In our fast-paced world, where we are constantly on the go, finding the time to stop, pause, and reflect can feel surprisingly challenging. As we step into the New Year, taking a moment to reflect on both the wins and challenges of the past year is crucial for building a foundation for meaningful goals ahead.

Recently, our family faced a heart-wrenching goodbye to our beloved 14 1/2-year-old dog, Max. His passing reminded me of the delicate balance between joy and grief, presence and absence, and the profound lessons we learn from both. In our ever-busy society, Max's unconditional love and loyalty taught our family the importance of just being, and his absence has highlighted how precious time truly is.

This experience, coupled with my own journey of mindful living, inspired the creation of the “Be Well Stay Well Reflection Guide." This guide is more than just a collection of pages and prompts; it's a tool for deep reflection, goal setting, and a space for venting – a concept I recently explored through an article on Vent Writing (Well+Good). Vent writing emphasizes the importance of expressing our raw, unfiltered emotions, a practice that is especially cathartic during times of grief.

The Be Well Stay Well Reflection Guide encourages you to embrace both the highs and lows of your wellness journey.

It includes:

• Year-End Reflection: A section dedicated to looking back at the prior year, acknowledging both the accomplishments and challenges.

• Aspiring Goals for 2024: Space to set intentions and goals that align with your true self. Both daily and monthly pages are featured.

• Vent Journaling: This section offers you a space to freely express and release your grievances about your workplace, relationships, daily annoyances, and even past regrets.

In moments of loss, we can sometimes encounter the concept of toxic positivity, the pressure to maintain a positive outlook in all situations. This is particularly fresh in saying goodbye to Max, where several well-meaning friends would say, "Well, he lived a long life." I know they meant well and accepted it as such, but trying to always stay positive can inadvertently minimize real, painful emotions. As I journey through my career as a health and wellness coach, I am learning that whole body health involves embracing all our emotions, and understanding that it's okay not to be okay sometimes.

Mindful living is about being present in each moment, acknowledging our feelings, and learning from them. It's about setting goals that align with our true selves and not just societal expectations. As we step into 2024, let's commit to living more authentically, embracing both gratitude and our grievances, and setting goals that truly resonate with our hearts.

And as well said by Abraham Lincoln, “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”

Download the Be Well Stay Well Reflection Guide Here

Embrace this opportunity to reflect, grow, and set a path for a year filled with purpose and fulfillment. Download the guide and join me in this journey of mindful reflection and intentional living.