Welcome to the New Year!

Hi. Welcome to the new year.

January 1st always feels like a fresh start, the turn of the page to a new chapter. So much can happen in one year. I encourage you to reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and events in 2022. Using the year compass journal, I recently went through my calendar and listed a few of my favorite memories. I couldn't help but smile at the experiences I had last year.

Looking to the past helps shape the future. Before setting new year resolutions and goals, consider focusing on vision first.

Why is vision important?  We can tend to be influenced by the expectations of others, what they think of us, or what others are doing. Self doubt starts creeping in. First, it is easy to be molded by others around you without a clear sense of self. Second, goal planning becomes streamlined. The twelve week year, a concept developed by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington, begins with vision. It suggests picking a few items in your life vision to work towards through strategies and tactics. If I envision myself as a homeowner in 5 years, my goal might be to save for a down payment, for example. That goal might require a weekly savings plan, which may be accomplished by reducing take out spending. The larger vision, broken down in to smaller objectives, is easier to achieve. Lastly, you are what you believe yourself to be. You will have a much larger chance of success if you picture yourself accomplishing the goal.

Vision is grounding. With it, you are clear on your values and priorities. 

I envision myself both unapologetically showing up and advocating for myself. I will build confidence. I will find or create a community that will require me to step outside of my comfort zone. I will host friends at a picnic and form small events. I will continue to prioritize grad school and end my semesters with A's. This is just a snippet of my vision for this year. This week, I'll continue to dream about the future. I want to push myself to think outside of the box for what this year will hold.

Here is a prompt from the life compass journal: What does the year ahead of you look like? Why will it be great? What would happen in your ideal world? Write, draw, let go of your expectations and dare to dream.

Dream big and don't be afraid to write it down.

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him'. "

1 Corinthians 2:9

Happy New Year!