A Year of Intention: January

New Beginnings

“Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most. You need to remember that when you find yourself at the beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will.” —Hope Floats

This has been one of my favorite quotes for as long as I can remember—a personal motto of sorts—words of wisdom that I’ve found fitting time and again, and have carried in the back of my mind throughout various stages of my life. In 2018, I moved back home to Ohio from New York City with my husband to start a family (and a few businesses!). Selene Stone was a dream turned to life when I opened my first storefront and the name I gave her was the embodiment of new beginnings and transformation. 

Now, here I am six years later and at the precipice of yet another new beginning after closing my beloved storefront and taking Selene Stone fully online. I’m filled with a multitude of emotions—mainly grief and sadness with a tiny bit of relief sprinkled in. Feeling all the feels over the last few months has been paralyzing and overwhelming at times (thank you, postpartum hormones) and has left me shrouded in uncertainty with the looming question, “What do I do now?”

Life comes in seasons and I’d like to think it's no coincidence that I find myself in the midst of major change just as we’ve entered winter and a new year. For the first time in a while, I’m embracing the energy of the season and taking it S L O W. Winter is the season for deep rest, and from it comes renewal, reset, and refresh. I’m turning inward and nurturing my spirit to make room for inspiration, creativity, and the unknown. It is in the stillness and silence when new ideas, dreams, and information comes to light.

I like to think of new beginnings as a blank canvas on which we can paint the life we envision for ourselves. While it can be challenging and scary to leave familiar territory behind (creature of habit here!), it is essential for personal growth and self-discovery. By releasing the weight of the past, we make room for new opportunities and experiences—let go and let flow!

Affirmations are a large part of my personal practice. Here are a few that I’ve created for this time of transition:

• I honor the past and what has been; the strides I’ve taken, the accomplishments I’ve achieved, and the lessons I have learned. 
• I release the past and that which no longer serves me. I am free from constraints and embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
• I am grateful for this moment, new day and season of change. 
• I am resilient. Challenges and adversity help me grow. I move forward with determination and optimism.
• I am present. I am still. I am open and ready to receive guidance and inspiration.

I hope these affirmations spark a positive mindset for you. As we navigate the first month of the year and prepare for what the universe has in store for us, let’s embrace a mindful and present spirit. Let’s set an intention to welcome new beginnings as fresh starts rather than fear the unknown and change.

As we focus on releasing expectations and instead letting the seasons guide us, let insights arise with clarity: what will you paint on your blank canvas this year?

Tell us below: which affirmation resonates most with you? What intentions are you setting this month, and how are you practicing them day to day?