Your secret to a less stressy 2025.
Have you ever wondered why life feels like a constant up and off life's highs and lows? Basically, this is life. Someone once told me that, like a heart monitor, it only stops going up and down when you flatline. Life is designed to be up and down.
But what makes some people seem to manage it so well and others feel overwhelmed? The difference is some people are really good at knowing where they end and others begin. What is theirs to deal with, and what is not?
There are two concepts that are deeply connected to stress - Holding on and letting go.
I am your ride-or-die chick. I've got you. But over the last year, I have prioritised letting go instead of holding on. And it has shifted things, I have enjoyed the power of releasing responsiblity.
The Japanese word for "letting go" is 手放す (hanasu). It conveys the idea of releasing something from one's grasp, both physically and metaphorically."
Letting go is both a form of release and also a space for new beginnings. That could be new patterns of behaviour, new styles of communication, new ways of interacting and new ways to live by. 2024 was a shedding year and I cultivated a new sense of self by letting go of more. There are many things that have really worked for me, some of which I shared in my newsletter and others I share below.
As we look into 2025, you may wonder, what are my self-empowering resolutions for this year?
Here are 6 Self Empowering Resolutions you might want to consider:
● Embrace New Opportunities. Might be new chances to rest and slow down or set new career ambitions. Work on the exit plan. Give new situations a try. Lean into to things you would normally put off, from landscaping the garden to going on the long awaited girls trip. See new cultures, try new perspectives, digest new ways of thinking to engage in a life that is expansive.
● Cultivate meaningful relationships. With others and yourself. Surround yourself with funny people, honest people, and non-judgemental people. Ask do I support myself? Are you positive about yourself? Do you inspire yourself? Do you uplift yourself? Quality over quantity is key when it comes to meaningful connections. Both with others and you. Spending a lot of time with yourself is one thing, but what is the quality of that time spent alone?
● Self Advocacy. I adore this one. Even when I'm the one being told no. Once, my daughter politely told me that she couldn't pick up her brother at short notice as she was resting. I was understandably annoyed as I was running late and her older brother had let me down. But mostly, I was so proud that she was prioritising her need to recharge over my request. I've taught her well.
● Embrace Your Flaws. Sounds ugly but so liberating. Embracing takes the power of shame out of the equation. Life is not perfect, not even on Instagram. Own it all. All the messy, all the mishaps, all the imperfect parts of you, all the oh shoot, won't do that again. Celebrate them even and use them to your advantage. And those who matter won't care!
● Live Boldly. You can do it quietly or with as much noise as a trombone in an orchestra. Just do it. Make no apology for pursuing what makes you happy. Whether that is joining a club - I joined a book club recently #lovinit Or if you want to change your hair, wardrobe, taste in music, type of cuisine you cook, or just taking charge of your life with unwavering confidence. Do it all!
● Make Rest Matter. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it's taking time for a hobby, practising meditation, or simply resting, self-care replenishes your energy and resilience. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
RESOLUTIONS & REST
Rest helps you recharge your energy, refresh your creativity, and renew your motivation for pursuing your heart's desires. You can learn from the concepts by finding a balance between doing and being, between striving and savouring, and between meaning and pleasure.
Remember the Japanese guide to living. IKIGAI is taking naps, meditating, reading books, gardening, setting boundaries for work hours, creating a relaxing environment or finding hobbies that make you happy.
The art of letting go is a tool many use to stay balanced " Why not give them a try today? 😊
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