Rest, Reset, Reflect, Restart

2024 is coming to a close!

Are you finding yourself swept up in the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities, end-of-year deadlines, and the pressure to hit every last goal on your to-do list? 

But amidst the noise, there’s an opportunity—an invitation—to slow down, breathe, and embrace the power of resting, reflecting, and resetting.

This isn’t just about creating space for yourself; it’s about honoring all that you’ve accomplished, acknowledging the struggles you’ve endured, and preparing your mind, body, and spirit for what’s to come. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s the bridge between who you are now and who you want to become.

But let me remind you of something important: you are an example of what is possible. The way you show up in the world, the way you care for yourself, and the way you rise after every fall—it all matters. You are someone’s inspiration, even if you don’t realize it. When you take care of yourself, you’re not just pouring into your own life—you’re giving others permission to do the same.

Let’s dive into why this practice matters and explore some prompts to help you reflect deeply, reset intentionally, and rest unapologetically.

Why Reflection Matters: Honoring the Journey

The end of the year is the perfect time to pause and take stock of where you’ve been. Reflection helps you see the full picture—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It allows you to celebrate your victories, no matter how big or small, and acknowledge the lessons learned from the challenges you faced.

Ask yourself:

• What moments this year am I most proud of?

• What were my biggest challenges, and what did they teach me about myself?

• How did I show resilience, even when it felt like I couldn’t?

• What relationships, habits, or commitments brought me the most joy? Which ones drained me?

• If I had to sum up my year in one sentence, what would it be?

Take a moment to jot down your thoughts or speak them out loud. This act of reflection not only helps you close the chapter on the year but also clears the way for new possibilities.

Why Rest Matters: Resting is a Form of Resistance

We live in a society that glorifies busyness, but the truth is, rest is one of the most productive things you can do. Your body, mind, and soul need downtime to recharge, heal, and refocus.  You can’t fight oppressive systems if you have not slept! Rest isn’t lazy—it’s an act of resistance in a world that never stops moving.

When you rest, you give yourself permission to slow down and recognize your humanity. You’re not a machine. You’re a person with dreams, goals, and needs that can’t be met if you’re running on empty.

And here’s the thing: by resting, you’re showing others that it’s okay to rest too. You’re teaching your children, your colleagues, and your community that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Ask yourself:

• When was the last time I truly rested, without guilt or distractions?

• What does rest look like for me—physically, mentally, and emotionally?

• How would my life improve if I made rest a priority?

• What is my "why" for needing rest? Is it for my family, my career, my health, or simply because I deserve it?

Rest looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a quiet morning with a cup of tea. For others, it’s unplugging from work or social media. Identify what rest means to you, and make a plan to embrace it.

Why Reset Matters: Creating Intentional Beginnings

A new year represents a fresh start—a blank page in the book of your life. Resetting isn’t about completely overhauling your life or setting unattainable resolutions. It’s about realigning with your values, defining your goals, and giving yourself permission to move forward with purpose.

Ask yourself:

• What do I want more of in the new year? What do I want less of?

• What limiting beliefs or habits am I ready to leave behind?

• What does success look like for me in the upcoming year, and why does it matter?

• How can I show up for myself consistently, even when things get hard?

Use these prompts to set intentions that reflect who you truly are and where you want to go. Remember, a reset isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and showing up for yourself with grace and determination.

You Are an Example of What Is Possible

As you reflect, rest, and reset, remember this: you are an example of what is possible. The way you move through your life, the way you face challenges, and the way you prioritize your well-being sets a powerful example for everyone around you. When you take care of yourself, you’re modeling what it means to live a balanced and intentional life.

You may not feel like it, but you are someone’s inspiration. Someone is watching you and thinking, “If they can do it, maybe I can too.” That’s why your rest matters. That’s why your reset matters. Because when you prioritize yourself, you remind others that they are worthy of prioritizing themselves too.

Build New Traditions: A Ritual to Rest, Reflect, and Reset

Here’s a simple ritual to help you close out the year and welcome the new one with intention:

1. Create Space: Set aside an hour (or more) in a quiet, comfortable space. Bring a journal, a favorite drink, or anything that helps you feel at ease.

2. Rest: Do something restorative. This might be meditating, taking a nap, enjoying a long bath, or simply sitting in silence.

3. Reflect: Answer the reflection prompts above. Let yourself feel proud of your progress and compassionate about your challenges.

4. Reset: Write down your intentions for the new year. Choose a word or theme that encapsulates your vision for the months ahead.

5. Commit: Write down one small action you can take this week to honor your reflections, embrace rest, or step into your reset.

Take Care of Yourself so You Can Take Care of Others

Amiga, let me be firm with you: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Resting, reflecting, and resetting aren’t indulgences—they’re acts of self-preservation and self-respect. You’ve done enough, you are enough, and you deserve to enter the new year feeling grounded and recharged. You deserve to be well to take care of others. 

So take the time. Reflect on your successes and struggles, rest because your body and mind need it, and reset with clarity and intention. You are an example of what is possible—and the new year is waiting for the best version of you.