Reset, Reflect, and Reclaim: Creating Space for Yourself in the New Year

As the confetti settles and the champagne fizz fades, The New Year rolls in like an uninvited guest who assumes we’re all ready to completely overhaul our lives.

The pressure to Set Resolutions, Achieve Big Goals, and Become Our “Best Selves”

Can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already juggling career, relationships, and everything else life throws your way.

What if this year, instead of aiming for perfection, we focused on resetting, reflecting, and reclaiming our time and energy? Let’s leave the all-or-nothing mentality in last year’s clutter and embrace intentional self-growth, one realistic step at a time.

Forget the Overachiever To-Do List

Raise your hand if your New Year’s resolutions have ever included something ridiculous like “work out seven days a week” or “write a novel by March.”

If your hand is up, we see you—and, we’re here to help.

Instead of overwhelming yourself with unattainable goals, choose one area to focus on. Maybe it’s improving your work-life balance or practicing self-care without guilt. (Yes, you’re allowed to say no to PTA bake sales this year.)

Reset Tip: Practice Micro-Goals

Start small. Instead of “meditate every day,” try “take five deep breaths when I wake up.” These tiny wins add up over time, and they’re much easier to stick to than a full-blown reinvention.

Look Back Without Judging Yourself

Reflection isn’t about rehashing your regrets. Instead, it’s an opportunity to get curious about your habits, choices, and priorities.

Ask yourself:

• What brought you joy last year?

• What drained your energy?

• Which boundaries did you hold firm, and where could you set stronger ones?

Reflect Tip: Write It Down

Grab a journal—or a scrap of paper from that chaotic drawer—and jot down what comes to mind. Not a writer? Try a voice note or even a few doodles.

The goal is to identify patterns so you can move forward with clarity.

Say Goodbye to “Shoulds”

You don’t have to join the gym, learn a new language, or turn your side hustle into a six-figure business. (Unless you want to—and then, go for it!)

This year, reclaim your time by focusing on what truly matters to you.

If it doesn’t spark joy or align with your values, it’s okay to let it go.

“Marie Kondo” your commitments, not just your closet.

Reclaim Tip: Set “Joyful Boundaries”

Boundaries aren’t about being harsh—they’re about creating space for what matters. Practice saying, “Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t commit to that right now.” Bonus points if you follow it up with something you do want to do, like reading a good book or taking a nap.

Practical Tools for Resetting, Reflecting, and Reclaiming

1. Energy Tracker: Map out what activities fuel you versus drain you. You can purchase your instant download Self-Energy Tracker here and start mapping out your energy patterns.

2. Vision Board: Create a visual reminder of your priorities. You can download your free Vision Board Guide here.

3. Accountability Buddy: Find someone who’ll cheer you on without shaming you for skipping leg day.

A Note on Self-Compassion (Because You’re Human, Not a Robot)

If you stumble, it’s okay. Growth isn’t linear, and perfection isn’t the goal. Celebrate the small wins and extend yourself the same grace you’d give a friend.

Why This Matters

Resetting, reflecting, and reclaiming isn’t just about surviving the year ahead—it’s about thriving in a way that feels authentic to you. By prioritizing balance, boundaries, and self-compassion, you’ll create space for meaningful growth and joy in your life.

Feeling inspired to reset, reflect, and reclaim?

Take the first step by downloading our free Vision Board Guide here. Ready to go deeper with your Values Exploration? Purchase the Discover Your Core Values: A Guided Card Sort Activity for Personal Clarity for an instant download and begin exploring your values today! If you are looking for additional support, take a look at our therapy session options, designed to help you align with your unique goals and values.

At Veraluna Wellness, I offer online psychotherapy services in Chicago, IL, and Charleston, SC, as well as for residents across Illinois and South Carolina.

Hi, I’m Dawn Leprich-Graves, LCPC, LPC, PMH-C, ASDCS, a licensed individual and couples therapist in IL & SC, coach, teacher and a late diagnosed AuDHD'er-turned neuro-affirming advocate, passionate about helping women embrace their authentic selves and live with intention.

I offer therapy sessions & intensives to support growth, balance, and connection.

Visit my websites to find out more about how I can help support you on your Journey:

Veraluna Wellness - Psychotherapy and Therapy Intensives for Individuals & Couples

Celeste Genevieve Counseling - In-person Psychotherapy and Therapy Intensives for Individuals & Couples in Aurora, Illinois

Cultivating Bricolage - Coaching, Courses, Workshops & Memberships for Entrepreneurs

The Therapist Space (Bricolage Collective) - Membership Directory for therapists offering and or looking for office space and/or services therapists need to thrive in their practices

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