Hi Friends!
I hope this finds 2018 off to a great start for you! I've been around, busy, and yet still making time to focus on me and my mental mindset as 2017 ended and 2018 began. I was really hoping to make it back to the blog before now, but as I mentioned in my last post, I wasn't walking my talk. So over the holidays, when things were very busy and kids were home, instead of spending time writing, I spent my time unplugged. I tried to disconnect from email and the pulling of the online world and really focus on the people I loved. I spent time reflecting on the year and making plans (goals?) for the next. I also recommitted myself to my Fourteen40 practice, and I am back on the blog to hopefully, make sure you do the same.
At the end of every year I like to do an annual review. I look back at the goals I set, which ones I achieved and which I didn't, which times of the year were the best and which were the toughest, what lessons did I learn, and how can I make the next year even better? I think this is a very important practice because it allows clearer perspective going into the new year. I found that one area that I showed growth, and mainly towards the last half of the year, was the practice of slowing down and really taking time to refuel my soul, and coincidentally (or maybe not), the last half of the year was spent starting this initiative. I also think I grew in my ability to notice what areas of my life (or people) were draining to my spirit and energy. That's a touchy subject, but one I think we all need to acknowledge. You may think that spending time with family and friends is filling your spirit, but if these people are bringing negative energy to your space and time, then is it really refueling you?
I just came back from a weekend with some of my closest friends and coworkers, and we spent time in workshops learning about this exact thing. One of the speakers noted that people (or things or activities) that some people assume/think are filling, may actually be a "kink" to your spirit's energy. I loved this. This is why when I started the Fourteen40 project, I noted that what is refueling and refilling to some might not be for others. Or, what is refueling or refilling to you one day, may not be the next. My goal over the next week is to spend quiet time reflecting on what (or who) I think might be a "kink" for me, and then try to devise a plan to avoid getting kinked this year. Or, avoid it as much as possible, because, let's be honest, life isn't that cut and dry.
This time of year can make you feel like you're hungover. (Is it just me?? I hope not!) The holiday season is wonderful and joyous, but also full of activities and not-so-structured days. Then we get right back into the last half of the school year, back to work, and there's not any time to really get centered before it's full steam ahead. I know most parents I spoke with last week were feeling the same way I was! So, friends, I hope as we head into the third week of 2018, that things are settling down for you and you are feeling more centered. If you didn't do an annual review for 2017, I encourage you to do so. If you think identifying the areas of your life that are kinking your energy flow will help you have a more fulfilled 2018, I encourage you to spend time on that, too. It doesn't have to be structured, but it has to be done. I plan on doing some of this with coffee in my hammock (the weather is gorgeous here in FL) or in my bathtub with some wonderful epsom salts and scents. Refill and refuel how you need it!
I'm recommitted to my Fourteen40 project for 2018 and I hope you are, too. I look forward to sharing my progress with you, here, and hope to hear from you as well! Let's support and encourage each other as the year continues and we know we have a community here to make sure we stay on track and keep our sprits as full as our calendars. I have included a photo from our weekend's workshop with my friends. We learned A LOT but we had a ton of fun, too. Life is short, spend time being a kid with your friends when you get the chance!
Joyfully yours,
Melissa
