Reflect and Reset: Simple Ways to Close Out the Year Mindfully

As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what this year brought—both the wins I’m celebrating and the lessons I’m carrying forward.

One of the things I’m most proud of is showing up for my business every single day, even in the smallest of ways. Whether it was writing an email, brainstorming new ideas, or planning content, I kept showing up. That consistency felt deeply rewarding.

But I also learned something important: just because I’m making progress doesn’t mean my people-pleasing and perfectionism tendencies magically disappear. I’ve noticed how those habits can sneak in and sometimes lead me to avoid hard things or stick my head in the sand. It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning to embrace the mantra: done is good enough.

This time of year is the perfect opportunity to reflect on everything you’ve experienced—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Start by asking yourself a few reflective questions:

• What brought you joy this year?

• What felt challenging, and how did you navigate those moments?

• What lessons did you learn, and how have they shaped you?

Try this:
Jot down highlights, lowlights, and lessons learned in your journal, or create a visual collage of the year’s key moments.

Prompt idea:
What’s one thing you’re most proud of this year, and why?

Even a short reflection can remind you of how much you’ve grown and help you see patterns in your journey.

Release What No Longer Serves You

Letting go is one of the most freeing things we can do. For me, social media has been a big area of reflection this year. I pushed myself to show up, especially on TikTok, and while I was proud of trying something new, I eventually hit burnout from trying to “keep up.”

I’m still figuring out whether I’ll let it go completely, but I’ve decided this: I’m only going to use platforms and techniques that feel genuinely good in my business and life. No more doing things because I think I have to or because someone else is doing them.

If that resonates with you, here are a few ideas to help you release what’s no longer serving you:

A few ideas:

• Write a list of what you’re ready to leave behind in 2024, and burn or discard it as a symbolic gesture.

• Declutter a small space—like a drawer, a desktop, or a folder on your computer. Create physical space to reflect the mental clarity you’re inviting in.

• Take a walk and imagine letting go of a heavy weight with each step you take.

Try this:
Write down one thing you’re ready to release and say goodbye to it with kindness.

Set Gentle Intentions for the New Year

Instead of rigid resolutions, I’m focusing on feelings I want to carry into 2025. For me, that means continuing to feel proud of showing up for myself and my business, finding fulfillment in helping amazing women, and creating room for my creativity and slow-living practices.

If you’re setting intentions, here are a few ideas to guide you:

Examples:

• “I will make space for rest.”

• “I will nurture my creativity.”

• “I will connect deeply with my purpose.”

Pro tip:
Keep your intentions visible—on a sticky note, in a journal, or as a phone background. It’s a simple way to stay connected to what matters most.

Create a New Year’s Ritual

One of my favorite ways to ground myself as the year transitions is through small, meaningful rituals. Each week, I start with personal time to journal, freewrite, and plan what’s ahead. I also focus on a specific theme for my business to stay intentional and inspired.

I’m carving out daily time just for me—whether it’s walking, stretching, reading, writing, gaming, or a mix of all of the above. These rituals remind me that taking care of myself is essential, not optional.

Ideas to try:

• Light a candle and take a few deep breaths to welcome the new year with calm and intention.

• Do a short tarot or oracle card reading—try this New Year’s Tarot Spread to glimpse what’s ahead, or do a three-card pull to reflect on the past, present, and future.

• Write a letter to your future self, sharing your hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of a Reflect and Reset practice is that it’s deeply personal. Whether you spend five minutes or an entire afternoon, what matters most is creating space to honor yourself and your journey.

This year, I’m letting go of what no longer feels good, embracing progress over perfection, and showing up for what matters—with joy, clarity, and intention.

The path forward doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel true to you. Here’s to a beautiful 2025.

How to Start a Simple Self-Care Ritual for the New Year

The start of a new year often comes with resolutions and big plans to transform our lives. But sometimes, the most meaningful changes happen in the smallest moments. That’s why starting a simple self-care ritual can be one of the best things you do for yourself this year.

Self-care isn’t about grand gestures or elaborate routines. It’s about creating space in your day to reconnect with yourself, recharge, and nurture your well-being.

Here’s how you can start your own simple self-care ritual and set the tone for a more intentional, balanced year.

What Is a Self-Care Ritual?

A self-care ritual is more than just a habit—it’s a deliberate, meaningful act of care you give yourself. Unlike tasks on a to-do list, a ritual invites mindfulness and presence. It could be as simple as enjoying your morning coffee without distractions or spending 10 minutes journaling before bed.

The key is to make it personal and intentional. A self-care ritual is something you look forward to—a moment in your day that’s entirely yours.

Why Start a Self-Care Ritual in the New Year?

The new year is a natural time to reset and refocus, but it can also bring pressure to set ambitious goals. A self-care ritual offers a gentler, more sustainable way to prioritize your well-being.

