The New Year often comes with a flurry of resolutions, promises to be better, do more, or somehow improve ourselves. But all this comes on the heels of a busy month that leaves many feeling behind in work, removed from their own energy, full of emotional fluctuations from visiting family, and lacking clarity. It's honestly not the best time to commit to a change, because first, we need to go deeper to find out what change is truly right for us, if any.
This year, consider taking a month-long pause. Take all of January to connect with yourself, reflect on what’s meaningful, and to begin again with intention and care. Prompts for Reflection
What truly nourished me in the past year? Reflect on the people, experiences, or practices that left you feeling full and connected.
What drained me? Identify what felt heavy or misaligned so you can approach it with awareness.
What mindset drained me? Identify what ways of thinking that don't feel like they are going to take you farther.
If I made no changes at all, would that be okay this year? Is this year about growth and achievement, or about catching up with myself and my life? Sit with an open mind about what is actually needed this year.
If I received a terminal diagnosis tomorrow, what would I change immediately? (This can highlight your deepest values, and while you don't have to make any of these changes, it is helpful to keep track of those values).
If I could have one major change this year, what would it be? Consider what brings you joy, excitement, or fulfillment.
What do I need to let go of? Explore any attachments, habits, or fears that no longer serve you.
Practices for Reconnection
Write a Letter to Yourself: Imagine it’s the end of the year—what would you want to say to yourself looking back? What would you thank yourself for?
Create a Rest Ritual: Pick one evening a week to turn off your devices, light a candle, and enjoy uninterrupted stillness or journaling.
Take a Walk Without a Destination: Go outside without a plan—let yourself wander, notice your surroundings, and be present with your thoughts.
Engage in Intuitive Movement: Put on calming music and let your body move in whatever way feels natural, without judgment or structure.
Small Actions for Spaciousness
Declutter a Corner of Your Space: Choose a small area—a drawer, a shelf—and clear it with intention. Notice how it feels to create physical space.
Choose One Nourishing Meal a Day: Prioritize a meal that feels simple and grounding, focusing on how it makes your body feel.
Set Boundaries With Social Media: Limit your scrolling time or take a mini-detox to focus on being present with yourself.
Breathe Before Decisions: Whenever you feel the urge to act quickly, pause and take five deep breaths to find clarity first.
Do One Thing Slowly: Whether it’s making tea, folding laundry, or walking to your car, let yourself fully experience the moment.
Reiki in Boulder in the New Year: A Different Kind of Reset
This January, consider stepping into the New Year with a practice that is rooted in true connection with yourself. Reiki helps you access the deep layers of yourself, offering rest, renewal, and the kind of clarity that fuels the most needed transformations.
At Somatique in Boulder, CO, my Reiki sessions integrate somatic practices, breathwork, and meditation to create a grounded, transformative experience. Whether you’re looking to release stress, reconnect with your intuition, or simply create space for yourself, Reiki offers a pathway to begin your year with balance and intention.
Start the Year With Spaciousness
The New Year doesn’t need to be a time for striving—it can be a time for listening, for softening into who you already are, and for discovering what feels right in this moment.