2024, New Journeys, New Growth, Me, Refined
Here we are again, not another article urging us to drink lemon water, rub a Gua Sha on our face every morning, get ripped, and ditch carbs. Reading this title can either spark inspiration or prompt a subtle eye roll.

Yet, whether we like it or not, the new year has arrived. While some eagerly welcome the year with enthusiasm, others—myself included—may perceive significant routine changes and the pressures of personal development as stress-inducing, unsustainable, and ultimately unproductive. Let the enthusiasts revel in their 'New Year, New Me' mindset, while those of us who approach it with skepticism may opt to channel this wave of inspiration differently.

If overnight changes or cold turkey behaviours don’t tickle your fancy, it's valuable to recognise that even a modest desire to start the year with confidence and strength can be embraced.

Reflection, a powerful tool, can catalyse progress with out us realising it. While some may create extensive lists of New Year's resolutions for the future, for those uninterested, this period offers a convenient opportunity to think about the year that has passed.

Ask yourself:

  • What did you achieve, and what remained untouched in the past year? Are those neglected aspirations still compelling?
  • Do you want to relive the past year, or do you aspire to evolve?

In essence, these questions revolve around evolution—a gradual development connected to our
past.

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, there's no need to discard your former self entirely in pursuit of a new one. Such an approach lacks coherence. Rather than shunning our past selves, let's acknowledge aspects to enhance or upgrade. Much like our iPhones do several times each year. Personal improvements, achieved through even the smallest, sustainable actions, are beneficial—they are good, they are healthy.

When it comes to our health and long-term well-being;
Its a marathon not a sprint.

Within our personal marathons, thousands of steps, both small and repetitive, define our journey. Some steps empower us, while others feel brutal. Yet, each step holds significance and contributes to a purpose. They depend on one another, gradually forming a path toward the finish line.

No one leaps through a marathon. Instead, embrace small, unintimidating steps like:

  • Taking five deep breaths before getting out of bed
  • Opting for 10 minutes of movement, acknowledging that some is better than none
  • Choosing the stairs over an elevator

As the year unfolds, these steps naturally become habits, which become milestones for reflection
the next January.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Innately, we strive for new progress and growth. Our desire is to accumulate experiences and
tackle new challenges, so we can learn from them and repeat the cycle. This progression can
often occur effortlessly, and whether consciously embraced or not, we all encounter a 'New Year,
New Me' mindset at some point, to some extent.

As we navigate the perpetual cycle of growth and change, let's remember that the power to shape
our narrative lies in embracing the lessons of the past, living fully in the present, and mapping out
a meaningful journey towards the future we envision.

Over the next month, we'll delve into sustainable health discussions, covering staying fit while
traveling, establishing achievable goals, and embracing an accessible and unintimidating
approach to physical and mental fitness.

Stay tuned.

//Merit