As we begin a new calendar year I want to remind you that it’s still winter in the northern hemisphere.

This is a time for going slow, for reflections and dreaming, for more evaluating, planning and preparing.

This is the perfect time of year to do the single most powerful practice I know of to align yourself and your actions with all that’s most important to you.

I call this my “Priority Process”.

It’s simple, and brilliant. I developed it when I was struggling with my health and energy. It really helped me to streamline and focus on the things that I hold near and dear to my heart.

It only takes a few minutes to do.

Are you ready?

1. Write down your top 3 priorities right now. This is for now, not forever. Be honest with yourself about what is most important to you today. (You can revisit this process in 3-6 months. Your priorities may have shifted by then, or not.)

Here is an example:

• My health – specifically sleep & reclaiming energy

• My kids – spending quality time with them every day

• My home – more organization, less clutter, less is more…

2. Look at your schedule and see how much of your time is organized around your top 3 priorities. Notice and feel the tension that exists between what is most important to you, and how you spend your time right now.

3. If you’d like to reduce that tension and stress that comes from not engaging regularly what matters most to you, answer this question: What is one thing you could do, or one shift you could make to bring your schedule into greater alignment with your priorities?

Your schedule and how you spend your time deeply impacts how your life feels to you.

If you want 2024 to feel less stressful, but also more fulfilling, it is up to you to find a way to align your time with the things you value most.

Otherwise, you create an inner battle between what you think you should be doing, and what your heart really wants – which is never a good feeling place.

Don’t forget that your emotions create a chemistry in your body. We can either be creating a chemistry of stress, worry, fear, and regret, or we can create something entirely different.

A chemistry of fulfillment, empowerment, joy, and peace!

We all have very reasonable and good reasons for why our schedules are the way they are right now, and not everyone can change everything overnight – nor do I recommend you should!

But I do invite you to take one step towards the life you really want. Be patient with yourself, but be clear about what you want to experience, too.

There are few things that feel better than living a life that is aligned to what is true and important and sacred to you.

Try it for yourself and see.