Welcome to a new season, whether it’s Fall in the Northern Hemisphere or Spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Change is in the air, and it’s a moment to shift gears and embrace what’s next. So, let’s dive into these upcoming three months, often hailed as the “most wonderful time of the year.” Yes, the holidays are approaching, with all the joy, family, friends, and the undeniable allure of festive treats.
But pause for a moment, deep down, don’t you often think about what January will bring? The promises to yourself – “I’m going to shed those 20 pounds,” or “January will be the start of something big.” Perhaps it’s the voice in your head echoing your doctor’s advice: “Cut back on stress, alcohol, sugar, or whatever else you’ve been meaning to address.”
Well, here’s the thing: dreaming about change is fantastic! These dreams and visions propel us forward. But, let me ask you a thought-provoking question: What if you don’t make this change? And why wait until January to make it?
I invite you to embark on a journey of exploration.
Take this time to uncover your visions, dreams, and desires for change. I invite you to become a relentless explorer of yourself. Make lists of pros and cons, delve deep into why you want this change, and ask the essential questions: What will it take to believe in yourself? What obstacles stand in your way? Are you ready to take action?
In my own life, there were times when I received a diagnosis and jumped straight into the action, and other times when I became an observer working up to a deadline to implement my goal. Both approaches served me well.
Let me share a personal story.
I used to be a sugar addict. Give me a bag of Jelly Bellies, and it would disappear in ten minutes. Stressed or hungry? Sugar was my go-to comfort. In my mind, I considered myself healthy because I ate gluten-free – that’s healthy, right?
But in reality, I wasn’t healthy. My mood was all over the place, my hands felt arthritic, and my gut was a mess. It wasn’t until my doctor asked me the fateful question, “How much sugar do you eat?” and discussed my diet that I realized sugar was taking a toll on my mental and physical well-being.
I knew I needed to make a change, but I wasn’t sure how. I was scared, yet determined. So, I took the time to list the pros and cons, explored how I’d feel after the change, and found resources, coaches, and books to guide me. When I was ready, I mapped out a plan and took small steps toward living a sugar-free life.
Change is undeniably hard. We often have the urge to tackle everything head-on, but let’s face it – that’s not sustainable. Real change takes time.
Give yourself permission to be an explorer of yourself. Research, envision, and create. What does your idealized goal look like? Ask yourself, am I ready to do this now? If not, what steps can I take now to stick to creating the change in January? (That could be making an appointment with a health coach, mapping out a plan, or committing to a group.)
Remember to enjoy the process, to play with it. You are 100 percent responsible for your life, and you have the power to change your story. Embrace this season of change and embark on your path to a healthier, happier you.