In just two weeks, 2019 comes to an end and not only do we start a new year, but we welcome a new decade. Isn't it crazy to think about all that has happened, or all that has not happened that you thought would, in the past 10 years?? It's incredible (and maybe a tiny bit overwhelming) to stop and think about it all. I mean truly. When you actually sit down, put away your phone, and take the time for yourself to reflect and process who you were, who you have become and EVERYTHING that has happened in between, it's nuts and beautiful and so very real. The craziest part is thinking about the things that were once so important to us and are now a vague, distant memory, questioning if they were even real at all.
Life is full of different chapters, all building on the same story. Ten years ago I was 18 and entering into my first year of college and I remember thinking at one point "Ok, by 28 I will probably be married raising kid or two in a house with my husband; I'll be living a pretty happy life." Well, here we are folks. 28, not married, no kids, living in an apartment in Lincoln Nebraska. I can tell you right now nowhere in my story was Lincoln Nebraska. But guess what? I am living a pretty darn happy, joyful life and I trust that I am exactly where I am meant to be at this stage.
When we think back on where we thought we would be or should be when we reached this stage of life, whichever one that is, we begin to realize that whoa, maybe that wasn't my path after all. Or, my path has taken a new course and for maybe the better. Going into this next year and new decade, it is the perfect time to reflect on and celebrate with gratitude our growth, accomplishments, and magical experiences from the past year and even past decade.
For me, while so much has changed, so much has also stayed the same. Although I would say at my core I am the same person, over the past 10 years I have evolved more into my full self; accepting and loving myself more and more along the way. These past 10 years have been a beautiful, yet also challenging journey. Many chapters had way different endings than I had expected, but looking back, all of those endings led to the next beginning. I have come to realize that it is all about perspective, gratitude, and trusting ourselves. We can't change the past or control the future, but we can be grateful for where we have been, where we are now, and where we have yet to go, trusting in it all.
As I go into 2020 and reflect on my past life, I would want to tell my future self:
"Sam, girl, you got this! You have such a beautiful soul and are in a beautiful phase. Stop beating yourself up, stop holding yourself back. Let go of the fear of the uncertainty and of the control and trust, trust yourself. Never stop being curious; absorb all that you can to challenge yourself and your growth. You have come along way, but the journey is just beginning. Where can you step into your power? What do you want to say YES to? Those opportunities may seem scary but guess what, saying yes will lead you to somewhere new, guiding you down the next path and then to the next. Trust yourself my friend, I believe in you. Always remember the good you have in you and don't forget to share it with yourself sometimes too. I love you and I am so excited to see what is ahead! xoxo, You"
It's your story, you're the hero; you are the narrator. So... what happens next?
Exploration exercises to embrace your 2020 future self:
Reflect on Your Past Chapters
What does the past 10 years look like for you?
Where have you been?
Where are you now?
Where are you headed?
What has changed?
What was planned? What was unexpected?
How have you felt?
Who was there? Who is still there now?
What do you want to tell your past self?
What do you want to carry with you moving forward?
20 for 2020 (Gretchen Rubin:The Happiness Project)
Make a list of 20 things you want to do, see, feel, and make happen in 2020 that will make your life more fulfilling and enjoyable. When thinking about habits or patterns of behaviors you want to change, what do you want to START doing to see those changes?
This list can be as big or as small as you want to make it. Really consider what would bring more joy and less stress into your life. For example, my yoga studio is moving locations starting in January so one item on my list will be to leave work 5 minutes early on 1-2 days a week to ensure I make it to class on time, since I want to ensure I prioritize my well-being in 2020.
Write Your Next Chapter
What would the title of your next chapter be?
Who are the main characters?
What do you hope to achieve?
How do you want to feel?
Where do you hope to be?
What do you want to release/let go of?
What do you want to add more of in your life?
Where will you step into your power?
What is holding you back?
What do you want to claim?
What is the same? What is different?
What do you want to celebrate?
Write a Letter to Your Future Self: Provide love, encouragement, and support for all that is yet to come
What do you want to remember in this moment?
What do you want your future self to know?
Gratitude Letters
Write and send a letter to 2-5 people you want to thank
"You are the author of your story. If you are stuck on the same page, remember that at any moment, you have the power to write a new chapter."
Love you TT!!
Beautiful Sam. I want To thank you for being such an inspiration! Your gratitude is contagious and I know your next 10 years will be just as it is supposed to be. Love You xoxo
I LOVE this time of year. I don't spend a lot of my "dreaming" but at the end of each year I do. I love the activities and will definitely take some time to do a few. I also do a vision board which is SO FUN to have to look at as a reminder of what you're making a priority. Also, I miss you, okay bye. :)
I can’t wait to do the 20 for 2020 activity today!