An End-of-Season Reflection to Bring Clarity into a New One
Usually at some point in mid-December, I reach holiday fatigue. I love the holidays, I really do. I love all of the holiday cheer. I love the special occasions. I love the fancy parties. And oh, the treats. I love all of the treats and the “it’s holidays, enjoy it” spirit that accompanies all of the treats.
But, at some point, I just cannot look at one more cookie and I’m craving a kale salad with some herbal tea because I’m here for all of the specialness and joy but a girl can only take so much celebration!
So, before I get too far ahead of myself thinking about how I’m going to be a better person in this new season, I do like to spend some time reflecting on the season that I’m in.
Reflection can help you gain perspective.
Author and teacher, Jan Johnson, says, “It’s not the experience that brings transformation, it’s our reflection upon our experience.”
“Research shows the habit of reflection can separate extraordinary professionals from mediocre ones. We would go so far as to argue that it’s the foundation that all other soft skills grow from,” reports Harvard Business Review.
I think no matter how you want to look at it, there is benefit to taking a moment to look back before you jump forward.
I’m happy to share with you a few things that worked for me this year.
Making space
I tend to like to schedule every minute. And go and go until I fall over. So naturally one of my goals going into the year was to reduce stress.
This year, I found that holding space for myself – even just an hour – gave me room for a proverbial deep breath. And more importantly, it made room for something unexpected and usually delightful.
This practice gained the most positive reinforcement on one of those evenings where I had held some space for myself. I had some time between finishing work and starting dinner (a rare occurrence for me) and my daughter asked me to take her to the store. Her friend had a bad day and my daughter wanted to do something to cheer up her friend. I was so grateful to have the time and space to do that for both of them. That memory has been a reminder that good things can happen in the unplanned time.
In related news, I was just listening to happiness expert Dr. Laurie Santos explaining that “time affluence” is one of the key components to feeling happier. She recommends giving yourself the gift of time by blocking the time on your calendar. You can even do it months in advance so that when the time comes it’s a delightful surprise.
Counting calories
Here’s a thing about me I’ve learned to embrace. I need boundaries. And counting calories creates boundaries. I know this isn’t for everyone and that it can sound like a restrictive way to live. I’ve just found it’s a boundary that works for me.
Other benefits of counting calories:
- When I’m in a place where I can’t accurately count, I have a better sense of appropriate serving sizes and proportions.
- The practice of pausing to calculate the calories before I eat adds some discipline so that I don’t just dive in and helps me make more thoughtful choices, helping me to focus on the nutrient dense foods before the treats.
Signing up for a challenge
I completed two Dri-Tri challenges at OrangeTheory Fitness this year.
If you’re not a member of the workout studio/cult, the Dri-Tri is basically a much harder version of the typical class, which includes running, rowing and weight lifting.
The Dri-Tri is hard, as any challenge should be, but such a rush and feels so good to have completed.
My other challenges included a few 5K runs, which I find to be so fun to do with friends. They usually come at a time when I’m questioning “Why do I run at all?”
Being outside, moving my body, being with a community of people, it just all feels so good.
Workout buddies for the win
I got myself back to a morning yoga practice, by inviting a friend to join me. I knew if she was there I could not cancel!
She held me accountable, plus it was great to see her and use the space before and after class for a quick catch up.
I’ll take these lessons into the New Year.
If you’re signed up for my email newsletter, I will be sharing some things that didn’t work/bad habits to shed.
I encourage you to think about what worked for you this year.
My journey is not your journey. What works for me does not have to work for you. What is important is that you know what works for you.
A few ways to help you think back:
- Look through your photos, especially your favorites.
- Check your social media feed. What did you post about?
- Do you journal? Check your notes!
I hope that this holiday season has been full of moments of gratitude, that this year you found some things that work for you and that before you go into the new year thinking about all the ways that you’re going to be better, you take a few minutes to think about all of the ways in which you are already awesome.
Be well, my lovelies.
Considering making some changes to your nutrition and wellness in the new year? Check out my Personalized Health Coaching options.
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