January 2024: Slowing Down

Hello, January 2024 -

I hope everyone found some time this holiday season for true rest and reflection. Despite many people having time off from work, the hustle and bustle of festivities can actually create more stress, chaos, and overfunctioning if we let it. In light of a new year, I want to share a few ways I have chosen to slow down - in the hopes of inspiring you to do the same.

1. Permission to Indulge - During the holidays and colder months, I give myself permission to do whatever I need in the name of self-care. For me, indulgence looks like getting into pajamas at 4pm and shutting my laptop; having a piece of cake for breakfast on Christmas morning; doing a 20 minute HIIT workout instead of forcing myself to go for a run in the cold. The best part is that I do these things with ZERO guilt or overthinking. During the warmer months, these forms of indulgence don't even sound appealing - but in the winter, it's exactly what I need to feel comforted...and I am 100% okay with that.

2. Clear the Calendar-  After the holiday craze, I tend to go into hibernation mode. I am socially exhausted and want to spend my weekends by the fire with a hot cup of coffee and a book or podcast. Despite social invitations to catch up, I practice setting boundaries with my time and energy and simply tell people I am not in a space to be out and about. There is something empowering about not over explaining or justifying this simple act of self-care. Animals go into hibernation mode in the winter and people should too - period!

3. Intentional Reflection- I am a big believer in reflection at the end of the year, as well as intention-setting (rather than goal setting). This is a time to pause and celebrate the wins and milestones, as well as grieve some of the difficult moments. I do this with all of my clients, but also with my partner, and myself. I have a simple "Reflections and Projections" worksheet that I go through - if you are interested in it, please email me at inwardinquiry@gmail.com and I will send it to you.

Wishing you a new year full of rest, reflection, and taking care of you,

 Lucy