let it move from your mind (where you know it already) through your heart to your gut, where it becomes like an instinct. The stress comes, and you slow down. Never letting it become too much for you to handle or digest. You are more than your mind. Your body will guide you.

Go slow. Get help. Name the feelings. Listen to know what it is you are feeling.?Go slow...

I hope reading this has been helpful, and if you are looking for more things to help :?

The Bridge is a newsletter I write on substack, twice a month, approaching similar themes in a slightly different way.

Creative Balance is my coaching website, where you can learn more about who I am as a coach and what I hope to bring to my clients.

YearCompass is a FREE tool for reflecting on last year and setting intentions for the next (which even if it has already started, it's never too late to set intentions)

Take care,

Jeffrey