Reflecting on November and Embracing a New Beginning in December

Calendar Pages

Usually reflections come at the end of December, but with one month left of 2024 I'm looking back on November as the end of an intense journey; one that hopefully (🤞) has prepared me for starting a new phase in my life. The past few months have been a whirlwind of emotions that have, on occasion, brought me to tears. The disappointment, the worry and the feeling of failure has been incredibly tough but its lead me to a point of acceptance, appreciation, closure, and improvement.

So, what have I learnt from November?

* Authenticity means more than acceptance - If I'd have known the outcome of my decisions before I made them, I would still be true to my own values, even if that meant walking alone.

* Evolving means embracing change - My plans, my path, my people and my priorities are all open to change, and I'm ok with that. Anyone who isn't, isn't worth my worry.

* Growth doesn't need to be vocal - Just because others demand an audience to validate their victories, I can be making my moves and taking my chances in silence; it doesn't make them any less valuable. 

* Self worth is absolutely non-negotiable - I should never have to justify my boundaries, explain the choices I make, or feel the need to prove my value. The very minimum I should be able to expect from others is respect but if I don't get that, it's their problem, not mine. Anyone who does make me question my self-worth only succeeds if I let them.

As we move into December and I proceed onto a new path, I have an opportunity to excel and make this final chapter the best one of all. The aim is to embrace the uncertainty of what lies ahead with confidence and:

* Be present in the moment - let go of what no longer serves me and make space for what does. 

* Uplift myself and others, and be excited about what is to come.

* Make more time for self-care.

* Most importantly, I want to be intentional about what I really want and get clear on my visions and plans for 2025.

Lastly, I have realised that my biggest detriment to date has been having the wrong people around me; in contrast however, my greatest asset has been having the right people around me. I am so grateful to my inner circle for reminding me that I'm loved, and for helping me forget my struggles for a little while. Having people in my life in I can trust made me feel safe, valued, and comfortable at a time I felt anything but.

It may be November but I have to take control of my life - 11 months in to the year or not - only I have the power to change it. If the best time to do something about it was yesterday, the next best time is today. It's time to start a new way of living; to lean in to the unknown, take chances, find new opportunities and embrace the changes waiting for me!