New Year, True You

It’s practically impossible to resist the urge to make that “new year, new you” vow. You know the one: To look better, feel better, be better.

The world is awash in advice for making sure 2016 is our best. Year. Ever.

We should walk more, read more, sleep more, call more. And eat less, drink less, spend less, stress less. We’re encouraged to reorganize, prioritize and – for the love of God – put that phone away.

There have been some good reminders about the importance of releasing regrets and creating space for what’s next.

And how it’s smarter to set a few simple intentions than to make a long list of resolutions (since no one keeps them past January anyway.)

Come to think of it, so much has been said there’s no need for me to write this post at all.

Except…I read an email from yogini Adriene Mishler in which she said, “It is a new year – but perhaps instead of NEW you – we can aim to get to the TRUE you. “

And it struck a cord.

The New Year offers us a chance to reaffirm our vow to be our best selves by being our authentic selves.

To make a fresh commitment to putting thought, energy and care into being more of who we are – not killing ourselves to become someone else’s idea of who we should be.

You may still decide to hire a personal trainer or learn to meditate. Hike the Appalachian Trail or learn Chinese. Stick to a budget or buy a racing bike.

But you’ll choose to because it will bring you joy or fulfillment – not because someone says you should do it. You’ll make decisions based on whether they feel true for you – not because they’re the right things to do.

In the year since Open Heart Creative came into being, it’s become clear that – when it comes to building a heart-centered business – I’m not the only woman on the planet who gets that being authentic trumps pretending to be someone you’re not.

And so…being my true self in 2016 is about widening my circle – and opening my heart – to discover more chances to serve, learn and grow {and more partners in crime!}

It’s about feeling less guilt when I say “no” and more power in saying “yes.”

It’s about making a promise to look inward for guidance whenever there’s a question about what’s “good for me.”

And it’s about understanding that we don’t have to be new to be better.

In the wise words of Mara Glatzel, “it is about allowing more of yourself into your life and choosing to actively prioritize the things that make you feel really good each day.”

I’m poppin’ the cork on that bottle of bubbly.