Transitioning into a New Year

As I sit quietly, journal open, ready to write, I realize that there are just a few days left in 2024. How are you feeling about this year and the prospect of leaving it behind us as we transition into another New Year?

2024 has been a mixed bag-. Some have experienced big events that have had huge ramifications on health and wellbeing, others have made tiny decisions that have affected them in ways they couldn’t have imagined.

Some are chomping at the bit to turn away from this year and can’t wait to see the back of it.

Some are tending to broken hearts at losing a loved one and know the year ahead will be the first of many without him/her.

Still others are celebrating a year filled with gratitude for all the good things that have happened and are excited to keep the ball rolling into a New Year.

As I look back on this year, I’m feeling a mix of feelings. Here’s a snippet of what I’ve written in my journal about it:

This year has been a year filled with growth and learning, especially since June when I made the decision to write one word a day in my journal. I simply wanted to get into the habit of writing daily. What I wasn’t prepared for was the ripple effect this tiny action would have - it spilt over into my decision to begin losing weight in the summer and joining Glean in September and the realization that I had work to do, all of which took consistent daily actions to change my mindset and build daily habits. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions working through these changes but finally, three months after joining Glean, I’m now able to lose weight, slowly and steadily and can’t wait to see the results of consistent action over the next year, no longer an emotional eater or worried about falling off the diet wagon because there isn’t one!

The creation of The Tap and Write Studio and Circles I began facilitating during the last half of 2024 was a surprise. I came across someone who offered therapeutic and reflective writing retreats and was curious about them. From there, a conversation with a friend sparked the idea of offering small group sessions where we used EFT Tapping to calm our minds and bodies before writing to specially curated prompts designed to access deeper parts of ourselves. I completed a Therapeutic/Reflective Writing course and I’m in the process of learning more with two other programs.

Tap and Write feels like home to me and at the same time I’ve felt terrified to put myself out there, to offer something I’ve only just created and am still learning about. To help calm the doubts I’ve had to think of this new project as an experiment - it’s helped ease my fears. Dare I dream that one day I can offer Tap and Write in a retreat where a group of women gather together in a beautiful setting to Tap and Write with me?

As I have grown and stepped into a stronger, more assertive version of me this year, I’ve faced conflict in some relationships. I’m arriving, as I age, to a place within that feels good and is prepared to stand in my power, speak up even when it might ruffle some feathers, to risk emotional turmoil and then let it go.

I’ve also been reminded of how precious this life is and how quickly it can be taken away from us. The loss of a man I worked closely with for 10 years while I worked in Saskatchewan was a shock. I wished I’d kept in touch more - but that’s the thing, we don’t and then before we know it, it’s too late. Rest in peace Don.

So, as I turn towards 2025 and step into a New Year, I’m ready to take this growth and transformation and my fears with me, ready to face new challenges and and those that may have followed me. I look forward to cheerleading our grandchildren on the football field, to playing air guitar with the littlest one, and holding space for their parents as they navigate their careers and own growth throughout the year. I’m looking forward to connecting with friends, a bit of travel, and new adventures. Bring it on 2025 - I’m ready!

And, I’m grateful for you, dear reader, and those who continue to support and join me in coaching and the Tap and Write Studio. May your journey into the New Year and throughout be all that you wish for. Happy New Year!

If you were to write in your journal about this year, what would you say? What would you write as you look ahead to the start of a New Year? I’d love to know! Connect with me HERE

Joan

PS. There are still 2 space open for Tap and Write Your Way Into the New Year on January 3rd, 2025. Register HERE