As last year came to a close, I was burned out across the board. In the past, I’ve just pushed myself to charge ahead no matter what. Dig deep and keep going.
But this time was different. I didn’t have it in me to continue on as I was, but I also couldn’t shake the feeling that there’s something inside of me burning to get out.
I needed to recharge, and I needed clarity. So, I did something that’s a real challenge for me – I paused all the nonessentials, and I played.
I created things just because they interested me, I deleted all the unnecessary deadlines from my calendar, I turned down the digital noise, enrolled in a few online art classes, and I got cozy with my very favorite words of wisdom.
By January 1, I had a clear agenda for the New Year:
Follow the Light
Receive wisdom
Allow for expansion
I started this year ready for to take restorative action, share my gifts, and do some real, good work for the world.
This year, more than ever, I want to learn to measure my success in how engaged I feel and how often I smile. And not just any smile, the real, wide, laughing kind of smile.
I want to move lighter on my feet, but without all the rushing.
I want to give myself the heart space to be awe-struck.
I want to swim in deep gratitude for the magic surrounding me this very second.
This is what I’m calling Light.
This year, I want to come back home to myself.
I want to look at the heartbreaks and defeats, the darkest hours and deepest fears, with tenderness.
I want to change my stories of pain to stories of making it out to the other side that much stronger and wiser.
I want to really learn the lessons time around.
I want to remember what sincerity, compassion, and clarity feel like.
This is what I’m calling wisdom.
This year, I want to follow the fun and indulge my curiosity.
I want to create things that make a meaningful change in the world.
I want to create things just because.
I want to trim down the to-do list to make space for the grand adventure already in progress.
This is what I’m calling expansion.
The results so far? More fun, less worry. More laughter, less headache. And so much more meaning.
Even though life is overflowing with activity, I’m creating some of my favorite things ever.
Like this post published at Positively Positive last week: All You Want From Life Starts in the Same Place
Or this new free gift for you: ritual for receiving (try it!)
I wrote and shared my very favorite poem so far: Shine On
Created these characters for a new picture book inspired by mornings with my daughter:
And these smarty cat characters for a special fundraising project to support environmental conservation.
I think I’m on the right track, and it is breathtaking from where I stand today.
And now I want to know, how about you?
What are you seeking? What’s dragging you down? What keeps you up at night (dreaming or worrying, either way)?
There’s a lot I don’t know right now, but I do know this: I want support you as you take your own restorative action, share your gifts, and do real, good work in this world.
You can leave a comment or send an email to leslie {at} leslieralph {dot} com.
Craving peace, love, and light? I made this for you:
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