What core belief is inviting results you don't want?

This time of year, lots of tools and insights pop up for ensuring the next 12 months are better than the last – whatever that means to each of us. Setting resolutions is no longer popular, but we’re in hot pursuit of something to replace that.

In my coaching work, and in life, it’s affirmed over and over that at the core of behaviors and patterns we want to release is a core belief. And it’s that belief that leads to outcomes we don’t want in all areas of our lives– strained relationships, inner and outer conflict, reactive interactions and dreams and aspirations that go unfulfilled yet another year.

Since 2018, I’ve participated in two ceremonies for the purpose of releasing what I don't want from the past year, and inviting into my life what I do want in the new year.

This past Sunday was the “burning bowl” ceremony - the chance to release what is not serving or supporting me in being my truest self and living my best life. On my flash paper I wrote a behavior I so want to release, and then the belief that was giving energy to that behavior. Accepting that I held this belief was very hard – but the level of self-awareness that brings the deepest growth is always hard to see.

This Sunday is the White Stone Ceremony. It’s about going into your heart and seeing what new beginning you want for your life, or how you want to evolve and unfold in the coming year.

My phrase for 2024 was “living in the mystery”. I wasn’t too successful in doing that this year. Some of what transpired in the world (and in my life) made this too big of a challenge. But in the moments when I was able to see past the veil, the mystery was revealed. And it was magical – and hopeful.

A few of my White Stone words have been so powerful and life-changing that they continue to serve as active guideposts – specifically, the words SURRENDER and CONSCIOUSNESS. I think I know the word that will be my guidepost for 2025 but if history repeats itself, my deepest self will surprise me and reveal something different.

Maybe for you, too, it’s a core belief that’s the source of some behaviors, habits and patterns you really want to let go of in this new year. A word or phrase that holds the power to help you stay committed to what you really want for your life in 2025? Share if the spirit moves you!