Do you ever find solace in a guilty pleasure? For me, it’s unwinding with a cup of tea and indulging in a Grey’s Anatomy marathon. Shonda Rhimes, the brilliant mind behind the show, has a way of weaving stories that resonate deeply. After each episode, I find myself thinking, “The world makes a little more sense now,” or maybe even considering a spontaneous “dance it out” session.
In the vast realm of Grey’s Anatomy, there’s an episode in season seven where the theme is “change.” Meredith Grey, the lead character, drops some wisdom about change that resonates with me: “When we say things like ‘People don’t change,’ it drives scientists crazy. Because change is literally the only constant in all of science… Change is constant. How we experience change, that’s up to us.”
Let’s Reflect and Set Intentions
As we approach the year’s end, and the solstice is upon us, it’s a perfect moment to think about the changes and intentions we desire for the future while also reflecting on all we’ve accomplished in the past year.
I invite you to pause the holiday excitement and take a moment for yourself. Go grab a cup of something warm, find a quiet space, pull out your journal, and ask yourself:
- “What have I done in 2023?” Give yourself credit for the efforts, growth, and significant strides you’ve made.
- Then, let your thoughts linger and ask, “How do I want to keep growing?“
- What aspects of myself do I want to reclaim?
- What can I gracefully leave behind?
- Why do these changes matter to me?
Bring Joy Into Change
Here’s the kicker—whatever changes or intentions you set, make sure they bring you joy. Yes, joy. Picture that feeling when everything just aligns, and you can’t help but smile from the inside out. For me, an example of joy is embodied by my dog, Smith, and the sheer delight he experiences at the beach. As he steps into that space, the energy transforms, and his pure happiness becomes infectious.
I understand not every choice will elicit the same joy as a day at the beach with Smith, but every decision should be a step towards that uplifting feeling. Seek out the things that make you genuinely happy and fulfilled. Whether it’s a hobby, a relationship, or a new adventure, let joy be your guiding light in this journey of change.
Dance Into Your Next Chapter
So, as the winds of change swirl around you, embrace them with open arms, loosen your grip, and dance with the rhythm of life. Remember, change is constant, but how you experience it is entirely up to you. Choose joy, and let it be the soundtrack to your evolving story.