A Different Kind of Reflection
December naturally invites reflection — what worked, what didn’t, and what we might want to do differently next year.
But before jumping to goals or resolutions, I like to pause and start somewhere simpler.
I pay attention.
Not in a dramatic way — just noticing the small, everyday signals my body offers.
The little signs I notice
For me, those signals tend to show up as:
joint aches in my fingers
a bit of lower back discomfort
a few nights of poor sleep
Nothing alarming.
Nothing that needs fixing.
Just information.
Over time, I’ve learned that when these signs appear, they’re simply my body’s way of asking me to slow down and notice. And most of the time, I already know what helps — a bit more strength or mobility work, more consistent sleep habits, or dialing back on things I know don’t serve me well.
It’s not complicated.
It’s just easy to overlook when life is busy.
What I hear most often from clients
When I work with clients, the details differ — but the pattern is the same.
Their bodies are quietly saying things like:
I’m tired of being tired.
I don’t feel as strong as I used to.
I can’t keep doing everything for everyone.
I want my energy back.
These aren’t complaints.
They’re cues.
And they don’t mean something is broken — they mean something needs support.
Why paying attention matters
There’s another reason I take these small signals seriously.
When I look ahead to my 70s, 80s, and even 90s, what matters most to me is feeling strong, capable, and independent— so life doesn’t feel dramatically different than it does today.
I often think about a quote from the world’s oldest Ninja competitor — a woman in her 70s who was diagnosed with osteopenia at 60 and is now strong as an ox.
She says simply:
“Moving parts don’t rust.”
I smile every time I hear it — because it’s such a true sentiment.
That kind of future doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s built through small, consistent decisions — and by paying attention early, while change is still very workable.
If that’s a goal or quiet wish you carry too, this season of reflection really matters. Long-term strength and vitality require thoughtful planning now, not urgency later.
December isn’t about overhauling — it’s about noticing
I don’t believe December is the time to overhaul your habits.
It is a good time to notice patterns:
when your energy dips
what shows up in your body when stress runs high
what improves when sleep, movement, or nourishment are more consistent
Awareness creates options.
And options make change feel realistic and sustainable.
December is full.
Full of family, holiday gatherings, and meaningful connection —
and also a fair amount of stress. There’s always a lot to do, a lot to juggle, and very little empty space.
So if there’s one thing I’d encourage you to do this month, it’s simply this:
Notice.
Notice the small signals your body is offering — the fatigue, the stiffness, the restless sleep, the moments when you feel stretched a little thin.
You don’t need to do anything about them right now.
Just notice.
January is a natural time to respond — when life begins to settle back into its rhythm, routines re-emerge, and there’s more space to be intentional.
If and when that moment comes, I’d love to support you.