Clean Your Plate & Your Slate
Your Empowered Path to Confidence and New Beginnings
As we approach the close of 2024, there’s an undeniable magic in the air—a sense of reflection and anticipation; Can you feel it? It’s a time to take stock of where we’ve been, and dream about where we’re going. For centuries, the idea of a "clean slate" has symbolized the opportunity to let go of past mistakes and begin anew. This phrase harks back to the days when students wrote on chalk slates, wiping them clean to start fresh, free from errors or missteps. But what if we also added a modern twist—clearing not just our metaphorical slate, but our plate, too?
After weeks of holiday indulgence, clearing our plates can represent the start of a healthier relationship with food, habits, and choices that nourish not just our bodies but our souls. Together, a clean slate and a clean plate can be powerful symbols of your readiness to embrace the life you desire—one small action at a time.
I’ve been thinking about ways you can end this year with purpose and step confidently into the next, ready to manifest the most rewarding lifestyle and self-assurance you deserve. Here’s what I came up with. Feel into the suggestions, and make any that resonate with you into your own. Let me know if you come up with some others.
Let Go of the Weight—Physically and Emotionally
Begin with a mindful inventory of what no longer serves you. This isn’t just about food on your plate—it’s about the emotional "weight" of regrets, grudges, and self-doubt. I’ve had a few this year; how about you? Writing down the habits or thoughts that keep you stuck, then intentionally releasing them is an act of letting go that is a profound step toward building a confident, empowered version of yourself. (Check out my website “TOOLBOX” for myriad supportive tools to help you release and reset.)
Small Action Step: Try journaling for five minutes each day about one thing you’re ready to let go of and one thing you’re ready to embrace.
Embrace the Power of Small Wins
True lasting transformation doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built on the foundation of small, consistent actions. Choose one habit or ritual that uplifts you and commit to it daily or weekly. Whether it’s a five-minute meditation, drinking more water, or setting boundaries, every small win builds momentum.
Small Action Step: Start a “Confidence Jar.” Each evening, write down one action that made you feel proud or self-assured and place it in the jar. Watch it fill as you build a bank of belief in yourself. Any time you need a confidence boost, and especially at the end of the year, pull them out and read how much you have to be proud of.
Clear Your Plate (Literally)
As the festive season winds down, consider simplifying your meals. Focus on foods that energize and fuel your confidence—fresh, colorful, and nourishing choices that make you feel radiant from the inside out. Have fun with meal time, and boost your energy, health, and confidence as you nourish yourself.
Small Action Step: Dedicate one day a week to prepping healthy meals or snacks. By investing in your health, you’re reinforcing your worth and showing up for yourself. Plus, when you’re hungry, you’ll have a healthy choice waiting!
Refresh Your Surroundings
Sometimes, a clean slate begins with your environment. Declutter your home or workspace to create a space that inspires creativity and calm. This is a BIG one! Your outer world reflects your inner one, and by enhancing your surroundings, you set the stage for a more confident and productive life. Chaos breeds chaos. It really is that simple: Clear your space for peace and productivity.
Small Action Step: Commit to a new ritual of spending 15 minutes tackling one area each day—a drawer, a desk, or a closet. Celebrate the clarity and confidence that come from even small improvements. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how effective this quick new habit is for enhancing your life. Can’t find a spare 15 minutes? Commit to 10 minutes daily, and enjoy the feeling of an accomplished organized life.
Set Confidence-Driven Goals
I know, I know: Those New Year’s Resolutions fade to zero pretty quickly if you don’t commit to at least 21 days to embed it into your daily practices (and psyche). As you step into the new year, align your goals with the version of yourself you’re becoming. Feel your way into your new “YOU”—and ask yourself, “What would this new version of the confident me do?” Map out actions that bring you closer to that vision. When you commit to becoming your highest version of self, you have a purpose. Let that purpose fuel your commitment. Practice being your ideal self daily,
Small Action Steps: Write down three goals you’d love to achieve by the end of the first month of the year, and break them into simple steps. Track your progress and celebrate every milestone. Alternatively, create a spreadsheet. I personally created one for the year: 52 weeks of “honey do’s” for me to tackle. I’ll let you know in about 12 months how effective (or not) this yearly mapping turns out….
#babysteps #commitment #happynewyou
Your Empowered New Beginning
Clearing your slate and plate is more than a metaphor; it’s an invitation to start fresh with intention, clarity, and confidence. As a Women’s Empowerment Coach, I believe the life you desire is within reach. It starts with daily acts of self-love and ends with you stepping boldly into your power.
This year, let’s not just wipe the slate clean—let’s write a beautiful, new story on it. Let’s make it one of confidence, self-worth, and the undeniable power of small steps leading to extraordinary change. I’ll commit if you will….
Happy new year. Let’s make the best of every moment.
PS~Come and play in the playground—or as I like to call it, the grow ground. https://jandeelstra.com