Today is a very special day for me and others who celebrate the Winter Solstice. It’s a day of rebirth and renewal and on the shortest day of the year, the return of the sun as we begin to welcome it back into the longer days. In my religion, we celebrate having made our decent into darkness, and we begin to make our way into the light. What a beautiful thought as I begin to process my meditation, self care and renewal thoughts for the upcoming new year and my own transformation. I want to bring in the light.
Light.
That’s a powerful word for someone who has seen complete darkness. Who has lived their own darkness or battled it. My addiction of drugs and alcohol didn’t necessarily hit the proverbial ‘rock bottom’ as many allow it to do before they get help. But then again, I don’t really know what my rock bottom was, is, or could have been, so I guess I can’t say that truly confidently. What I do know and can say is I have come out the other side in a good place and take each day as it comes, one day at a time. Just because I didn’t get arrested and thrown in jail doesn’t mean I didn’t do terrible and unforgiveable things. I just look at it as I was being watched over by one hell of a kick ass Guardian Angel. One I don’t deserve for some of the things I pulled. I shouldn’t be here alive today. I recognize that now.
This Solstice, and the beginning of 2024 seem pivotal to me. I’m not sure if the end of the year those in sobriety have this same feeling, but to me, this new year can mean a lot. I have now, the opportunity to be sober (happy, joyous and free) for a full year…plus. And in my experience, once you have a full year out of darkness, the light seems brighter for some reason. I remember being in the grieving process when I lost a loved ones, and it was always the ‘firsts’. The first holidays, the first birthdays they were gone, the first anniversary of their passing etc., but seemingly, once that ‘first’ milestone past, it got a little easier. Maybe that’s why I’m pulling so hard for myself going into this new season of life. Because I have this first year in my vision, and in August it will be a full year. My season of ‘firsts’ will be completed. I can hopefully return to the light in full glory.
I realized what I wanted my resolution to be for the new year. And I don’t really like the term resolution for what mine is, because for me, it’s really a lifestyle change and commitment. But for all intents and purposes we can call it a resolution. It’s basically a new ME. Building a better me! And it has a lot to do with self-care on many levels, taking care of my health (both physical and mental), and focusing on changing old bad habits into good, healthy ones. I sense a shift and I am going to use that to my advantage completely. You know when you just feel something happening in the universe around you? It’s almost like you can feel the glittery particles floating in the light swirling all around you – it’s not really there but you can sense it? It’s that. That intensity of grounding so solidly yet being lifted so straight my crown chakra so desperately wants to be opened up. It’s an amazing feeling and I want that for each of you. To build a better YOU!
That universal shift is similar to the same shift I felt that lead me to sobriety in the first place. So I know it’s real. And I know it’s magical. It’s important to look inward during the Solstice, and what better way to look inward that look at what you love and what you want to change and make better. Behold, my lifestyle change/resolution!
I’m starting off the new year with a 30 day cleanse. Cleansing all my organs and whole self of toxins, and grit and grime that has been plaguing me from this year and that can do me harm. This in turn also comes with eating clean for 30 days to allow the cleanse to work properly. So I’m starting off the year fresh (and clean).
My goal is to read 10 books this year. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot (I really wanted to read a book a month – but I know my schedule and that just wouldn’t happen. This goal is attainable) This will continually support my MENTAL pillar. And I will read every day, sometimes might be 5 minutes, sometimes I might get a whole hour in!
I have my gratitude journal to write in every day. It has 365 pages – one for each day – and I have already started pre-filling out the dates to keep myself accountable so I don’t miss one. I have also given my sponsor the same journal and we speak daily and can discuss our gratitude items! This will continually support my EMOTIONAL pillar.
I also want to take time for my outside appearance to boost my confidence. Take one day a week for something new. Cryotherapy, a facial, getting my hair colored (this red unfortunately is not natural!), a mani/pedi, a massage, or something just to make me feel good! If I feel good on the outside, I feel good on the inside! We can’t pour from an empty cup, especially as moms. Meaning, it’s ok to take a selfish and allow you a little bit of time to pamper yourself.
Those are my continuous promises for the year. I found myself beginning to build a calendar of self-care. Mondays might be for Mental Health, and will include writing here, and perhaps read a little longer than other days. Tuesdays should include the Physical pillar, where I will get moving doing my runs, power walks, yoga, exercise with my dogs and whatever else my soul feels called to do. Wednesdays I will focus on Spiritual connections – spending extra time in my special space and meditating, breath work, grounding and working with my objects of divination. Thursday is looking to be heading toward the Emotional pillar. That is my day at therapy (which, I wouldn’t trade for anything!) and trying to cope with life effectively in any way I can in each new day and week. Friday, Financial. I want to be able to save a certain amount of money each week. For an emergency, for a special trip, gift, or just to save. *I’ve been terrible at finances my entire life, so this is something that I personally need the most help on!
And on the weekends, it’s family time, but that doesn’t stop my self-care routine. I will read, I will slow down, I will continue my chores but get up early to do them and move so I can utilize my time wisely and not spend all day stuck inside trying to fold clothes or do dishes. Self-care also is self-management.
It’s exciting to see these things each week begin to be put in writing. And my goal, since I don’t like ‘routines’ (they get boring) is to switch every week up; my activities anyway. Keep with the same pillar, but do something different every week so I am allowing a new part of my brain to be activated, something new to be discovered. I’m hoping this new light that begins to shine in 2024 is bright. Let me get my sunglasses ready!
The goal of these blogs is to set intentions and to manifest a beautiful and purposeful life! To find beauty in the ugliest of places and to find light in the darkest.
Come with me on this journey as we discover a pathway to healing, health, purpose and joy!
And remember: Don’t take life too seriously, no one gets out alive!
Awaken Your Soul's Potential 