Cheers to New Beginnings

This weekend marked a new beginning for me on a few fronts. 

To begin with, it finally feels like the sun is starting to triumph over the snow, with the first hints of spring peeking through.

I also moved into a new home. 

The combination of the wave of optimism that comes from shedding winter and the excitement of living in a new neighborhood prompted some long overdue self-reflection on what in my routine is serving me and what isn’t. 

Obviously, moving locales isn’t likely to solve anyone’s problems if action isn’t taken. So, to get the ball rolling, on my first night, I had a journaling session. 

These are the little changes I intend on making that came out of it:

1. Prioritize 8 hours of sleep: I’ve had it in my head that being productive means waking up at the crack of dawn, even if I had gone to bed late the night before. I now realize that focusing on getting enough sleep is the best thing I can do both for my health and my productivity. If I’m working late one night, I’ll plan to sleep in the next morning, no guilt or shame.

2. Bike, don’t drive: as much as possible, I’m committing to hopping on the bike—whether to go to the gym or visit friends—instead of driving everywhere, which has become my default.

3. Journal and meditate daily: even if it’s for 5 minutes. At the end of last year, I was in a good rhythm with these mindful practices. Since then, I’ve fallen off the bandwagon. Nothing’s stopping a restart though, right?

These may seem like insignificant changes, but I know myself well enough to know that subtle shifts can make a huge difference to my mood and wellbeing. 

And another realization came out of this journaling session: it had been way too long since I had the last true check in with myself. 

To prevent this from happening again, I’ve set a monthly reminder on my phone going forward to reflect on what about my life is giving me energy versus taking it away. 

I’m excited to check in more often and more mindfully as I embark on this new adventure.