Every year, I look forward to the week between Christmas and New Year's — that uncategorized, unstructured stretch of time with a certain peace about it. I use this space to reflect on the past year and set my intentions for the year ahead.
In the past, I approached it like a hyper-committed student: writing out goals, crafting plans, starting January with a sense of clarity and direction.
This year was different.
The Shift That Changed Everything
I took time to myself — no plans, parties, or commitments. Just quiet, space at home, nourishing food, and watching the movements of nature in my backyard.
Instead of planning and goal-setting, I got still. I let things emerge. I meditated and created space around questions like:
What wants to be brought to life this year?
What is my heart calling for?
How can I be of ultimate service to the world?
What emerged was simple: be in harmony with God's Plan.
One of my teachers shared a piece of wisdom that stayed with me: remember who you work for. Once that landed, I realized anything I could imagine was already contained in that intention. There was no need for further clarity — just full surrender to what life will unfold.
Lessons from Letting Go
This shift was inspired by a lesson I learned during a trip to New Zealand and Australia. I realized that while setting intentions is important, being open and allowing life to expand in unexpected ways is even better.
When I began 2024, I thought I was clear on my intentions. By mid-year, life had other plans. I met someone I'm now dating who lives in Auckland. My sister took on a major film job shooting in Australia and New Zealand. My daughter chose her wedding dress — designed by a New Zealand designer, ordered from their Melbourne studio. All of this unfolded within three weeks.
Neither country had been on my radar. But travel, love, and adventure were. That experience taught me that what's meant for you is far better than anything you could script yourself.
How to Align with Your Year Ahead
If this resonates, here's how you can bring these lessons into your own intention-setting — at New Year's or any time.
Create space for stillness
Before diving into resolutions or goals, give yourself time to pause. Meditate, be in nature, or simply sit in silence. Let your mind clear and your heart open.
Reflect on deeper questions
Ask yourself what invites genuine wisdom rather than performance. Journal as you listen. Let what wants to emerge come through without forcing it.
Release the need for a perfect plan
Set intentions as a guide, but stay flexible. Trust that life may have beautiful, unexpected turns in store — ones you couldn't have planned for.
Focus on alignment, not outcomes
Instead of obsessing over results, focus on being in harmony with what feels right each day. What brings you joy and fuels your soul is pointing you somewhere worth going.
Embrace expansion
When life offers something beyond your plans, lean into it. Let your intentions guide you without being attached to how they look. The things you didn't plan for are often the best parts.
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