Happy New Year loves! How have you been? It feels like ages since we were last in this space chit-chatting. I took the holidays quite seriously! Meaning, I seriously prioritized spending time with my family. In fact, I reveled in it and my soul feels renewed for taking that approach. I make no apologies for any delayed responses to anything less than urgent. I hope you did the same to reset your mind, body, and soul. Here’s the thing though, if you’ve been following me for a while, you may know that I am not a big proponent on the whole ‘new year, new me’ approach. Why? Well let’s explore that in today’s post, shall we?
New Year, New Who?
I love the new year, it’s a great opportunity to do a complete reset of mind and body. My approach is to reflect on what I’ve learned the previous year and improve on in the new year.
The thing is, I’m still me. I love me! However, I’m grounded enough to know we are all a work in progress. Meaning, there’s always some action or intent for me to improve upon. I spoke at length about why I choose to set intentions, not goals. Given that approach, after reflecting on lessons learned, I then focus on setting intentional feelings and actions as I come out of my reset period.
Let me be clear, this ain’t a one day and done thing for me either. I usually dedicate a few days to reflect, ruminate and then reset.
Old Year, New Year and What did Shannon Learn?
Why thank you for asking 
! I shared this image on my Instagram a few days ago. It is a general summary of what I took away from 2022. I know a few of you may have missed it, so I’ve reshared it here and I’ll elaborate some more about it.
1. Learn to Distinguish Who Deserves an Explanation
Often times we find ourselves over-explaining our actions to all and sundry. That’s just not necessary or sustainable. In a way, it’s an attempt to justify our personal decisions or ideologies to those around us.
The thing is though, not everyone deserves this level of insight into our soul. Furthermore, we should not rely on justifications to validate our feelings, actions, or intentions.
Also, no is a complete sentence. Yes, sometimes NO is all that needs said at all.
2. Learn to Distinguish Who Deserves an Answer and Who Deserves No Response at All
As a business owner, mom, wife, and family member, I get questions chucked at me all day long. I’m not going to sh!# you, it’s overwhelming as F#$!. There are days that my texts and multiple email addresses tether on over one hundred messages (per communication channel!!!!). I’m sure this scenario reverberates with quite a few of you. All these hundreds of questions from a multitude of people within and outside my sphere are typically demanding an answer to issues, real or imagined. Here’s the thing though, If I’m to follow the urge to respond to everyone, I’ll never find respite. Nor will I find time for myself to exist, produce or make my own mark in this crazy beautiful world we live in.
These days, I evaluate what’s worth a response or what quite simply isn’t my problem, concern, or worth one ounce of my energy. I mean, it could even be an outstanding ‘lol’, my friend, it ain’t gonna happen if it feels forced.
I’m happier for it and I urge you to prioritize what’s worth responding to in your life. Be it big or small.
New Year, New Intentions
While this type of self-evaluation is time consuming, it is worth the personal investment. It’s not easy, you’ve got to be completely honest when you’re assessing yourself. This means facing the music about areas of your own character that needs improvement. After all, we cannot demand from others, what we ourselves are unwilling to do.
Regardless, taking the time to reflect on mistakes made, lessons learned and to acknowledge wins is a great way to start your new year. I invite you to take this weekend and do the same.
My loves, I wish you a happy, productive, healthy, and successful new year.
XOXO Shannon
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