The New Year is fast approaching, and thank goddess for that. 2020 has been a decade within a year. (It’s been like an endless winter and never Christmas, if you recall that period of time in Narnia!). With two months left before we ring in the new year, it’s not too early to start thinking about your resolutions, what you want to accomplish in 2021, and how to live your life by design, not by default.

First, let’s acknowledge the facts. 2020 has been a year of significant turmoil, especially for women. While COVID, family care, home schooling, etc. have no doubt been difficult for the whole family, women in the workforce have been significantly disrupted. According to CNBC, more than 860,000 women left the workforce during September 2020 alone. These numbers are staggering. The COVID world health crisis may have forever changed the collective role of women in the workforce. Hopefully, for those who choose to re-enter the traditional workforce, the transition back in to the workplace is smooth. Ideally, hiring managers will completely understand the time gaps in career continuity. And, they’ll offer salaries that are proportionate to experience and education.

Whether returning to a the workforce, or maybe starting a completely new career, everyone impacted by the pandemic has a unique opportunity to evolve. The closing of 2020 and the start of 2021 is the perfect time to dig in. The start of the new year provides and opportunity to rediscover your strengths, and to design the life you want to lead.

Undoubtedly at some point between now and January 1, you’ll hear the phrase “New year, new you.” When you hear that phrase, ask yourself what it really means and. Do you want to re-invent yourself, again, as our culture would have you do? Do you really need to become some new and improved version of you? This year, consider the spirit of that concept a bit differently. Instead of re-inventing, I invite you to think about becoming, to reflect on your journey, your purpose, your vision. I invite you to become the Real You, the person you were always intended to be.

Journaling is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to dive deep and make changes in your life. If you’ve never journaled before, it might seem silly or frivolous, or maybe intimidating. In order to overcome some of those initial struggles, here are a few quick tips to get started.

First, buy a journal or notebook that calls to you. Find one with a cover you love and feels good in your hands. Get yourself a good pen to go with it.

Keep it buy your bedside and every night before bed, jot down three things you’re thankful for. This could be as simple as “my kids, my dog, hot coffee.”

Once you’re in that habit, begin to journal your morning intention. Again, keep it simple: “I will fold and put away the laundry today.” (This was literally my intention this morning.)

As this habit develops into a practice, you’ll be surprised at how your focus evolves. You’ll enjoy the practice of gratitude and, when you look back, the notes you’ve written over time will bring you joy.

If you’d like to dig into a more involved and reflective journaling experience, I will send you a downloadable E-Journal. The journal is filled with tools resources I used myself during some significant life transitions (career, relationship, family, etc.). These tools helped me remember who I was, to stand in the truth of my strengths and my experiences, and to begin to design the life I want to lead. When you provide your email I will send the link directly to you (you’ll receive a monthly-ish newsletter – no funny business).

If you’d like to navigate this journey together, or if you’d like to share your successes, schedule a no-obligation discovery call.

Remember that life is about growth and change. It’s a journey…an evolution…one that never ends.

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Candy Leigh is a Women’s Empowerment Coach and Author. Schedule a complimentary discovery call if you’d like to partner with Candy for 1×1 coaching, book club discussions, or consulting/speaking engagements.

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