Reclaiming Your Energy: How to Start the Year with Joy and Vitality

Reclaiming Your Energy: How to Start the Year with Joy and Vitality

The start of a new year is always charged with energy and possibility. Everyone’s talking about resolutions, big goals, and fresh starts, but if you’re anything like me (or if you’ve been struggling with fatigue like I have), the energy to take on the world might feel… well, a little bit elusive. That’s okay. You’re not alone, and you’re certainly not broken. If you’ve followed us at all or are already a member you know I’m going to always tell you you are magnificent exactly as you are. However, if we are not feeling magnificent what can we do to start this year feeling better?

Fatigue is real. It’s something we don’t often talk about enough, especially in the hustle culture of new beginnings. It’s easy to feel like you have to power through, push harder, and do more, but what if this year, we did things a little differently? What if we reclaimed our vitality—not through relentless productivity but by taking a step back, listening to our bodies, and recharging in ways that truly nourish us? I know many of us are busy with work, families, obligations, resolutions, etc, but this year I want us to start carving out space for quiet, and slow and peace.

The truth is, you can reclaim your energy in 2024. You just need to listen to yourself, trust your body, and make space for joy in your journey to vitality. Let’s talk about how we can do that—together.

Understanding the Energy Drain

Before we dive into solutions, let’s take a moment to acknowledge what’s going on. When you’re exhausted, it’s not just about getting more sleep. Yes, sleep is important (we’ll get to that!), but fatigue often has multiple layers. It could be mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual. A combination of stress, burnout, and undernourished self-care can leave us feeling like we’re running on empty, and that’s when fatigue sets in. And what we don’t realize is that our body often works like a bank we borrow off of and eventually the dues come in. We may not even be as stressed as we were but it’s as we let our shoulders down a little that our being says, and now we are spent.

Sometimes, life demands a lot from us, and we give more than we realize. The holiday season, the fast pace of work, and the constant to-do lists can overwhelm our systems. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to “power through” or feel guilty about needing rest. Energy isn’t just about being “on” all the time; it’s about finding balance and honoring where you’re at. Learning to say no when we need to and yes to the rest our body requires.

So how can we shift gears in a way that feels natural, energizing, and joyful?

Taking It Easy: Finding Your Own Rhythm

Now, let’s get real for a second. There are a lot of people out there telling you how to “reclaim your energy,” and often, they’ll suggest methods that sound great in theory but don’t resonate with you at all. For example, breathing techniques. I’m going to be honest—I’m not a huge fan unless I’m in the forest, breathing in that fresh air and connecting with nature. And that’s fine! We’re all different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Actually I’m quite sure breathing would work for me, I have friends who are experts in breathing techniques but for some reason I just have never resonated with it. Does that mean I never will, no, but what it means in this season of rest is to honor what is working for me.

It’s important to find what feels good for YOU. Some people love yoga or meditation. Others thrive on journaling, while some find peace in a warm bath or a cozy night of reading. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for vitality and joy. You have to explore and find your own rhythm. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stretch yourself, and try new things what I’m saying is don’t do things just because someone said you should, a cool app lured you in or it’s the thing everyone is doing. That way of doing things will just add more stress to your life.

That’s why I’m here to remind you that it’s okay to make it YOUR journey. If you feel like you’re too tired to do the things everyone else is doing, then take it easy. It’s okay to step back, to listen to your body, and find what truly helps you recharge.

And let’s also be honest , a lot of those things are quite female dominated. What if you would like to relax with a nice karate class, and a darts game in the den. Yep, do that too.

The Power of Small Moments

Let’s talk about those small wins that we all tend to brush aside. Sometimes, we’re so focused on the “big” things we want to accomplish that we forget to celebrate the tiny victories. Did you take a nap today? That’s a win. Did you write a sentence in your journal? That’s a win. Got outside for a quick walk? Another win. Walk by a tree and give it a little tap while you breathe in its energy. Yep, that’s a win.  When you start to reframe your mindset and celebrate the small things, it makes a world of difference. In fact, I don't even like calling them small things. Find your glimmers, and let them light you up. A lightning bug on the right day can be as healing as a sky full of fireworks.

Simple actions add up, and they make you feel like you’re moving forward, even when the bigger goals still feel a little too far away. It’s important to give yourself permission to embrace these little steps. It’s not all about perfection. It’s about progress and celebrating your choices to nurture yourself.

Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Self-care doesn’t always have to be a full-on spa day, or a trip to Hawaii (though, don’t get me wrong, those are amazing and I love them!). It can be something simple—something that fits into your life and doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s about doing what feels good and relaxing. Here are a few ideas for you:

1. Small Chair Stretches: If you can’t get to a full workout, do some small stretches in your chair. Stretching helps release tension and can give you a mini-energy boost throughout the day. You can easily google this or just get simple and stretch and breathe.
2. Naps: Yes, naps! After work, during the day, whenever you can. Naps are incredibly healing.I like to call these “snack naps”—just 10-15 minutes to give your body a chance to recharge. My love and I constantly take snap naps and it is a way to connect and rest at the same time. I love them.
3. Journaling: Many people love to journal. If that’s you then do it. In fact, go a step further and make sure you have a journal that feels great. If you like the simple things it may just be loose leaf paper and a binder, maybe you are high tech and have a journaling app or perhaps you need to go to the local book store and pick a shiny new one that lights you up. There is no wrong way. Journaling is a way of reflecting, releasing, and processing everything that’s on your mind. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, journaling helps you reconnect with your thoughts and emotions.
4. Pamper Yourself: Whether it’s a nice warm bath, a face mask, or taking time to enjoy your favorite meal, pampering yourself is a great way to fill your cup. You deserve it. What if it’s a Saturday morning where you just make tea, or coffee and read the book that you’ve been wanting to. And maybe it’s a self help book but you have my permission to pick a mystery, action, or my favorite, romance. Just pamper!!
5. Gentle Movement: If you’re tired but need to move, try a gentle walk. Or dance to your favorite music in the kitchen. Movement is important for energy flow, but it doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. And if you need a little extra boost and have a pet, or small child, dance with them, they fill you up with their energy and joy.

