As the New Year approaches, there’s often pressure to fix, improve, or reinvent ourselves overnight. New goals. New habits. New you. But what if real change isn’t about forcing transformation… and is instead about alignment? A beautiful Psychology Today article by Martha Kauppi offers a refreshingly compassionate and psychologically sound framework for stepping into the New Year with intention, clarity, and kindness. It blends science-backed psychology with practical, soul-aligned action, no hustle, no toxic positivity. Getting in Alignment for the New Year, Psychology Today United Kingdom. https://share.google/N1CbmonTqtv2S0MIk Here’s a 6-step framework you can gently work with to begin the year feeling grounded, empowered, and aligned. 1. Identify the Desired Experience Before setting goals, pause and ask a deeper question: “What would I like to be experiencing in the New Year that feels different from now?” This isn’t about what you should want, it’s about what you long to feel. More ease? Connection? Confidence? Rest? Let the answer come slowly. This step is about listening inward rather than rushing to perform. ✨ Alignment begins with awareness. 2. Create a Vision Once you sense the experience you desire, bring it to life. Ask yourself: What does this new experience look like? How does it feel in my body? What does it sound like in my day-to-day life? Why does this matter to me? You might choose a watchword (one anchoring word for the year), a mental image, or even a simple vision board. These become gentle reminders when motivation wobbles. ✨ Vision fuels commitment. 3. Focus on What You Can Control Here’s the grounding truth: you cannot control other people, partners, family, colleagues, or friends. What you can control is how you show up. Ask yourself: “In the life or relationship I want, who am I being?” Even if others don’t change, there is deep self-respect that comes from living in alignment with your own values.

Christmas has a funny way of shining a spotlight on our edges. Who we are. What we value. Where we say yes out of love… and where we say yes out of habit, guilt, or old expectations. Having a clear sense of who you are and what truly matters becomes even more important at this time of year. And yes, it takes courage to honour that. To protect your energy, your values, and your peace. This is where radical boundaries come in. Not harsh. Not cold. Just deeply honest. Boundaries are how you reclaim your power and move through Christmas with steadiness, self-respect, and a calmer nervous system. So… What Is a Boundary, Really? Think of a boundary like the fence around your home. It doesn’t shut the world out, it simply shows where your space begins and ends. Personal boundaries do the same emotionally. They help you remember: What’s yours to carry What belongs to someone else And where you get to choose differently Healthy boundaries allow you to: Take responsibility for your inner world, your feelings, choices, attitudes, and behaviour Practice self-control, boundaries aren’t about changing others, they’re about staying aligned with yourself Protect what’s precious, your energy, your joy, your capacity, your wellbeing Just like skin protects the body while still allowing nourishment in, boundaries let the good flow… and keep the overwhelm out. Why Boundaries Matter Even More at Christmas Without boundaries, Christmas can quickly turn into resentful compliance, saying yes when your body is screaming no, showing up while quietly emptying yourself out. With boundaries, something shifts: Relationships feel healthier, love thrives where there is choice, not obligation Burnout eases, you stop carrying everyone else’s “daily load” alongside your own Respect grows, others learn what you will and won’t take responsibility for Not every problem is yours to fix. Some are boulders that truly need support. Many are not. Boundaries help you tell the difference.

Start 2026 with a clear, joyful heart and a strong sense of purpose. January is the perfect time to build practices that cultivate lasting happiness. Join us as we focus on: ✔️ Heart-Opening Meditations ✔️ Cultivating Gratitude & Happiness ✔️ Powerful Intention-Setting for the year ✔️ Deep Emotional Healing & Connection Let's make this year your most positive one yet! 💖

Not for you if you don't like water! Other wise pop your headphones on aaaaaand sleeeeep! Thanks for joining Joyful Mind Community