JENI ALEXANDER: Slow down, take stock, show gratitude and set intentions
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Sharon Leon’s managing director, Jeni Alexander reflects on 2023 and how to set intentions...
Well, I don’t know about you, but I can’t really believe that we are about to close the chapter on 2023! For me, there have been highs and there have been lows as every year brings.
I celebrated turning 50, saw my girls excel in sports and school, and we celebrated 60 years of Sharon Leon Carpets! So, it has certainly been an eventful year.
As I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind that was the past year, it feels like I’ve just finished a rollercoaster ride – complete with unexpected twists, exhilarating highs, and the occasional loop-de-loop that left me feeling slightly disoriented.
Looking back, I’ve realised that the best moments weren’t always the ones meticulously planned.
Some of the most memorable times were the spontaneous, unplanned adventures – like that impromptu road trip or late-night conversations with old friends.
Of course, there were challenges along the way – moments when I questioned whether I had mistakenly stumbled into a drama rather than a comedy. Yet, in those tough times, I found resilience and a sense of humour to be my best allies.
I do believe that the end of the year is a good time to reflect on what’s working and what’s not.
Where were my challenges and where did I gain growth? So here are a few things I think are healthy to do at the end of a season:
Write down the things that went right
As a business owner and as an individual, it’s important to look at the things that went well. Recording successes fosters a positive mindset, reinforcing achievements and boosts confidence. Documenting what went right provides a tangible record of progress, serving as a valuable reference for the future! It encourages me to make continuous improvement, enhances my self-awareness, and cultivates gratitude which ultimately helps me and the business!
Tell the people in your life that you are grateful for them
The festive season can be tough for many, and depending on how their year has gone, it can feel quite heavy. So, reach out and tell them you are grateful for them! It might be dropping a text, sending a voice note, getting your staff a wee gift or dropping by someone’s house for a cup of tea. It all makes a difference.
Kindness costs nothing and people need to know they are valued. Make some time over this season to tell people that you care. It will matter a lot to them and it’s good for us too!
Set some intentions for the next year ahead
I think resolutions are strict. They feel a bit like all or nothing, and it can feel like I’ve failed if I don’t achieve them. So I like to set some intentions instead. Things that I want
to grow in over the next year, where I would like to see the business develop and some healthier habits I want to cultivate. Just because a new year is coming in, doesn’t mean I’m going to become a brand new version of myself. So don’t set your sights too high, and be kind to yourself.
So, here’s to embracing the chaos, finding joy in the unexpected, and looking forward to the next rollercoaster ride that is life!
May you have a wonderful Christmas and go I hope that you go into 2024 with boldness, hope and a sense of belief in yourself!
Slàinte!
