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Written by: Lorien A Masters
As the summer winds down, we find ourselves at a perfect juncture to reflect on our growth, celebrate our successes, and prepare for the busy fall season ahead. August is a time of harvest, marked by the celebration of Lughnassadh, a festival that honors the first fruits of the season and the efforts we’ve made throughout the year. This celebration invites us to harvest not only the physical fruits but also the seeds of intentions and goals we planted at the beginning of the year. If you are anything like me, moving towards the end of summer and into September brings a sense of renewal, almost like a new year’s energy with that “back to school” and “back to me” mentality. This time of year oozes with inspiration and usually comes with a busier schedule. Leaving behind the fun and carefree feeling of summer, we enter a time of refocus for the remainder of the year—an opportunity to tune deep within. This period of transition is an opportunity to re-evaluate our goals, redefine what is meaningful to us, and remember the incredible power we hold within.
Reflecting on Growth and Achievements
Before diving into the hustle and bustle of the upcoming season, let’s take a moment to look back at the year so far. Grab your journal or a notebook and find a quiet space to reflect. What have you achieved thus far? Take a deep breath and let it all sink in. Sometimes, reviewing your calendar can help bring clarity to all the growth that has occurred. Ask yourself:
What challenges have I overcome?
Where have I pushed myself out of my comfort zone?
What boundaries have I set that have brought me more peace?
How have I stood up for my values?
When I reflect on my year, I made a commitment to myself to be more intentional about my time. To slow down and do less. Not because I wanted to do fewer things, but to be truly present and intentional about what I chose to bring into my life and calendar. So much of my life, I’ve felt like I’ve completed one thing and went right on to the next, not allowing myself the time to celebrate, let alone integrate these new learnings and versions of myself into my life. I am proud that while I still have leaps and bounds to achieving this goal, the first steps and how it feels to be fully present in the activities I complete and the time I spend with others is refreshing.
Celebrate these successes and acknowledge the efforts you've made. Perhaps start with asking yourself, what does celebrating you look like? Remember, these accomplishments, no matter how big or small, are milestones in your journey. As humans, we often accomplish a goal and quickly move the carrot ahead, seeking the next summit before truly relishing in what a past version of us held so dear. Let’s honor those past versions of ourselves and the hard work they put in to get us here.
Redefining What Matters
As we change and evolve, so do our needs, perspectives, and desires. The goals you set in January—or if you're like me and feel your new year starts in spring—might not align with who you are today. And that’s perfectly okay. This is a natural part of growth and transformation. Now is a great time to redefine what is most meaningful to you. Ask yourself:
What drives me now?
What are my current passions and priorities?
How do I define a fulfilling life?
What does being a good friend mean to me?
What does it feel like to be seen and celebrated as my true self?
What does a yes and no feel like in my body?
Take your time with these questions. They are not meant to be answered quickly but to be pondered and felt deeply. These questions can help you navigate times of expansion, times when you’re feeling stuck, and even when feeling at a loss. When we don’t know what to work on, turning inward is always a great place to start. It’s easy to get swept up in what others are doing; let this be an opportunity to tune back into you. This is your opportunity to align your actions with your current values and aspirations, ensuring you are on a path that feels right for who you are now.
Remembering Your Power
In our busy lives, especially when things don’t feel like they are going as planned, it’s easy to lose sight of the incredible power we hold within us. Rallying our self-image and self-talk can be incredibly supportive on our journeys. Many of us, myself included, have grown up watching the women in our lives be everything and everyone for the people around them. We've learned to equate our productivity and the number of tasks we've completed with our self-worth. This can be a dangerous mindset.
Over time, I’ve discovered a few beautiful reminders that have helped my clients and me reconnect with our inner magic. Here are some gentle reflections to help you come back home to yourself and remind you of your truly beautiful essence:
You Are Enough:
Reflection: First and foremost, remind yourself that you are enough as you are. The achievements and successes are wonderful, but they do not define your worth. Your humanness is enough.
Action: Practice daily affirmations that reinforce your worth and value, independent of your achievements.
Acknowledge Your Resilience:
Reflection: You have overcome hard things, grown, evolved, and learned important lessons along the way.
Action: Keep a journal where you document challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them. This can serve as a powerful reminder of your resilience.
Take Inventory of Your Life:
Reflection: Take inventory of your life and look at what you have achieved thus far. It may not be everything you ever wanted, but remember, there is time. There is no deadline for achieving your desires. A past version of you wanted this life, so honor that version's accomplishments.
Action: Create a gratitude list highlighting the accomplishments and moments you're proud of. Reflect on how these have shaped your current path.
Define Your Happy and Fulfilling Life:
Reflection: Pause and define what a happy and fulfilling life looks like for you. This is a powerful way to remember your magic. What drives someone else isn’t necessarily what drives you. Make sure you are working towards your dreams, not someone else’s.
Action: Take some quiet time to meditate or reflect on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. Write down these insights and use them as a guide for setting new, aligned goals.
Embrace Renewal and Prepare for the Future
As we prepare for fall, I invite you to embrace self-care and renewal. This season of transition offers a unique opportunity to recharge our energy and set intentions for the months ahead. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to have no specific goal in mind. Sometimes, simply being present and nurturing yourself is the most powerful goal you can set.
Reflecting on your journey and redefining your goals can provide clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. Revisit the questions you pondered earlier about what drives you now, what your current passions are, and what a fulfilling life looks like for you. Use these insights as your compass for your self-care practices and intentions.
Earlier this year, I committed to slowing down and being more intentional with my time. This meant embracing moments of stillness, which has been the hardest for me. When our nervous system is so used to the go-go-go, sitting still can feel unsafe. Learning how to regulate myself and feel safe in the quiet moments took time. Allowing myself to truly savor the activities, whether alone or with loved ones, wasn’t about doing less but about being fully present in what I chose to do. This practice has been hard yet refreshing and has helped me feel more grounded and connected to my inner self.
Here are some gentle ways to embrace self-care and renewal during this time:
Mindful Moments:
Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and simply be present. Allow yourself to feel the peace and tranquility of the moment.
Nature Walks:
Spend time in nature, whether it's a walk in the park or a hike in the woods. Nature has a way of renewing our spirits and grounding us.
Creative Expression:
Engage in creative activities that bring you joy, whether it's painting, writing, dancing, or any other form of expression. Creativity can be a powerful outlet for renewal.
Journaling:
Write down your thoughts, feelings, and reflections. Use your journal as a safe space to explore your inner world and set intentions for the future.
Physical Care:
Take care of your body through gentle exercise, nourishing foods, and adequate rest. Your physical well-being is closely tied to your mental and emotional health.
As you navigate this period of renewal, remember to be kind to yourself. Embrace the changes, honor your journey, and trust in the incredible power you hold within. Whether you have clear goals or are simply taking it day by day, know that you are doing beautifully. This is your time to recharge, realign, and step confidently into the next season of your life.
Transition periods can be challenging, but you don't have to navigate them alone. If you feel the
need for guidance or support in redefining your goals and reconnecting with your inner power, consider reaching out for coaching. Together, we can explore your path, celebrate your progress, and build a meaningful life that aligns with your true self.
As we honor Lughnassadh and the harvest season, let us also harvest the strength, wisdom, and insights we have gained. May this time of reflection and renewal empower you to embrace your inner power and step confidently into the future.
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