Here’s why it matters:

• It grounds you in the present. A daily ritual can help you stay connected to what matters most.

• It builds consistency. Starting small makes it easier to stick with self-care over time.

• It supports your mental health. Regular moments of care can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

How to Create Your Simple Self-Care Ritual

Ready to start? Here are three easy steps to create a self-care ritual that feels right for you:

1. Pick Something You Love
   Choose an activity that feels nourishing and joyful. It could be sipping tea, stretching, reading, or meditating. The simpler, the better.

2. Make It Manageable
   Start with just 5–10 minutes a day. The goal is to create a ritual that fits seamlessly into your life, not one that adds pressure.

3. Anchor It to Your Day
   Connect your ritual to something you already do, like waking up or winding down. For example:

   • After brushing your teeth, spend 5 minutes journaling.

   • Before bed, light a candle and practice deep breathing.

   • While your coffee brews, take a moment to stretch and reflect.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Meaningful

The beauty of a self-care ritual is its simplicity. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be the same every day. What matters most is showing up for yourself—consistently, intentionally, and with love.

As you ease into the new year, let your self-care ritual be a reminder that you are worth the time and care you give yourself.

Need Inspiration?

If you’re ready to prioritize yourself this year but don’t know where to start, check out my Glow at Your Own Pace creative toolkit. It’s packed with actionable ideas and tools to help you slow down, reconnect, and thrive.

Prioritize Yourself This Holiday Season (and Beyond!)

The holiday season is here—twinkling lights, cozy blankets, and the joy of giving are everywhere. But let’s be honest: it’s also the season of endless to-do lists, back-to-back obligations, and the nagging feeling that you’re the glue holding it all together. Sound familiar?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of giving so much to others that you leave nothing for yourself. For many women, especially moms, the holidays come with the unspoken expectation that you’ll create magic for everyone else—whether it’s finding the perfect gifts, organizing events, or making sure traditions run smoothly. And while that’s beautiful, it’s also exhausting.

Here’s the thing: what you do for others matters. You matter. But you also deserve to feel as cared for as the people you so lovingly pour your energy into.

Why Self-Care Is Especially Important During the Holidays

The holidays are about connection, joy, and celebration—but they’re also a time when stress levels run high. Between family gatherings, financial pressures, and the expectations to “get it all done,” it’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle.

Taking time to prioritize yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. When you show up for yourself, you can show up more fully for others. Self-care helps you stay grounded, so you can experience the holidays (and life) with more presence and joy.

How to Start Prioritizing Yourself

It’s one thing to say “prioritize yourself,” but how do you actually make it happen during such a busy season? Here are some practical, actionable ways to show yourself a little love this holiday season (and beyond):

Give Yourself Permission to Rest

You don’t have to do it all. Saying no to one thing can mean saying yes to much-needed downtime.

• Block off an evening to relax—watch a movie, play a cozy game, or just sit by the fire.

• Set a timer for 10 minutes to close your eyes, breathe deeply, or simply daydream.

Set Boundaries to Protect Your Energy

Be honest about what’s manageable for you and don’t hesitate to step back or delegate.

• Say no to one commitment that feels like too much—whether it’s attending an event, hosting a dinner, or volunteering for another school activity.

• Limit things like checking email or social media in the evenings to focus on winding down instead of keeping up.

Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small

Take a moment to appreciate all you’re doing. You’ve accomplished so much already—there is a past version of you who is so proud of how far you’ve come.

• At the end of each day, jot down three things you’re proud of, even if they seem minor (like finally folding the laundry or making it through a long work meeting).

• Reward yourself for a big accomplishment—like wrapping all the gifts—with an hour of guilt-free downtime.

Create a Ritual that Feels Special to You

Small, personal rituals can help you feel more grounded during the chaos.

• Light a candle, brew your favorite tea, and spend five minutes freewriting or journaling about how you’re feeling each day.

• Take a peaceful walk to enjoy the winter air and twinkling lights.

Prioritize Joy—Because You Deserve It

Do something that lights you up—just because.

• Pick one holiday activity that’s just for you, like baking your fave cookies or watching your go-to holiday movie.

• Play a video game, binge your favorite Netflix series, or make a playlist of songs that make you feel good.

Carrying Self-Care Into the New Year

The habits you build during the holidays don’t have to stop when the season does. By weaving small acts of self-care into your daily life, you’re creating a foundation for living more intentionally year-round.

Start with one small, non-negotiable ritual—like a morning meditation, journaling session, or a quiet cup of coffee.

Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. It creates more joy and balance in your life and sets an inspiring example for those around you.

So here’s your gentle reminder: It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to rest. And it’s absolutely okay to make yourself a priority.

The life you want is waiting for you. And it starts with giving yourself the love and care you deserve.

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What are your favorite ways to prioritize yourself during busy seasons? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! And if you’re looking for more tips and tools to embrace intentional living, check out my resources page.