New Year, New Moon ⭐️
This helps me grow and stick to new goals
Welcome to 2022!
The opportunity to “start fresh” can be wonderful…or a bunch of unnecessary high-pressure. The thing that helps me most to grow and evolve is moving away from huge resolutions and goals.
The thing with going too big is if you falter, it’s super disappointing. Often enough of a bummer to give up in a few days.
I’ve found that getting in the habit of something—working out, learning a language or instrument—is the key to sticking to it. That way, it becomes a part of your routine and you can build on it from there.
Tiny, regular steps also reinforce your success and help you to feel good about your progress. Feeling confident is a key part of sticking with something.
If you say you’re going to move your body 10 minutes a day, it’s much more likely you’ll stick to that instead of, say, going to the gym an hour a day. You can certainly do an hour once you’ve started, but if you can only squeeze in 10 minutes, you haven’t failed to reach your goal. Thus, you keep your momentum and spirits up.
For example, I started learning Spanish on Duolingo nearly two years ago. Instead of a huge goal, I made a daily goal of one lesson. Lessons can take as little as two minutes. Sometimes, if I’m really into it, I’ll do thirty minutes or more.
But the point is I don’t have to in order to reach my goal.
It’s been 710 consecutive days of Spanish as of this writing. It’s something I do at the same time every day (during my morning routine, or right when I wake up if I don’t have time for a full routine).
Last year I increased the amount of lesson time so it takes me a few more minutes to complete, but the habit is there. It’s the habit-building that has helped me stick to it.
For today’s reading, perhaps consider asking about ways you can grow and evolve this year. What do you need to do in order to be pleased one year from now?
Or don’t. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean you need to change a thing. That’s up to you.
xo
Natalie
The Cards
Decks: Lumina Tarot & Worthwhile Paper
Hold up!
Take a few centering breaths, then choose a card BEFORE scrolling down
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one
King of Cups, reversed
Seeking inspiration in unusual places is the best way to begin a new year! What is something you know nothing about? Now might be a good time to say ‘yes’ to that odd invitation from an acquaintance or that book someone gifted you that you might not have purchased yourself.
The King’s energy is here to ask yourself why you might feel hesitant to step outside of your comfort zone.
Is it really so bad if you try something new and don’t like it? What’s the worst that can happen?
If you’re waiting for the perfect thing to come along and spark your interest, you might be waiting a while! It’s the path—like jumping lilypads—that gets you closer and closer to experiences you love.
Try something new and take a little piece of it with you as you try the next thing. Check your expectations. Instead of hunting for the perfect experience, look for the hidden gems within all experiences.
two
The Empress
Oh man, if there was ever a spread that said “hell yes!” it’s this one.
Do it. Go there. Yes, yes, yes.
This is also a reminder for you this year: if it isn’t a “hell yes” then it’s likely a “no” for now.
The Empress is abundant and nurturing. Give gifts to yourself and others. These don’t have to be things, but maybe time or conversation or love.
With those gifts flowing through your lift—the gifts of nurturing—you’ll have everything you need to do this thing!
This is also a call to cultivate some wonder along the way. Take time on your new journey to literally smell the roses and watch your plants grow. Take in some art or music along the way.
This spread is all things beautiful and exciting. Whatever you were wondering about, it’s a big ol’ yes!
three
Two of Wands
Woo-hoo! Adventure is in store for you.
This doesn’t mean you have to travel around the globe, but it does indicate that you have some exciting decisions to make.
The Two of Wands is about making a decision about the goals and ideas you’ve been tossing around. What do you really want?
Sometimes, “taking a field trip” can be as simple as doing something totally out of your routine—a new restaurant or route home from work—or as huge as a trip to another part of the world.
Whatever the adventure, there is wisdom in this journey that will help make your next decision crystal clear for you. Until then, enjoy the ride!