Recalibration: An Annual Reset of the Mind, Body & Soul
On New Beginnings….
"Though we may not have reached the heights we anticipated yesterday, today is a brand new day to begin a new climb."
- Chinonye J. Chidolue
As today marks the beginning of a new year filled with endless possibilities, themes of restarts, recalibrations and the idea of annual resets naturally come to the forefront. However, experience has taught me that unless this "reset" encompasses a holistic approach— addressing mind, body, and soul, the likelihood of achieving lasting success is minimal. The concept of recalibration offers a structured approach to pause, reflect, and redirect our energies in a more balanced and fulfilling manner. Essentially, shedding the old and embracing the new, ensuring that all aspects of our being are aligned and geared towards our true purpose and highest sense of self.
Mind
Recalibrating the mind is a key element of any annual reset, where the focus is on cultivating a healthier mindset and overall mental wellness. The goal is to use this special time as an opportunity to release the negative thought patterns that may have accumulated over the past year, replacing them with more empowering beliefs and a growth-oriented perspective. This “mental reset” may also involve setting new intellectual goals, whether it's learning a new skill, enhancing your knowledge in a particular area, or simply committing to being more open-minded and adaptable to change. In 2023, I expanded beyond what I once thought was conceivable for myself. Embracing openness and challenging the boundaries of my mental capabilities, I traveled to five countries, often on a whim, made the bold decision to leave the corporate world — a decision I previously believed to be unthinkable — and officially launched my coaching business after a year and a half of preparation, i.e. hiding. I tackled learning Dutch, a language which isn’t for the faint of heart given its complexity. Given my Aruban roots, in many ways learning the language is in honor of my dad who I know would be equally proud and shocked! Additionally, I committed to daily meditation early in 2023, and achieved 205 days of consecutive practice according to Insight Timer, marking a significant personal milestone. This year also brought the joy of rekindling connections with close friends and family lost during the pandemic and the privilege of forming new friendships with like-minded individuals I met along on my new professional and personal journey. By pushing my limits and incorporating practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and engaging in new creative and intellectual activities, I improved my mental clarity and focus, cognitive health and emotional well-being tenfold. I made a conscious effort to declutter my thoughts, shifting my focus from worst-case scenarios to the best possible outcome and this change in perspective often led to remarkable results.
Body
For the body, the new year is an ideal time for a full assessment that extends beyond mere reflection, but focuses on setting and, where possible, exceeding new health goals by comparing the previous year's achievements with the current year's targets. It could involve a detailed analysis of the fitness routines, dietary habits, and sleep patterns to pinpoint areas ready for improvement and establish challenging yet achievable goals for the year ahead. My personal experience with this at the top of 2023 involved increasing my daily water intake and adding more steps to my routine, sometimes reaching up to 15,000 steps on a good day. I committed to cooking healthy, nourishing meals using whole, unprocessed foods for two to three nights each week. I also made a conscious decision to consistently incorporate supplements into my daily routine, enhancing my nutritional intake and overall well-being. While I had used supplements intermittently throughout my adult life, committing to a regular morning routine in 2023 yielded remarkable results. I feel stronger, more alert, and experience less brain fog, most notably. There have also been noticeable improvements in my outward appearance. I have managed to maintain a healthy weight throughout the year, a change from my usual weight fluctuations, and received comments on the improved condition of my skin and hair and overall youthfulness! Adopting this approach to recalibrate my body's wellness has brought about a remarkable transformation, namely improving my physical health and appearance while also having a positive effect on my performance across many aspects of my life. And I want to highlight that while there were days when I didn't hit all of my targets and faced some “misses”, but I got right back on track, ensuring that the “miss” didn’t become a habit in and of itself.
This leads me to the significance of accepting the discomfort that often accompanies the pursuit of your wellness objectives. Encountering initial resistance and the discipline and effort required, especially when adapting to a new fitness routine, sustaining a balanced diet, or achieving consistent rest, presents challenges that will initially push us out of our comfort zone. Recognizing and almost anticipating this discomfort as part of the process is key. By setting realistic yet meaningful goals and preparing for the hurdles they might present, we achieve more than just physical health improvement. This approach fosters resilience, an attribute that will enhance our overall wellness and long-term vitality. The goal is to fortify and rejuvenate the body, much like we do with the mind, shaping it into a supportive vessel for our daily tasks and a driving force towards our broader aspirations each day.
Soul
Recalibration of the soul can be both an intimate and profound exercise at the start of the year. It involves delving deep into our inner selves to reconnect with our core values, passions, and purpose. This spiritual journey requires you to step back from the daily grind and immerse yourself in practices that nourish the soul. It could involve meditative practices, spiritual rituals, or simply spending quiet time in nature. Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music can also be a form of soulful expression and healing. The process, no matter what it may look like for you, is about creating a sense of harmony and balance within, which radiates outward, influencing all aspects of our lives with intent and purpose.
In 2023, a significant part of my journey involved discovering my human design as a "generator," which has attributes like the ability to generate energy and enthusiasm. Created by Alan Krakower, who published a book in 1992 on the subject under the pseudonym Ra Uru Hu, Human Design is an incredibly specific way to learn more about your personality, emotions, and energy centers. It is often referred to as your energetic blueprint. The insight that I gained has been incredibly beneficial in both business and my personal relationships, allowing me to utilize my natural strengths and abilities more effectively. Additionally, I returned to my spiritual roots, incorporating the practice of reading a Bible verse at the start or end of my day as part of my daily devotional. This simple act has been instrumental in resetting and stilling my mind, providing a few minutes to recenter and focus.
Journaling as a spiritual practice has been a foundational element of my life since childhood, and after years of dedication, I can attest to its endless benefits. This practice serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection, emotional expression, and clarity of thought. Journaling has provided a sacred space for inner dialogue, allowing me to explore and even understand my spiritual journey more deeply. The act of writing down my aspirations in long-hand, often with a lead pencil as my writing instrument, is particularly powerful. Some years ago, I attended a yoga retreat for women of color with a girlfriend at Kripalu in the Berkshires and I recall one of the facilitators stating that this particular method of journaling resonates with the ancient Egyptian practice of using hieroglyphics to record significant events and spiritual beliefs. Just as they carved their stories and aspirations into stone, the physical act of writing in a journal helps to solidify our intentions, making them more tangible and real. This tactile process of writing connects me to a time-honored tradition of recording and manifesting one's deepest desires and purposes, bridging the past and present in my spiritual practice.
As you think about your own spiritual journey this year, I invite you to consider ways in which you can open yourself up to more meaningful spiritual exploration. It could be as simple as starting a daily devotional or as in-depth as exploring your human design. These practices not only bring a sense of understanding, but also help align your actions with your true self in all aspects of your life.
I am writing the first journal of the year from Amsterdam, a city that is increasingly feeling like a second home to me. Though I never anticipated my life taking this unimaginable turn, I am wholeheartedly welcoming it. Reflecting on my personal recalibration of mind, body, and soul for 2024, I've committed to this structured time of reflection and holistic rejuvenation. It's a foundation setting for a year filled with growth, health, and inner peace. I extend these same wishes to you for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!