As This Year Gently Comes to a Close…

There’s something tender about this time of year.

The busyness of Christmas has eased.

The new year hasn’t quite begun.

And in between, there’s a quiet invitation to pause.

This pause isn’t about picking everything apart or putting pressure on yourself to have answers already.

It’s simply an invitation to slow down for a moment — to breathe, to rest, and to acknowledge where you are without judgement.

This pause is also about your wellbeing.

About letting your mind settle after a full year of carrying, processing, and pushing through.

It’s about giving yourself permission to unclench, to exhale, and to notice how you’re really feeling — mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Sometimes wellness doesn’t look like doing more.

Sometimes it looks like rest, quiet, gentle reflection, or simply choosing not to overload yourself with more noise.

I want to encourage you — this moment isn’t about performance or productivity. It’s about kindness towards yourself as one season closes and another slowly opens.

You’ve carried a lot this year.

You’ve learned more than you realise.

You’ve shown up in ways that mattered — even when no one else noticed.

And that matters.

Often, when we approach the end of a year, there’s an unspoken expectation that we should already know what needs to change next. But this space isn’t asking for answers yet. It’s simply offering awareness — and awareness is always a gift.

Sometimes growth doesn’t announce itself loudly.

Sometimes progress looks like noticing.

Sometimes strength looks like admitting you want something different moving forward.

And that’s okay.

You don’t need to have January mapped out.

You don’t need a perfect plan.

You don’t need to rush into decisions before you’re ready.

What you can do is allow yourself this gentle pause — to reflect without judgement, to care for your wellbeing, and to trust that God is still at work, even in the in-between.

As the year draws to a close, you might simply ask yourself:

What has this season taught me about myself?

What am I more aware of now than I was before?

What do I feel quietly hopeful about as I look ahead?

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Just honesty. And honesty creates space for growth.

Taking care of your wellbeing as this year closes isn’t indulgent — it’s wise.

A settled mind creates space for clarity, peace, and hope to grow.

Next week, I’ll be sharing a deeper reflection on decisions, choices, and the small actions that help shape the year ahead. For now, let this be your encouragement:

You are not behind.

You have not missed your moment.

And the next chapter is still unfolding.

Reflection Question

As this year comes to a close, what is one thing you’re becoming more aware of about yourself?

If you pray…

Lord, thank You for walking with me through this year.

Help me to end it with grace, not pressure,

to care for my wellbeing,

and to step into what’s ahead with trust, hope, and courage.

Amen.

Confidence Mantra

“I am exactly where I need to be, and what’s ahead is unfolding with purpose.”

Best Wishes

Adebola

I. Arise & Shine | iarisenshine.com

Coaching for Identity • Purpose • Resilience • Confidence