ATTENTION Frazzled Freedom Seeker! Does this sound like you? You’re a people-pleasing professional on a high-speed treadmill that you feel you can’t get off.
Your heart calls you toward more meaning in your work, more joy and presence in your life but you don’t know where to start. You’re ready to create the freedom and flow to work and live on your terms but you’re not sure where to start.
Before you can truly embrace freedom, you must first gain clarity about what freedom means to you. This involves deeply understanding your desires, values, and goals.
Begin by setting aside time to reflect on what you truly want out of life, beyond the expectations and demands of others.
Ask yourself questions like: What does a fulfilling life look like for me? What values are most important to me? What are my long-term goals? By answering these questions honestly, you create a foundation upon which you can build a life that resonates with your true self. This clarity will be your guiding star as you navigate the journey toward a more liberated and joyful existence.
This is a ritual I have shared in a blog that I did for theend of the year reflection, but let me share with you here what this looks like.
Here is a step-by-step on how you can take part in this guided reflection exercise.
Step 1 Create the Right Atmosphere:
Begin by finding a quiet and comfortable space, preferably your favourite reflective spot. Grab your favourite drink, creating an environment that encourages a sense of calm and introspection.
Step 2 Set Up Your Reflection Tool:
Draw five boxes down a page, or use the provided in my free“Guide for a Freedom Seeker”. Label each Box with the following headings: Love, Long, Loathe, Let Go, Lean In.
Step 3 Reflect on Love:
Start with the "Love" box. Ask yourself: What have I loved in the year that was? Reflect on the positive moments, achievements, and experiences that brought you joy and fulfilment.
Step 4 Explore Long:
Move on to the "Long" box. Consider what you have longed for throughout the year. These could be unfulfilled desires, aspirations, or dreams that have been lingering in the background.
Step 5 Confront Loathe:
In the "Loathe" box, confront the challenges, disappointments, or aspects of the year that you disliked. Acknowledge them, as this recognition is a crucial step towards growth.
Step 6 Identify Let Go:
Shift your focus to the "Let Go" box. Reflect on what you want to release and leave behind as you transition into the new year. Letting go can be a powerful act of self-liberation.
Step 7 Embrace Lean In:
Lastly, in the "Lean In" box, identify what you want to lean into more in the upcoming year. This could be personal or professional growth areas, relationships, or activities that align with your values and goals.
Step 8 Integration:
After completing the reflection exercise, The integration process is designed to help you create the clarity and the space to make progress around the shift you seek. The essential ingredients in this process are:
Experimentation: this is not about perfection this is about progress so give yourself permission to try as there is no wrong answer or action when it comes to listening to your heart.
Progress: Research has shown that motivation is found when we acknowledge that we are making progress, so rather than focus on the size of the overall shift you seek, acknowledge that what you are doing here and now is progress...every micro-step moves you closer to where you want to be.
Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself...every expert was once a beginner.
If you're ready to shift from chaos to clarity, I invite you to download myFREE Frazzled Freedom Seeker Clarity Tool.
This is a simple step-by-step worksheet to guide you in gaining clarity on what the freedom you seek looks like and the first step to move toward it.
