How making time for reflection can bring new life and energy

Have you ever wondered why the start of a new year, or the changing of seasons can feel so important to many people?

A new year or season can be a powerful moment to pause, take a step back, and reflect on the year or season gone by, as well as the year ahead. A time to let go of the past and start fresh with renewed energy and optimism. Like the turning of a page or a new chapter. An opportunity to draw a line under what has gone before, especially if it has been a difficult or crazy time. We can stop to be grateful for all the good things we have and count our blessings.
 
It's a time to re-energise, re-organise ourselves and make new plans for the future, whether that's about work, relationships, or hobbies. 

We may want to give up bad habits a break or start to build a few better ones for improved self-care, and happiness and make the most of our lives. Echoed in the words from Mary Oliver’s (1935-2019) poem “The Summers Day”. 

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do 
with your one wild and precious life?”

It makes you think, doesn’t it? 

Often a fresh perspective emerges after a conversation with a stranger or trusted confidante, acting as a sounding board who can help us release the old and get moving again. We are lucky if we have those chance meetings or friendships around us or at work. But sometimes we don't have that person in our lives, we can get stuck in our thoughts and need someone to help us get moving again. This is where a coach can come in handy to help us build confidence, self-esteem and motivation. 
 
Research suggests that practising mindfulness and gratitude can help do this by shifting our mindset and attracting more positivity and wellness into our lives. It is a bit like bringing light to the dark. Sometimes we need a little help to help our light our light shine more brightly. 

"I am not defined by darkness"
Confided the night
"At dawn I am reminded
I am defined by light"
Lemon Sissay (let light pour in)
 
Poetry can be a wonderful tool for reflection, finding new insights and bringing light to old problems. Take a moment, letting the words drop in a little deeper, and notice what happens. Combining a breathing exercise with poetry can help ideas to bubble up to the surface. Some people like to draw, make notes or share their feelings and thoughts with others.
 
Life, career coaching or business coaching is a proven way to get more out of life and work by providing a fresh perspective on things and helping us see things in a new light. It's a very human process that can help us gain new insights and shift our ways of thinking to achieve goals including more work/life balance. Wellness coaching and self-compassion are proven to help with anxiety and depression. So, if you're feeling stuck or uncertain about the future, a coach could be just what you need to help oil your wheels and get you moving forward with confidence and clarity! 
 
To find out more about how a mindful, reflective approach to coaching can bring new light and wisdom this year, contact me.