Every New Year’s Eve, I have a personal tradition. I write a letter to myself for the following year. I celebrate all the things I have done the previous year and I put new things into the universe. As I read my letter this year, I was really proud of all I accomplished. It wasn’t just an ‘atta-girl,’ but more a recognition of all the things I overcame in the prior year and spoiler, it was a doozy.
What’s so fun about this exercise is how I get to dream big for the next year, and put those messages into the universe. When I excitedly open my letters, I get to see what I accomplished versus what past me wanted for me. I have been doing this for several years now and there are a few striking things about this practice:
- I can clearly see the mental place I was in the prior year. Sometimes it’s sad and hopeful and others it’s joyful and optimistic, and I love seeing how it has changed and evolved over time. There is ALWAYS growth for me and it’s energizing.
- When I started these letters back in 2017, I was in a much different place and seeing how far I’ve come is inspirational. It gives me a wider lens that helps me see the arc of my life rather than dwell on a few hard processes.
- This exercise gives me so much perspective. I treat it like a personal performance review from someone who holds me in the highest positive regard and wants nothing but the absolute best for me. Even if I don’t feel that way, that is the approach I take to write these annual letters and it’s so inspiring to read it the following year, because I can say, “YES! I did do that! Thank you for believing and trusting in me, past me!”
- When I put that person in context from the year before, I have so much love and compassion for her. I think about how much we have grown in the past year and how much we have learned.
- It is easy for me to beat myself up for not being “productive enough,” based on some impossible capitalistic scale. However, when I look back on my accomplishments, I usually say “wow, I did a lot. I could have rested a lot more,” and I carry that with confidence into the new year.
Last year, I really wanted to find more movement in my life. The pandemic was hard for my own personal movement, and coupled with a desk job that ties me to a computer, movement is a challenge. However, as a Wellbeing Coach who wants to stand in integrity for my clients, I made it a priority this year. We did lots of hiking and I even started dance lessons. The kind of dance lessons that have me moving hours at a time and I leave the studio a sweaty mess. I’m often a little achy, but I couldn’t be happier or with a bigger smile on my face. I get a little better each practice and it fills me with such joy. I’m even walking up my driveway with less hyperventilating (IYKYK).
So what am I wishing for myself next year? A little of the same and some new things, too. I’m still wishing for even more movement. I’m wishing for even more home cooking since the garden is full of amazing fruits and veggies. I still wish for even more success in my business and continued learning of all the things I’m studying. Deeper and even higher quality friendships, over quantity. Continued health, a more profound spiritual practice, and continuing to be of service to all my clients.
What are you wishing for yourself? In my Christmas blog last week, I wrote some wishes for you all, but in case you didn’t check it out, here are some bonus wishes for you. May you be healthy. May you move with confidence and kindness in this world. I hope your 2024 surprises you in the most wonderful ways you never expected. I hope you can see yourself in the same light the ones who love you see you, because you are pretty freaking amazing.
Have a very happy Gregorian New Year!
Wishing you abundant health and limitless joy,
Cathy Kading
CEO & Founder of Pomona Wellness
P.S. If you want to learn more about coaching for 2024, we still have a few spaces left. If you are ready to transform your life, let’s have a conversation. It may be the conversation that changes your life. Book your complimentary breakthrough session now and bet on your own success this year.
One Response
Thank you for sharing your journey. There are similarities between ours and it’s comforting to know that we aren’t alone. I love this idea and decided to do the same for myself! Thank you for inspiring me and so many others!!