NEW YEAR, NEW YOU?

Not necessarily. You’re a rock star just the way you are!

Traditionally, January 1st is known as a green light to initiate change in one’s life, start fresh, and create grand resolutions in hope that the upcoming year will be different. It feels wonderful to have the chance of working with a fresh, clean canvas of our lives; however, that feeling can be fleeting and fade as soon as we settle back into the intricacies and distractions of daily life. I ask you to consider for this year - instead of attempting to change everything we don’t like about who we are, how about we get to actually know ourselves better?

I invite you to explore all that is good about you. I have found that while working with my clients, when we take time to explore and learn about ourselves, we heighten our awareness of what makes us smile, we identify the catalysts of life that light our fire, and we recognize our gifts we can share with the world that innately uncover our passion and purpose.

We are exactly who we need to be and where we need to be, right now. To better appreciate the idea of self-exploration (Svadhyaya) as studied in The Path of the Yoga Sutras, I wanted to highlight the concepts of non-judgment, self-acceptance and self-compassion.

When we decide to become more aware and be “The Observer” in our lives, we take the act of judging out of the equation. This allows us the opportunity to be our authentic selves, as imperfectly perfect as that may be. You will learn to know you have value exactly the way you are.

As simple as it sounds, when you accept yourself for who you are, magical things will happen and less stress, anxiety and depression will follow. By letting go of what no longer serves us, it allows space in our heart and mind for more positivity, love, light and possibilities.

Often overlooked, self-compassion is one of the most challenging concepts to understand and master. It requires us to treat ourselves with kindness, dignity and love. As John O’Donohue said, “When you are compassionate with yourself, you trust your soul, which you let guide your life. Your soul knows the geography of your destiny, better than you do.”

So, in looking toward this new year to refine the better you, consider trusting your soul and focusing on the beautiful and unique intricacies of what makes you, you. You will save time instead of wasting it on self-defeating efforts, and will learn and know in your heart that being your true self is the most effective formula for success.

Loving your best self and enhancing the ability to live out your passion and purpose sounds like a pretty fulfilling “resolution” to me!