Hi Grace!

 

As we navigate these early January days, do you find, like me, that it comes with such a mix of emotions? As I've been putting away holiday decorations and unwinding from the festive whirlwind, I notice a certain relief in returning to quieter rhythms. Yet there's also a touch of melancholy as that special anticipation we've carried through December gently fades. Meanwhile, we find ourselves pulled toward the promise of fresh starts and new beginnings, eager to build momentum and tackle those things we've set aside. But in this rush toward what's next, do we ever pause to wonder why certain changes remained on our waiting list? Or what deeper intentions lie beneath our desire for change?

 

These questions have been stirring in my thoughts lately, particularly as I observe how we approach transitions, especially this traditional shift from one year to the next. We often frame it as saying "goodbye" to the old year and offering an enthusiastic "hello" to the new one. But what if we viewed it differently? What if, instead of rushing to close one chapter and begin another, we took time to celebrate all we've learned – both from our successes and our challenges?

 

"The human mind always makes progress, but it is progress in spirals."

Madame de Stael, French writer, philosopher and political theorist

 

This quote caught my attention recently because it captures something true about how we grow and learn. Rather than moving in a straight line forward, we often circle back to familiar ground, but with new understanding. Each return brings deeper insight, like nature's own cycles of renewal.

 

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The Power of Conscious Choice 

Speaking of learning and growth, I came across a compelling perspective recently about the difference between habits and routines. While there's often pressure to turn everything into an automatic habit, attention expert suggests this might not always be the best approach. He points out that many meaningful behaviors – like regular movement, thoughtful eating, or creative practices – require some degree of conscious effort. Rather than trying to put everything on autopilot, perhaps we could embrace the mindful practice of creating supportive routines. You can read more about this perspective here: The difference between ‘habits’ and ‘routines’

 

This perspective resonates with what I explored in my recent reflection Beyond Resolutions: The Art of Bettering, where I considered how meaningful change often emerges not from dramatic declarations but from becoming more intentional with the choices we're already making. When we try to make everything "automatic," we might actually disconnect from the wisdom that conscious choice provides. When we expect things to become effortless, we might miss the valuable insights that come from staying present with our choices.

 

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52 Acts of Gentle Bettering

This understanding has sparked an idea I've been exploring: What if, instead of making dramatic resolutions, we approached growth as a gentle spiral of "bettering" – making one small, intentional change each week throughout the year?

 

Let me share what I'm envisioning: Each week brings a new focus for bettering, but these won't all look the same. Some weeks might involve simple practices I hope to make part of my routine, like taking a moment to notice nature's daily changes. Other weeks might focus on broader approaches to bettering - perhaps practicing more intentional kindness or doing one small act each day that serves others. And some challenges might extend beyond a single week, like my commitment to read one book each month or gradually building a new morning routine.

 

For instance, this first week, my practice has been beautifully simple – incorporating more fresh fruit into my daily diet. Each morning, I set aside a banana, clementine, and apple to enjoy throughout the day. When I don't quite manage it, I adjust my approach the next day, as I continue to seek out a routine that works for me. It's not about perfection, but about self-awareness, mindful adjustment and growth.

 

The goal isn't to tackle just one area of life or to pile on 52 new habits. Instead, it's about getting curious and exploring different aspects of our lives - discovering those small adjustments that feel meaningful enough to become part of our natural rhythms. These mindful shifts might touch various areas - relationships, learning, self-care, community connection, and more - each small step contributing to becoming more fully who we already are.

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A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism  

 

This ancient wisdom reminds us that every meaningful change, no matter how significant, begins with a single choice. Sometimes the gentlest starts lead to the most sustainable transformations.

 

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Final Thoughts

If you've been feeling the weight of new year expectations or pressure to make dramatic changes, remember that meaningful growth often happens gently, like those spiraling cycles Madame de Stael described. Perhaps instead of seeking instant transformation, you might simply commit to noticing – what choices already support your wellbeing? What wisdom have you gathered from both your successes and your challenges? What small steps might help you grow more fully into who you already are?

 

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this different way of viewing growth and change. What resonates with you? What small steps are you considering as you move into this new year?

 

Until next time, remember that every sunrise offers a fresh start, and every challenge brings its own wisdom, waiting to be discovered.

 

Wishing you warmth and gentle guidance on your journey,

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P.S. Keep an eye out for my upcoming reflection about moving beyond prescribed wellness practices to rediscover your own authentic path to wellbeing.

 

And if you know someone who might enjoy these gentle reminders about wellbeing and natural connection, feel free to forward this note their way. Sometimes sharing something meaningful with a friend is its own small act of kindness. ✨

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