Pause, Reset, Look Forward!

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Sometimes we get to a certain point and we just need to take a pause and reflect so we can reset in order to go forward. Sometimes the beginning of a new year causes us to take a pause and reflect. Other times it can be after a loss, a major transition, a fabulous travel opportunity, or a change in life.

For me, my pause and reset came after the loss of my dog Chase and a relationship ending around the same time. I took some time to get quiet and and to listen to my own voice and heart and hear what it was telling me. How do I want to be in my life? What can I do differently? What do I want to change? What do I feel grateful for? Having done the work and being open and honest with myself has been life-changing. I feel as though I am more connected to myself, happy, more at peace, and excited about what new adventures will come.

What if you aren't at a major transition in your life? That's ok, you can still take a pause and reset, Summer is also a great time to pause when schedules may slow down a little. Plus it is half way into the year. Find any date and make it your time to reflect on the first half of the year. Use this day as an opportunity to explore what the rest of the year looks like for you. Who do you really want to be?

Here are 3 exercises you can do to help you reset and go forward with new vibrancy, excitement, and purpose.

Set a date and make it happen. 
Pick a date that resonates with you. Perhaps the Summer Solstice, which happens every year between June 20 and June 22. The Summer Solstice officially brings in summer and is the day of the year in which we get the most amount of daylight. What better way to enjoy that extra bit of light than by exploring the ways in which you can start fresh for the rest of the year?

Reflect, then Look Forward.
What has worked for you so far this year? What would you like to change? Make a list. The good and not so good. Get it all down on paper. Maybe practice gratitude for the good. Reflect, and write down how the not so good made you feel and any thoughts, learning lessons or growth, and what may need to change. Not sure what I mean? Perhaps you lost a loved one, a job, or are just in a rut. That sadness you feel can be transformed into positive energy. Maybe volunteering more and helping others can help. Maybe you made some mistakes in some aspects of your life. Own it. Recognize it. Change it. Write it down and then set out how to do something different moving ahead. 

Stay Accountable.
Once you have your list and have set goals, check in on yourself! Don’t let excuses get in the way of your growth. Perhaps tell a friend or family member what you’re up to and ask them to help keep you on track and on target. By setting your goals in this deliberate manner, you take actionable steps to a fresh perspective to go forward with.

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