Remember, the goal is not to overdo it. It’s not about being “productive” or ticking off every box. It’s about listening to your body and showing it love in the ways it craves.

A Vitalizing Mindset: Manifesting Your Best Self

What about mindset? I’m all about it. Manifesting your desires isn’t just about visualizing; it’s about aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions. When we’re tired, it’s easy to slip into negative thinking or overwhelm. But you can shift your energy by practicing gratitude (or, as I prefer, appreciation) and focusing on what feels good. Start each day with a positive affirmation, like: “What would it look and feel like today if I honor my needs, and I choose to focus on what brings me joy.”

By changing your inner dialogue, you create space for the energy you need to manifest your desires. When you feel light and energized, you become a magnet for positivity, abundance, and joy. It’s all about aligning your energy with what you want to attract. Visualize yourself energetic or visualize energetic healing from your heart all around your body, or do both. You get the idea. You have the power to energize yourself, pick something that is easy to flow in to.

Taking It Easy: The Art of Slowing Down

Another key element of reclaiming your energy is learning to slow down. Yes, slowing down. Sometimes we think we need to “rush” in order to get things done. But, in reality, taking time to slow down gives us more space to breathe, to focus, and to make better choices.

Slow down in your decisions. Slow down in your movements. Slow down in your thinking. Embrace the art of taking things one step at a time, and notice how much more connected and energized you feel.

When my children were little we would be driving down the street and I’d see this amazing flock of birds flying in unison, or the most stunning tree and we would often take the time to just pull over and investigate. Slow down and participate in the moment is a beautiful gift to give yourself.

The Power of Restorative Rest

Restorative rest is key to getting back your vitality. And no, it’s not just about sleep (although sleep is incredibly important). Restorative rest could be taking a break from screens, curling up with a good book, or spending time in nature. It's about restoring your soul, not just your body.

In this world that tells us to be constantly “on,” it’s revolutionary to take rest seriously. Give yourself permission to be still. Be present with your thoughts. Allow your mind to wander. Your soul will thank you. I often talk about the healing power of trees. Just lean against one, or give one a hug, you’ll be amazed how you feel.

Embrace the Wander: Werifesteria and Finding Joy in the Journey

This year, I’ve decided to embrace a concept that I’ve fallen in love with: werifesteria. It’s an old English word that means "to wander longingly through the forest in search of mystery." And isn’t that what we’re all doing, in one way or another? We wander through life, sometimes aimlessly, sometimes with intention, but always searching for something deeper.

To me, werifesteria encapsulates so much of the magic that exists when we give ourselves permission to wander—to follow the pull of our hearts, to disconnect from the hustle, and to seek the beauty that lies in the unexpected. When I think about this word, it reminds me of why I’ve always loved being in nature, taking long walks, or simply slowing down to observe. It's all part of finding joy in the process, and that’s something I want to share with you.

Whether you’re walking through the woods, journaling by a cozy fire , or even just allowing yourself to take a moment to reflect on your day, werifesteria calls us to reconnect with what matters most—our inner world, our sense of wonder, and our ability to be present in the moment.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Energy in 2024

The most important thing to remember is that your energy is yours to nurture. You don’t need to feel guilty about needing rest. In fact, you deserve to prioritize your well-being. When you feel well-rested, joyful, and aligned, your energy flows effortlessly, and that’s when the magic happens.

So, in 2024, let’s focus on reclaiming our vitality—without guilt, without pressure. Start with one small action, and slowly build up from there. Whether it’s journaling, pampering yourself, or enjoying a restful moment, take care of yourself. You’re not just investing in your energy, you’re investing in your joy and your future. You’ve got this.

And remember, there’s no need to rush. Take it easy. Reclaim your energy. Embrace your vitality. And let’s make 2024 the year of true energy and joy.

Poetry to Ponder

I like this poem for us. Our imagination is a great place to find rest for our fatigue. Let your mind wander my lovelies.

Reclaiming "myself " - Hank Van Well Jr.

It's been so long since,

I bathed in the pool of my  imagination.
The place where my thoughts turn, into words ,
I choose to pen.
I could swim in a garden of wildflowers.
Close my eyes and imagine the universe ,
And wonder,
Wonder if,
my entire existence is just a thought process in someone else rationale.
What if the universe itself , is buried inside someone's mind.
Its been so long since I've held my breath, and dove deeper,
opened my eyes and inhaled.
Take in my surroundings ,
Hear the muffled voice of my beating heart.
Da dum da dum da dum....
Washing away,
those the memories of hurt.
I used to swim in "our " affection , never needing to look further for an ode .
Now she's gone , those waters stagnate.
I had gotten so used to swimming in milk and honey.
I was lost.
Now on the threshold of my own existence.
The pith of my creativity
My Nebula
The time to jump in again.
Swim in my own correlation of ink.
Yes...
Its been so long since I've bathed in my imagination

Rest my loves,

You are magnificent and you've got this.

Toni ❤️