Explore the intriguing etymology of resolutions and discover what it truly means to simplify your life. Dive into the complexities of women's relationships in business and how these dynamics can shape support versus self-interest. Reflect on holding systems accountable while fostering personal forgiveness. Embrace the joy of co-creation and the spiritual insights gained from collaboration. Plus, get excited about upcoming workbook releases that promise personal growth and transformative insights.
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Quick takeaways
The exploration of the etymology of 'resolutions' emphasizes letting go rather than enforcing rigid commitments for personal growth.
Confronting and processing underlying fears is essential for emotional resilience, allowing individuals to respond effectively to life's challenges.
Deep dives
Rethinking New Year's Resolutions
New Year's resolutions are often viewed as rigid commitments to self-improvement, which can lead to feelings of frustration and failure. The speaker challenges this notion by exploring the term's etymology, revealing that 'resolution' originates from a Latin word meaning to loosen or release, suggesting that the focus should be on letting go rather than enforcing strict changes. Instead of rigid goals, the emphasis is placed on identifying what to relinquish from one's life, promoting a mindset of freedom and flexibility. This approach encourages individuals to contemplate what to throw into the metaphorical fire as a form of personal renewal for the upcoming year.
Embracing Simplicity and Spaciousness
The concept of simplicity and spaciousness is highlighted as essential for personal well-being. The speaker reflects on how COVID-19 inadvertently brought about more simplicity and space in her life, allowing for creative expression and reflection, which had been previously hindered by a complex lifestyle. Despite the return to a hectic life with multiple commitments, there is a desire to regain that tranquility by consciously reducing complexity. The importance of creating mental and physical space is emphasized as crucial for responding effectively to life's challenges.
Processing Fear to Improve Emotional Health
The discussion includes the significance of confronting and processing underlying fears that drive anxiety and compulsive thoughts. By recognizing core fears related to approval, control, and safety, individuals can address the stories and narratives that haunt them, ultimately leading to a healthier emotional state. Techniques such as 'journal speak' are proposed as methods to release pent-up emotions and achieve clarity rather than allowing fears to dictate actions. The importance of sitting with fear, rather than avoiding it, is framed as a pathway to fostering emotional resilience.
Navigating Altruism and Transactional Relationships
The complexities of altruism within professional relationships are examined, particularly regarding requests for support that blend personal and transactional motives. The speaker recounts conversations about the expectations placed on women to assist others under the guise of sisterhood, highlighting the problem of conflating altruism with professional transactions. This reflection leads to a broader discussion about the need for clarity in making requests and the importance of recognizing the inherent value in one's contributions without relying on guilt or obligation. The advancement of understanding healthy boundaries in professional interactions emerges as a key takeaway.
For December’s solo episode, I looked at the etymology of the word resolutions. What I found might surprise you. And instead of thinking about what I want to be or do next year, it got me thinking about what I want to let go of. And how I can recognize when I’m making things more complicated than they need to be (I love complexity and depth but can sometimes get carried away). I also get into a few other things that are on my mind right now, including: journal speaking, how we sometimes conflate altruism with transaction, the MAHA movement, and ways I can be softer on people while being harder on systems. Last, some news about two of my most fulfilling collaborations, which are both coming out in workbook form in 2025: True and FalseMagic (with Phil Stutz) and Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness (with Courtney Smith).