Embracing Change: The Journey of Imagination and Freedom
Written on
The Spirit of New Beginnings
As the year draws to a close, December 31 is not just another day; it represents a significant transition. This year, it happens to fall on a Sunday—the culmination of the week, the month, and the year itself. It feels like an opportunity for a monumental reset! While December and January may appear to be just around the corner, they seem like ages away to me.
What is it about the idea of fresh starts that captivates my soul? It stirs a deep yearning for more—more love, joy, peace, and freedom. It’s akin to boarding a plane for a long-awaited journey.
When I settle into my seat on an aircraft, my perspective shifts. I’m no longer the single woman that colleagues pity during the holidays, the one they invite into their homes to avoid solitude. The constraints of my life fade away, including my dissatisfaction with living in Arizona—a dry, desert environment that feels stifling. I momentarily forget about bills, work, and the monotonous routines of life.
The essence of freedom
In that moment, I transform into a free spirit, open to whatever awaits me at my new destination. I can wander through the streets of a foreign city, marveling at its distinctive architecture, savoring local cuisine, and engaging in delightful conversations with strangers.
I can let my inner self expand. That feeling of pure contentment and joy surges from deep within, radiating from my chest to my mind. It's akin to a wave of oxytocin coursing through my veins, washing away worries and filling me with bliss—like being surrounded by a hundred puppies on a sunny morning.
The Lessons of 2024
Perhaps these insights are what I need to embrace in order to break free from my daily routines in 2024:
Release Labels
Labels can be sticky and stubborn, leaving an uncomfortable residue. This applies to both the labels others impose on me and those I place upon myself. I need to remind myself that:
- I am not bound by what others call me. I can respond with, “That may be true,” and take the time to reflect on its validity—not to conform but to understand myself better.
- Just because something was true yesterday doesn’t mean it has to be true today or in the future. My self-perceptions are not fixed; I have the power to evolve and grow.
Nurture Imagination
I once had a vivid imagination that led to accolades for my artistic expressions and storytelling. Yet, as I grew, my creativity shrank to a mere seed, stifled by societal expectations. This year, I aim to nurture that seed. I will write daily, whether in my journal or on my blog, and prioritize quiet time to let my imagination thrive.
Detach from Outcomes
Managing my response to creative bursts can be challenging. I often rush headlong into projects, driven by a “no pain, no gain” mentality. But this approach can lead to frustration. Instead, I will focus on discipline and perseverance rather than trying to control every outcome. Discipline will guide me on my journey, helping me stay grounded and motivated.
The Path Forward
This plan serves as my manifesto for the great reset in 2024. I hope it inspires you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and creativity.
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