2024 has been quite a journey. As I take stock of the year, I realize that my past reflections often revolved around accomplishments—the tasks completed and the highlights celebrated. This year, however, marked a pivotal turning point. I faced challenges, particularly in extending grace and patience to myself while supporting others. I found myself straying from the guidance I often provide to my clients.
In the world of holistic health coaching, there’s a constant pressure to present a perfect image—showcasing healthy meals and “fun workouts.” Yet behind that façade lie moments of anxiety, stress, and those uninspired workouts we push through when motivation falters.
This year, I sought to delve into deeper reflections: what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown. These experiences have shaped who I am. As I near my 42nd year, I’ve learned to embrace both the obstacles and the accomplishments. I share these insights because they align with the core of my coaching philosophy. I strive to create a space for others to discover their own voices and achievements while finding their unique path to health and wellness.
As you read through my reflections, I hope you find pieces that resonate with you and support your own health and wellness journey!
Coffee Makes Me Crazy
Giving up caffeine was a transformative experience that taught me the importance of finding excitement and motivation from within. Initially, I relied on coffee for that extra push to get through the day. However, I soon realized that it provided a false edge—a superficial boost that masked my true energy levels and left me feeling more anxious rather than energized.
This dependency on caffeine became a perfect example of holding onto a habit that no longer served me. I learned that rather than relying on an external source for motivation, I needed to cultivate intrinsic excitement for my daily activities. By stepping away from caffeine, I discovered new ways to energize myself, whether through physical activity, engaging with inspiring content, or simply taking a moment to reconnect with my goals. This journey helped me understand the value of self-motivation and the importance of nurturing a healthy relationship with my body and mind.
Reading Is a Necessity
As a child, I loved getting lost in the pages of a good book. It was my refuge during tough times, whether I was navigating friendships or seeking an escape. However, as I entered college and graduate school, I drifted away from reading. I found msyelf never being able to focus or getting pulled back into scrolling on my phone instead.
This year, for the first time in many years, I made it a priority. Rediscovering reading has had a profound impact on me. It has nurtured my patience, improved my focus, and reminded me that my experiences are often shared by others. It gives me new ideas for my writing and offers a refuge from the noise of daily life.
It’s Okay If Your Wellness Is Boring
It’s time to embrace and normalize straightforward wellness routines, such as taking a daily walk or incorporating basic strength training into our lives. These activities don’t need to be glamorous or heavily documented on social media to have value. In fact, they often bring the most lasting benefits to our physical and mental well-being.
By focusing on simple wellness practices, I was able to cultivate a sustainable approach to fitness that prioritizes consistency over perfection. It’s essential to acknowledge that we don’t always need to share our fitness journeys or curate each workout as a highlight reel for others. This creates unnecessary pressure and can detract from our personal experience.
Instead, let’s celebrate the small, everyday actions that contribute to our overall health and happiness. A peaceful walk in nature or a few minutes of strength training can be deeply fulfilling and energizing without the need for external validation. By shifting our focus to the joy of movement rather than the need for recognition, we foster a healthier relationship with our bodies and our wellness journeys.
Go With the Flow
I often pushed myself to believe that success required constant hustle—blood, sweat, and tears. This year, I learned the importance of allowing time for introspection and creativity. Embracing meditation and even hiring an SEO expert helped me bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. I realized that true progress happens when I create space for ideas to flourish, rather than just grinding away for 12 hours a day, six days a week.
This reflection is still a work in progress. Letting go of old habits is never easy. Yet flow is exaclty what we strive for with clients in the holistic health coach realm. As I continue to work on my coaching skills (it is a lifelong journey!) I continue to embrace the notion of taking a deep breath and simply going with the flow.
In Closing
As I reflect on this past year, I’m reminded that personal growth is a journey we all share. If you find yourself navigating similar challenges or seeking direction in your own path, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to support you on your journey, whether it’s through guidance, sharing experiences, or simply providing a listening ear. Together, we can embrace the highs and lows that shape us. You can set up a free call here—let’s embark on this journey of growth together!
