We’re already nearing the end of February, and I always feel like we’re rounding the corner and heading into the homestretch of winter once February rolls around. But I’m not ready for it to be over. I’ve been enjoying the cold days outside in the snow and on the ice so much that I feel the need to soak up every opportunity to be outdoors while winter is still here.
I know that many people don’t enjoy winter, especially January, with its short, dark days, lack of sunlight, and the pressure that a new year can bring. While I don’t personally struggle with the lack of sunlight, I did notice that when February arrived, my motivation took a hit. I found it harder to bring the same energy into my Alta work as I had in previous months.
Seeking inspiration
I’m not entirely sure why, but I haven’t been able to turn my reflections on 2024 into goals that truly excite me like in past years. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent the last four years building my business from the ground up, and I’m just a little tired of the hustle.
So, what do I do when I feel a lack of motivation? I go in search of things that inspire me! My go-to sources are Pinterest for inspiring art and YouTube for inspiring stories.
This time, when I went on YouTube, a video from Reflections of Life popped up on my feed. They create amazing short films featuring people from all over the world sharing their life stories. I’m especially drawn to their videos about creative women, particularly older ones, since I’m a sucker for life reflections from elderly women who make art. Because that’s exactly how I like to imagine my future self ;-]
One video, in particular, caught my eye. It was about Jenny, a woman nearing her nineties, sharing her life story and how she tries to live as fully as possible every single day.
She said:
A life filled with meaning
Maybe it’s a little sentimental, but thinking about my future self as an older woman always brings me the clarity I need when I feel unmotivated. It helps me ask myself the right questions, the ones that bring back my drive and remind me why I do what I do. Like, why do I put so much effort into creating a life filled with meaning and purpose, working for myself rather than someone else?
These questions sit at the foundation of where my motivation grows from. Because I want others to live a life of meaning. I want you to find work that gives you more than just a pay-check. I want you to earn money doing something you actually enjoy. I want to wake up and, together, create a world that sparkles.
And what I’ve found is that when I get to do this collectively - during my workshops, 1-on-1 sessions, or when someone buys one of my toolkits and tells me how much it has helped them gain clarity and confidence to change course - life sparkles.
Adding little sparks to your everyday life
But as Jenny mentions in the video (and something I wholeheartedly believe in), we shouldn’t set extreme expectations for ourselves. It’s about taking the small gems of wisdom we gained last year, reflecting on what truly makes us happy, and finding ways to bring more of that into our lives.
I always enjoy picking apart questions like:
What brings me joy, and what takes it away?
How balanced does my time feel between work, family, social commitments, and rest?
How can I connect more with the people I love?
What would I do this year if I weren’t afraid?
These questions offer so much insight into the kind of life you want to create and help you grow into the person you aspire to be.
So, I guess what I’m really getting at today is: go out and search for those small gems that will add a little spark to your winter, especially if you need it. Reflect on some of these questions. Imagine what your older self would want you to do.
And if you want to do this together with me or need some life tools to support you, I’m here for it. We’ll find those answers. We’ll gather ideas. And I’ll make sure you rediscover that sparkle. ♡
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