As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to share something close to my heart. The New Year is often a time when we reflect on where we are and set big goals for where we want to go. But while ambition is beautiful, it’s equally important to be kind to ourselves in the process.
When I first moved from Brazil to Los Angeles, my life was far from easy. I didn’t speak much English, I didn’t have a car, a steady job, or even friends here. I had moments where I felt completely lost, and there were times I thought about giving up. But deep down, I had a mission: I wanted to create a better life for myself by sharing my knowledge and helping others feel better in their bodies. That mission became my anchor. Even when times were tough, I reminded myself that I was capable of achieving anything as long as I stayed focused and determined.
Reframing my mindset
One of the most powerful lessons I learned during those early days was the importance of reframing my mindset. It was easy to focus on what I didn’t have: no car, no steady job, no close friends. Those thoughts could have easily held me back. But I realized that if I kept focusing on the lack, I would never move forward. So, I started shifting my perspective. Instead of thinking, I don’t have what I need, I asked myself, What can I do with what I have right now? That small change made all the difference. I began to see each day as an opportunity to learn and grow. I focused on the steps I could take, no matter how small, and trusted that they would lead me closer to my goals.
Reframing your mindset doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect, it means choosing to see challenges as opportunities. Instead of thinking, I’m failing because I haven’t reached my goal yet, try thinking, I’m growing with every step I take toward my goal. This shift in thought creates space for patience, kindness, and resilience.
That small shift made all the difference, and it’s something I encourage everyone to embrace. Reframing your mindset isn’t just about thinking positively, it’s about looking for opportunities in the small steps we can take, no matter how insignificant they might seem. This is where the power of daily routines comes into play.
Taking care of myself, one step at a time
When we start our wellness journey, we often underestimate the impact of simple, healthy habits. Yet, these small routines act as the foundation for larger, more positive shifts in our lives. By starting with achievable habits, we create a ripple effect that not only improves our physical well-being but also helps us mentally reframe our journeys.
For example, when I began my practice of lymphatic drainage massage, I didn’t focus on how far I had to go to build my business. I focused on doing one small thing well: helping each client feel their best. Similarly, when you commit to small daily habits, such as drinking a big glass of water in the morning or taking a few minutes to elevate your legs at night, you’re telling yourself: I’m taking care of my body, one small step at a time. These simple actions reinforce the mindset that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful.
Looking back, I see how those small, steady efforts transformed my life. And that’s the message I want to share with you as we step into 2024. This year, I invite you to reflect on your own “why.” Why do you want to achieve your goals? Why do you wake up every morning? When we know our purpose, it’s easier to find balance, even when life gets busy or overwhelming.
As you step into this New Year, remember that the best version of yourself isn’t about how much you accomplish. It’s about how you feel inside. Set goals that excite you, but don’t forget to show yourself grace along the way. Celebrate your progress, even if it feels small. Growth doesn’t always happen in leaps. Most times, it happens in quiet, steady steps.
I’m so incredibly grateful for this community and for the trust you’ve placed in me. Together, we’ve built something truly special, a space where beauty and health come together, where we support each other in feeling our best inside and out.
This New Year, let’s commit to reframing how we think about ourselves and our journeys. Let’s look at challenges as stepping stones, not roadblocks. Let’s see our progress, no matter how slow, as a testament to our resilience and commitment. And let’s remind ourselves that every small step forward is still movement toward the life we want to create.
Let’s make 2024 a year of kindness, balance, and purpose. Here’s to a beautiful New Year filled with health and happiness!