New Year, New View!🥲
New Years was a bit different for me this year. No party, not even a night with friends. In the midst of a chaotic year, I chose to spend the evening alone at a women’s retreat in Cambodia. With time for reflection, I found gratitude for so many things that most take for granted. Two legs that don’t just walk, but RUN. Two hands that type this, & the genuinely special freedom to do so from wherever I choose... & if we’re honest, 2023 was tough for the hospitality industry -so even the ability to afford to do this.
Many have the habit of setting health, career & finance goals. It’s never been my style. I might set goals, but I don’t need a special day to do it. For sure, I celebrate every small win along the way & practice self love by not being disappointed if I don’t achieve them.
Someone taught me that it’s a lot easier to appreciate your progress along the way than it is to beat yourself for not hitting grandiose goals & this has always stuck with me. If you enjoy sports of any kind: Do you ONLY enjoy the game or the hike, if you achieve what you set out to? For some, maybe - but you miss everything along the way! I’ve had to bail on quite a few hikes - bad weather / washed out trails - but just because I didn’t reach the peak I thought I would, doesn’t mean I didn’t have an amazing experience. Perhaps I was never meant to reach THAT peak.
As we step into 2024, we can’t help but think what the next year holds. For me, I’m embracing the complete unknown and I find it exhilarating.
Each day, I’m consciously recognizing what I’m grateful for. Be it morning (decaf) coffee, a stranger’s smile, a project finished, or the feeling of AC in sweltering hot SE Asia. And I’m continuing my habit of sending out positive vibes - a thoughtful message to a friend, compliment to a stranger or leaving a 5 star review where it’s due. These small acts really lift everyone involved - & they create a ripple effect.
This year consider swapping out those big goals for something more nurturing. Choose to be kinder to ourselves, find happiness in what we have, & spread positivity where we can. Here’s to a year of gratitude, growth & gentle self-love. 🙏