2020 Reflection and Intention Setting
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
This is one of my favourite quotes (of which there are many!) by Carl Jung: that is, consciously choose where you want to go, otherwise your subconscious will direct you. Most of us are on autopilot, we just haven't realised we can take the controls. Aim your life in the direction YOU want.
There is absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind that 2020 has been quite the year and most are looking forward to seeing the end of it. But, rather than writing off 2020 as a year that we merely endured and that most of us would rather forget I encourage you to spend some time in reflection. Sure, there have been immeasurable trials and hardships and challenges none of us expected, on top of our already full lives. But it has also brought with it an enforced slowing down, staying home, different ways of working, and either being with people all the time, or being alone.
The author and motivational speaker, John O’Leary says that ‘our lives have far less to do with the events themselves, and much more to do with our reactions to them’. He was talking about the fact that life happens, tragedies strike (read his book ‘On Fire’ for his own life story), bad things happen and then in the very next breath, the very next moment we get to choose what we do with these situations - i.e. how we respond.
Remember, nothing new or interesting will happen on January 1st 2021 unless we are intentional and decide what it is we want from the year ahead. In a way similar to steps one and two of the five steps to the Law of Attraction - the concept that our mind, thinking, and focus shapes who and what we are. It also shapes the way we act, what we act on, who we spend time with, and consequently, nearly every aspect of our lives. You can’t completely change your outer world without completely changing your inner world (your thoughts and beliefs).
Step One - know and understand what it is you do not want in your life, both materially and emotionally;
Step Two - be clear on what you DO want in your life, materially and emotionally.
There is great power in answering these prompts, especially being clear on what you don't want, as that helps you to guide and direct you to what you want your life to look like - the people you want to be surrounded by, how you want to feel and look, what's around you (home, work, ‘stuff’). You can draw on the experiences of the year to help with this exercise - I’m sure one thing none of us want in our lives is a global pandemic shutting down the world!
One way or another I am certain that you will find gratitude for this year. Even something as simple as noticing the changes in the seasons, new leaves and flowers emerging, the beautiful changing colours of the sky in the morning and evening. Even things we’ve had taken away from us can help us to appreciate what we’re looking forward to - maybe the loss of so much makes you realise how much you’re excited to get back to certain activities once life ‘opens up’. For me, that’s hiking and getting out into nature, and being able to go out for a glass of wine with friends and loved ones. I’m all about balance!
Some steps to take to prepare for a new year (or any time you want to bring some clarity into your life):
Make a list of all the things you do NOT want right now in your life.
Make a list of all the things you DO want right now in your life.
Write down the beliefs that are supportive to your goals, and the beliefs that are taking away from your goals.
Write down your vision for what you want your life to be like (paint a vivid picture using all five senses).
Write down three things that you can do in the next 24 hours to start moving towards your goal/s.
One top tip - don’t wait for the perfect moment to get started on this or any other internal mindset work. Find a scrap of paper (or a napkin!) to jot down the first thoughts that spring into your head or use the ‘notes’ section in your phone.. just get it out of your head. Its amazing what comes up when you allow thoughts to flow freely. I think this warrants its own post so stay tuned. New post coming in ‘My Musings’..
Here’s to awakening your awesome.life <3