Change Archives - Ways2Grow

December: Become Before You Begin

For many years, I treated December as a short pause before the next sprint. A bit of rest, family time, maybe a holiday, a bit of planning… and then January arrives like a starting gun. Maybe you can identify with that?

We run into the new year with new ideas, energy and hope, only to find ourselves a few months later whispering: “Same old, same old.”

It’s not because we fail.
It’s because we step into a new year with the same old version of ourselves.

Most people think December means:

Rest → Return

But a healthier way might be:

Rest → Reflect → Reinvent → Reset

Rest is not a luxury reserved for a few — it is a necessary recovery.
We were designed for it to be a natural part of life.
It is your soul remembering who you are beneath the work, the deadlines, the expectations and the fatigue… and why you are here on planet earth.

Reflection or recalibration is gentle. It begins with a few honest questions:

Who have I become in 2025 while chasing what I thought was right?
Who am I becoming?
Is this who I want to be(come)?
Who — and how — do I want to be(come) in 2026?

These are identity questions — about your Being, not your Doing.
They shift us away from living in urgency, and more to living from the inside out.
Not in reactive mode, not forcing outcomes, but moving with intention and flow.

When we discover and live this secret, life becomes so much easier.

Then, who we are inside, starts to manifest on the outside. Almost supernaturally!

And perhaps this is also why Christmas matters.
A Baby born in simplicity, away from power and performance, quietly reminds us that hope enters the world not through noise or pressure, but through presence — through being.

I’ve met several people recently who are right at the edge of burnout.
Not weak people — strong, resilient, hardworking people.
When we push and force and fight too long, even a good life can start to feel pointless.

If that is you, maybe this December is not the time to set ambitious goals or generate resolutions.
Maybe this is the time to re-evaluate — and to be renewed.

You don’t have to rush back into “normal.”
You can build something healthier, more sustainable, more meaningful..
Who (the identity) you bring into 2026 will shape everything you do in it.

Be kind to yourself this month.
Be good to the people you love.
Rest. Enjoy. Notice. Discover. Recalibrate. And see what evolves…
Allow yourself to be renewed.

Flow into 2026 as a year where you live more from identity than urgency —
more purpose than push.

How do I transition well?

Life is a journey filled with transitions-some bringing immense joy, while others may cause hardship, sadness and pain. Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve come to realise that the outcome of these transitions wasn’t solely due to the changes themselves, but rather how I chose to navigate them. Continue reading How do I transition well?

Say Yes to a Healthier Life

Today, I want to share something personal yet universal that Mariëtte and I have recently embarked on. It’s about the journey to a healthier and happier life—a journey that is entirely doable, smart, and effective.

One of the biggest lies we can easily fall into is the belief that life is what it is and that we are stuck with it. Many of us know deep down that this isn’t true, yet we often find ourselves stuck in certain areas, be it relationships, business, or lifestyle. We end up repeating the same thoughts, habits, and actions without ever evaluating the results or considering our choices. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Mariëtte and I decided to take a step back and revisit our lifestyle, focusing first on our physical health. We sought professional advice and got ourselves examined, including blood tests. Now, we are on a journey towards better health. But wow, figuring out what to do can be so overwhelming. There are countless diets, books, YouTube videos, articles, and well-meaning advice from friends and family.

After sifting through the information, we decided for now we will not to be too radical or drastic, but rather sensible. We found some of the best insights that made sense to us and that we’d like to share with you what’s generic. Evaluate the information below and assess how you are doing; then make a few decisions:

Kindness to Yourself

Be kind and graceful to yourself. This journey is not about perfection but progression. Discipline is important, but it’s equally important to give yourself lots of grace and love. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.

Mindset Matters

The process starts from within. Approach this journey with a positive mindset. Don’t see it as a punishment; instead, view it as a loving way to take care of yourself for a healthier and happier tomorrow.

Be Realistic

Change what you can, like exercising and eating healthy, but also gracefully accept what you cannot change, such as your age, grey hair, family history, past mistakes, and personal history. Embrace these aspects of yourself with kindness.

Seek Professional Help

There’s so much we don’t know, and that’s okay. Professionals can provide valuable insights through tests and personalized advice. Knowing your body’s specific needs can help you make better decisions about your health. Find a professional you can trust, then trust him/her.

Start with Detox

Especially for gut health, it might be beneficial to start with a detox. Eating healthily while your system is still out of balance, we heard, is like sowing good seeds on soil full of weeds. So, maybe first clear out the old to make way for the new?

Physical Exercise

Regular exercise is crucial. It helps you burn calories and keeps your body in good shape. Find a physical activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.

Less of the Bad Stuff

Most of us have to cut down on some of the following: sugars, carbs, processed foods, fast foods, pain meds, and alcohol. These can negatively impact your health in numerous ways.

More of the Good Stuff

Drink enough water. Also increase your intake of plant-based foods. They are not only nutritious but can also serve as a good source of protein. Try to reduce your consumption of animal-based foods, but don’t cut it out completely. We are omnivores.

Mindfulness

Intentionally be mindful of what you eat. Be present when you eat to taste, smell, and even feel the food going down. Enjoy your meals and be grateful for the food on your plate. This not only improves your relationship with food but also enhances your overall well-being.

We’re all on this journey together, and it’s important to remember that small, consistent steps can lead to big changes. Life doesn’t have to be a series of repeated patterns and unfulfilled dreams. By taking conscious, mindful steps, we can transform our health and our lives.

Mariëtte and I have already noticed positive changes, and we’re excited about what lies ahead. We know our insights are limited and biased, but we hope that by sharing our journey, we can inspire you to figure out, start or continue your own path to a healthier, happier life. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress and being kind to yourself along the way.

Let’s embrace change together and create a life that is not just lived, but truly enjoyed.

Stay healthy and happy!

Living life by design or by default

“I suppose I will be living with this pain for many, many years”, I remarked after a major setback. My coach’s response was short and to the point: “Only if you choose to.” When his words were met by a frown, he said to me: “you either live life by design or by default.” Indeed, he was right, I could choose to keep living in the setback, or to move on, to be happy again or not. Continue reading Living life by design or by default

What you focus on GROWS

What you focus on GROWS. If you focus on problems, you will have more problems; if you focus on solutions, you will get more solutions… You can choose, indeed. How liberating! Continue reading What you focus on GROWS

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