Harnessing the Power of the Pen for a Fulfilling Year Ahead

This is the time of year when most of us think about what gifts we can give to friends, family and loved ones. While it won’t cost you anything, there is a powerful gift you can give yourself this holiday season, one that will serve you throughout the year ahead. I learned this technique from my life coach over a decade ago, and have practiced it every year since. It is actually quite simple. Want to learn more? Read the five steps below!!

Step one: To get the most out of this exercise, find a time when you are free from interruptions or distractions and really focus inward. You may find it helpful to close your eyes, focus on your breath and then visualize what you want your year to look like. Don’t rush this step- be generous with this exercise and your aspirations for yourself!

Step two: Take out a piece of paper or use your computer to describe the vision for your year ahead. Don’t edit or critique your words, simply allow them to flow. What do you yearn for? After you feel comfortable with your description, consider a word or phrase that captures what is most important to you. What do you wish to experience, be or achieve in the year ahead? To get you started, here is what I created for my statement. After a string of injuries this year that prevented me from exercising, my intention is to regain my health. Therefore, my 2024 intention statement reads: “2024, My Year of Expanding Health for Myself and Others”.

Step three: Next, identify categories of your life that matter to you. While you can use as few or as many as resonate with you, some examples might include:

• Health and well-being

• Spirituality

• Love

• Finances

• Family & friends

• Purpose

• Connections

Step four: What statement best describes exactly what you envision for a fulfilling year under each category you chose? Use positive terms, such as “I am”, and “I have”. Here is what I wrote back in 2010 for my health and well-being category, and it still applies today.

“I am vibrantly healthy. I make choices based on what my body needs and wants. I listen to my inner wisdom and honor the messages I receive. I move my body daily, for joy and strength and well-being. I run, cycle, lift weights and do yoga with passion and joy, as these things make me fully alive. I eat whole, real foods that nourish my body on all levels and provide me with optimal health. I savor my food and give thanks for my healthy body. I am a role model of good health and am privileged to support others on their journey to better health”.

Step five: Once you have created your vision and intention for 2024, keep a copy handy to review from time to time as a reminder of the gift you are giving yourself.