What do you want to invite into your life?
And how can you open the door?
Hallelujah, we’ve made it past the halfway mark in January 😅
In some ways, this feels like the longest month ever. But I’m enjoying the slow pace I’ve set myself and the time I’ve found for lots of gentle self-reflection.
While I’m not in the market for massive change or high-energy health kicks right now, it’s nice to pause and think about what more I want from life.
How about you - what are you pondering at the moment?
Hi, I’m Holly - certified coach, Breathworks mindfulness facilitator and author of Zestful Zen. I write about wellbeing, self-care, personal growth, mindfulness, creativity and purpose. My mission is helping you to lead a more mindful, meaningful life, full of zest and energy, complemented by a calm, zen mind. Join the supportive Zestful Zen community today. 💖✨
The year that was
In many ways, 2024 was a year of growth for me. I got my coaching certification, qualified as a mindfulness facilitator, launched my business and decided against extending my contract in Belgium. And of course, I started writing this Substack.
I began shifting my mindset from employee to businesswoman; from team leader to solopreneur; from being a small cog in the corporate wheel to being the one who gets to set direction and make ALL the decisions.
But some things stayed the same, especially on the surface. I’m still doing my 9-5. I still struggle with work-life balance at times. I’m still in Brussels. And I still have plenty of unhealthy habits (hello sweet tooth and love of Belgian pastries!)
Setting intentions
The January flurry (anyone else bombarded with New Year, New You! ads?) inevitably prompts questions, many of them valuable.
What do I want to get out of 2025? Should I be setting big, bold goals? How do I want to show up for myself?
I’m not a fan of New Year resolutions these days, so instead, I chose three words for my year ahead (ambition, surrender and curiosity) and set some gentle intentions (to keep listening to my body and soul, and to live more seasonally).
I feel good about those intentions. But this week I’ve been thinking about another “I”: invitations.
If 2024 was all about being (through mindfulness) and doing (allll the training!), 2025 is about inviting things in.
Welcome, welcome, come on in…
So, what do I want to invite into my life this year?
Opportunities
I think of myself as someone who identifies and seizes opportunities and who also creates them for myself (doing, doing, doing!) That’s always worked out well.
But this year I want to pause sometimes and invite opportunities to find me (Substack collaboration anyone?!)
Rather than being always-on, hunting for the next big thing, creative ideas will bubble up naturally when my brain’s relaxed.
As a side note, I also want to recognise that closed doors can invite in different opportunities. What might feel like a frustrating obstacle at first can lead me to a better path.
My Mum’s illness and passing meant I couldn’t do the necessary pre-work for my next online teacher training module (on mindful movement). So, I’ll do an in-person weekend course in a few months instead.
Costlier, but beneficial: you can’t beat hands-on instruction for movement, and I bet I’ll meet some great people. So, silver linings.
Love
I can’t see a downside to inviting more love into my life! Love for others, love from others, love for myself.
And making sure I fully express the love I feel. Perhaps I’ll feel more vulnerable, but the rewards are worth the risk. I’m so glad that as my Mum aged, I frequently told her I loved her. No regrets there.
Acceptance
I invite in self-acceptance of who I am, a flawed human being who has value just as I am.
And in line with my guiding word “surrender”, I invite acceptance that life will often throw up surprises and challenges and I don’t always need to resist them!
Adventure
Last year I knuckled down to work on my solopreneur dreams (and saved all my spare cash for courses). I also had a very zen time meditating and living mindfully, which was lovely.
But now I’m craving something a bit wilder, so I want to invite adventure back into my life. I want to feel the exhilaration of travel and crazy escapades again. Time to grab my backpack and hit the road!
Questions for self-reflection or journalling ✍️
What would you like to invite into your life?
Is there something you’re scared to invite in? Why?
How can you let go to let things in?
What do you need to change to make space for what you’re inviting?
Now take action 🎯
Pause and reflect on last year (or the last few months).
Identify what you’d like more of in your life.
Consider any obstacles and possible solutions - do you feel internal resistance? Or maybe you need something (e.g. extra childcare) to support you?
Make your invitation with kindness - you don’t have to get there on day 1.
Share your perspective ✨
I’d love to hear your thoughts on intentions and invitations. How do you invite what you want into your life? What holds you back? Do you have any invitations to share with the Zestful Zen community?
Let’s have a conversation in the comments or subscriber chat. 💬
P.S. If you’d like to dive more deeply into self-reflection, upgrade to a paid subscription to join me for Gentle January Journalling.
Ways to connect or work with me 💬
DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer coaching sessions and mindfulness courses.
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What a beautiful post! I am inviting more intentional choices regarding my food. I get so busy that I am not spending the time I would like in the kitchen - and the kitchen time brings me so much joy. This week I've skipped some meals which means I lost opportunities to add nutrients to my body.
“I invite in self-acceptance of who I am, a flawed human being who has value just as I am.” Wow I had to read this twice, such a powerful statement! Love it!