Hi
How was November for you?
Can you believe we're in the final month of not only 2019, but also of this decade?
Throughout November, I found myself reflecting a lot on the past ten years - where I'm at versus where I thought I'd be.
I don't know about you, but the vision I had for my life entering this decade has definitely not manifested in the ways I thought and hoped it would.
From a tangible perspective, I initially felt slightly disappointed with the progress I've made in my life.
That's not to say I haven't achieved great things in the last ten years, because I have - including becoming self-employed with my own company, living abroad on my own, travelling to new places and making new amazing connections.
However, where I've seen the biggest transformation in my life is internally.
I have no idea if it's just because that's what normally happens during your thirties or if it's down to how committed I've been to healing hurt and trauma from the past as well as developing as a more grounded person.
I've become clearer about who I am, what I want, who matters to me and what is important to me in life.
Additionally, I'm less concerned with the views of others, I've let go of relationships that have been unhealthy, one-sided, toxic or that have simply run their course.
I'm also more confident about my voice, my body and what I have to contribute to the world.
It's so interesting to look back and see how insecure I've been in the past, when at the time I believed I was super confident.
However, on reflection, actions I took and the way I behaved in many circumstances, I clearly had several insecurities I was trying to hide.
Throughout the coming weeks, I'll continue to reflect on the past decade to see where my own actions, views, values and beliefs have either held me back or helped me to manifest the vision I have for my life.
I started 2010 strong, upbeat and positive. I felt empowered and excited about the years and decade ahead of me but too many times over this past decade, I've lost momentum and if I'm honest, I definitely haven't even nearly fulfilled my true potential.
So, I am determined to do and be better over the next decade and I believe the only way to do that is to get crystal clear on what I want to be, do and have and most importantly, how I want to feel.
I also need to be totally honest with myself about where I've been at fault.
Only then can I identify what habits, views and values need to be changed and put strategies in place to enable and empower me to consistently live my best, most fulfilling life over the coming decade.
We live in a society that more often that not values things and it can often feel as though you've made no progress when you measure your success solely by actual things you can see, touch and buy.
But it's important not to overlook or downplay emotional and spiritual development and not only acknowledge your personal growth but also celebrate it and view it as the success that it truly is.
Have you found yourself reflecting on the past over the past few weeks?
How do you feel about where you started this decade and where you are now?
Here are a few journaling prompts, including a poem by Nayyirah Waheed, that you may want to use to explore how you're currently feeling:
- Looking back over the past ten years...
- Approaching a new decade makes me think/feel/want...
- What would your past self (from 2009/10) want you to know today?
- What advice would you give your past self (from 2009/10)
