I already have my plans for New Year’s Eve. I’ll be spending it the way I’ve spent the last several—snuggled up at home with the people I love.
There will be yoga pants and good food. I sense my dancing on the table days are gone, and my soul finds so much pleasure in these relaxed celebrations.
I love to spend this time reflecting on the year, and looking forward to the next. I am hoping and planning for a lot in 2017— settling into a new home, welcoming a little baby, and the continued growth of my work here with you.
I’m so incredibly thankful for you.
For the support that you show me, simply by being here—by reading these words.
You tune in, day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. That is not lost on me.
I see you, I think of you, and I thank you.
And, as a token of my gratitude to you, I’m sharing a free copy of my annual goal-setting guide on the blog today. My life’s work is dedicated to you, and your deepest and highest intentions for your life. I hope that this gift will guide and support you, as you reflect on this year and look forward to the next.
As I look forward to a new year, I often find myself wanting to predict and control the outcome of everything—my relationships, my business, my life. And yet I’m reminded, every time, that it’s not always up to me. The winds of life gently toss me around, gracefully reminding me that life happens in a way we can’t always predict.
(Even though life always unfolds for our highest good.)
But that’s not what this guide is about. It’s not about prediction; it’s not about rigid planning. It’s about setting intentions. It’s about becoming clear about what we want, so that the Universe can conspire to help us get it—however and whenever we’re meant to.
This is about teetering at the juxtaposition of taking action and surrendering to what’s next.
Be clear about what you want, and be open to how it comes to you. 
Together, we’ll reflect on the last year, and look forward to the next, creating action steps in the most important areas of your life (health, career, finances, spirituality, and relationships), before creating a vision of the year as a whole.
I hope you make the most of this guide, using it to reflect on where you’ve been and look forward to where you want to be; using it to set intentions for a life that’s uniquely and perfectly designed for you in 2017.
It’s been a difficult year for many, here in our own homes and neighborhoods, and around the world. There is a lot of cruelty and fear in the world, and it’s easy to get sucked into what you see on TV or trending on your social media platform of choice.
But this time of year always counteracts that fear for me. When I am enveloped by the love of my family and friends, and even beautiful, split-second interactions with strangers at the mall, I can’t help but be hopeful and think of the innate goodness in and for us all.
As this year comes to a close, I want to remind that you are here for a reason. And that reason is yours to define.
What is possible for you in 2017? You get to decide. Download your free yearly planner below to make it happen and reach your goals.
Cheers to a new year!
xx
D
Dr. Dowling has spent years helping people live richer, more joyful lives. She has seen firsthand the magical pairing of psychology and life coaching, which allows people to access their happiest selves.
View Dr. Dowling's articles on Mindbodygreen
- Maybe I’d be Happier with Someone Else? - Apr 25, 2023
- Mastering An Attitude Of Gratitude & How to Maintain Feeling Grateful - Mar 28, 2023
- How Do I Find Joy in Life? - Feb 24, 2023