As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. One important aspect of this process is making space for yourself – both physically and mentally. By doing more things that serve you and bring you joy, peace, and happiness, and doing less of what doesn’t serve you, you can create a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.
Personal Highlights from 2023
This past year, I found happiness in practicing Tai Chi and meditation. While I have been health conscious, I recognized that personal improvements could be made with stress management and sleep. Practicing Tai Chi and meditation has significantly helped me to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. I also realized that I enjoyed teaching others who may benefit from these practices. As a result, Aspen View Mindfulness, LLC was founded in 2023 to shift these ideas into a reality.
In 2023, I had the opportunity to provide workplace mindfulness workshops to multiple internal teams and Business Resource Groups (BRG) within Johnson Controls. I am grateful to work for an organization supporting diversity and emerging leadership. Some of the groups I was able to provide workplace mindfulness sessions for included JC4e (Johnson Controls for Equity), which is a group that provides recognition and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees, their families, and their allies. I also hosted a workshop during the annual kick-off session for the Johnson Controls Synergy group. This group is focused on creating connections and promoting the development of future leaders. I also provided workshops for multiple internal teams ranging from Services, Portfolio and Innovation leadership, Customer Experience, and IT.
In 2023, I also received my Tai Chi teaching certification from the Tai Chi and Qigong Healing Institute. I was able to teach a weekly neighborhood class this past fall with some fabulous ladies in Charlotte, NC. I also had the opportunity to provide a Tai Chi session for my son’s middle school Cross Country team. I am also thrilled to have an opportunity to teach Tai Chi at Martial Arts University this winter. I look forward to sharing this internal martial art and moving meditation practice with new students and seasoned martial artists. If you are local to Charlotte, NC, we still have some openings for our winter session and are running a 30% off promo through January 10th. Click this link for details and to register for the winter Tai Chi classes starting Thursday, January 4th.
Moving into the new year, I invite you to consider some of the practices below to help you find more space for activities that bring you inspiration and happiness.
Choosing What Fills Your Plate
One way to make space for yourself is by being intentional about what you choose to prioritize in your life. Take a moment to assess the activities, commitments, and relationships that currently fill your plate. Are they bringing you fulfillment and happiness? Are they aligned with your goals and values?
Consider the things that truly matter to you and make a conscious decision to focus on them. This might mean saying no to certain obligations or commitments that no longer work for you. It’s important to remember that your time and energy are valuable resources, and it’s okay to prioritize yourself and your well-being.
Creating Boundaries
Another crucial aspect of making space for yourself is setting boundaries. Boundaries help protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. They allow you to establish limits and communicate your needs effectively.
Identify areas in your life where you need to establish boundaries. This could be in your personal relationships, work life, or even with yourself. For example, you might decide to limit your screen time to create more space for self-care activities or set boundaries with toxic individuals who drain your energy.
Remember, setting boundaries is not selfish; it’s an act of self-care and self-preservation. It allows you to create a healthier and more balanced life.
Embracing Joy and Happiness
One of the most important aspects of making space for yourself is doing more things that bring you joy, peace, and happiness. These activities can vary from person to person, so it’s essential to identify what truly lights you up.
Make a list of activities, hobbies, or experiences that make you feel alive and fulfilled. It could be anything from practicing yoga, reading a good book, spending time in nature, or pursuing a creative passion. By intentionally incorporating these activities into your life, you create space for joy and happiness to thrive.
Letting Go of What Doesn’t Serve You
As you make space for yourself, it’s equally important to let go of things that no longer serve you. This could include negative thought patterns, toxic relationships, or habits that hinder your growth and well-being.
Take inventory of the things in your life that drain your energy or bring you down. It could be self-doubt, comparison, or unhealthy relationships. Once you identify these areas, make a commitment to release them. Seek support if needed, whether it’s through therapy, coaching, or talking to a trusted friend.
By letting go of what doesn’t serve you, you create room for new opportunities, positive experiences, and personal growth.
The Power of Saying No
Learning to say no is a powerful tool in making space for yourself. It allows you to prioritize your needs and protect your time and energy.
Practice saying no to things that no longer align with your values or goals. This could be declining invitations to events that don’t interest you, turning down additional work that overwhelms you, or setting boundaries with people who constantly demand your time.
Remember, saying no doesn’t make you selfish or uncaring. It’s an act of self-respect and self-preservation, ensuring that you have the space and energy to focus on what truly matters to you.
In Conclusion
Making space for yourself in the New Year is a powerful act of self-care and self-prioritization. By choosing what fills your plate, creating boundaries, embracing joy and happiness, letting go of what doesn’t serve you, and learning to say no, you can cultivate a life that aligns with your values and brings you fulfillment.
Remember, you deserve to prioritize your own well-being and happiness. So, as you embark on this new year, make a commitment to create space for yourself and watch as your life transforms.
I welcome you to post below how you will consider making space for increasing your happiness this year.
“Success doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by design.”
– Quote by BJ Fogg, PhD (author of Tiny Habits)
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