Wrapping Up the Year: Let's Talk Fresh Starts

Hello Friend,

As we're about to wrap up this wild ride of a year, where there’s less normal, more new normal, let's talk about that magical thing called the 'fresh start effect.' As time flies, and days blur together, there's something about flipping that calendar that makes us all feel like we get a clean slate.

Many of us love resolutions or goals, but before we dive headfirst into our grand plans for the next 365, let's hit pause. Let’s actually take a look at this WE who’s diving in. When was the last time we did that? Much of our sense of ourselves has been defined, shaped, shamed, challenged or marketed to by others in varying degrees of self-interest. Even well-meaning parents who instil ‘good to have’ goals are coming more from ‘I think these are good goals to have’ or what we know as the ‘Collective Illusion’ of their generation?. And if we believe we’re above our own generations' illusions, think again!?

It's like pre-gaming for the new year – getting a feel for things before we set our goals. Let’s break the old moulds, dissolve into nothingness and reintegrate.?

The new year isn't just about resolutions; it's a chance to dream big and live authentically (yes, I said the ‘word of the year’). It's about shaking off the dust of routine and imagining a life that's all about abundance, purpose, balance and, believe it or not, fun! It’s the only reasonably sure way we have to not burn out, have fewer regrets and actually feel glad to be alive. Success is a happy by-product of this.?

Why are we so obsessed with this whole fresh start thing? Well, it's like hitting the reset button on life. A chance to break free from the chains of yesterday and paint a new picture of tomorrow. So, as we gear up to jot down our resolutions, let's not forget to understand ourselves a bit better.

So before you start scribbling down those BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), take a few moments to reflect. Maybe you could give my latest podcast a listen to help you along. I'm digging into the nitty-gritty of 'how to know yourself better.' It's like a starting point to pointing you in the direction you want to reorient your life towards.

Here's to a joyful 2024 filled with self-discovery, wild dreams, and you just doing you. May it be everything you didn't know you needed and more.

Cheers to the new year!

Sandhya

Listen to the podcast here