Funny story...
This week, while stuck in the house with one child home sick, I must have journaled 10 pages about my 2025 intentions, only to realize I was missing one very important concept. Gratitude.
It's so easy to jump into planning out where you want to go because we are used to that "moving on", more more, Doing energy. But what about taking into account who/what is or isn't coming with you? By first reflecting on the past year and noting specifically what WORKED - what felt really, really good so we can move forward with INTENTION and CLARITY.
Start by connecting to thoughts and memories that bring on positive emotions. This is called Resourcing and the purpose is to bring on pleasant sensations in the Body and elicit safety in the nervous system. Review your 2024 calendar and camera roll, and consider making a collage of your favorite people, places, things, and experiences in 2024 with a special focus on gratitude. What really worked out? Which friends and family members were there for you?
Then, from that space of regulation and security, we can finally access CLARITY. When we're dysregulated (from chronic stress and fight/flight response) the nervous system purposely turns down the dial on mental function. This also explains why we can sometimes feeling really scattered, when we're "supposed" to be planning for the future. After all, vision boarding isn't exactly the #1 priority when your Body thinks it's being chased by a bear. But when we take the time to get grounded and regulated, slowly mental function, focus, and future thinking access comes back online. Check out this blog post which includes Nervous system regulation practices to help you make informed decisions that support the future You and that are aligned with your truest nature.
Taking it even further, connecting to things we're grateful for and remembering good experiences literally raises our vibration. Thoughts and emotions, just like any other energy, have a vibrational frequency. Check out this nifty chart below - specifically comparing the frequency of REGRET vs LOVE. Take control of your life by moving forward with gratitude and love, intentionally setting the tone for your year. From your calm and clear space, reflect on the past year and identify experiences that lead to positive emotions. Intentionally guide yourself towards the energy of - "YES, more of that. Please and thank you."
So before you dive into your intention setting and vision boards, take some time to slow down and reflect. After all, technically January was deemed the beginning of the Year by the church but according to Nature, the spring equinox is the truest beginning. Honoring the arrival of spring as the year’s true kickoff is another great way to aligned your life with your true nature. Allow winter to be your time to rest, recover and reflect, all in preparation to Bloom once again in the Spring.
If you're ready to learn more about taking back control of your happiness and wellness through via nervous system practices and somatic healing, visit this page to explore the upcoming Somatic Coaching program or contact Samantha Long at selfcarewithsam@gmail.com.
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