Hey friend,
How are you feeling this morning?
If you’re reading this over your first cup of coffee, taking a deep breath before diving back into “real life,” I want you to know something:
That tension you might be feeling? Between the quiet wisdom of New Year’s intentions and the loud demands of your inbox?
It’s perfectly normal. And you’re handling it beautifully.
Remember that permission slip we talked about on New Year’s Eve? It didn’t expire at midnight. In fact, it’s even more valuable today.
→Permission to ease in.
→Permission to take it slow.
→Permission to do it differently.
Think of today as a gentle threshold, not a running start.
Your Framework for Today
(and every day that feels overwhelming):
1. Start Where You Are Not where you think you “should” be. Not where others expect you to be. Right here, in this moment, with whatever energy you’re bringing to the day.
2. Choose One Thing, Just One. Not the whole vision board. Not the entire year’s goals. What’s one small thing that would feel good today?
Maybe it’s:
→ Five minutes of quiet before opening your laptop
→ A mindful walk between meetings
→ Actually eating lunch away from your desk (I’m working on this one too!)
3. Notice the Good Your brain might be pulled toward everything that needs to change. Gently redirect it to notice what’s already working:
- The morning routine that grounds you
- The relationships that energize you
- The habits that serve you well
A Gentle Truth About Change
Real transformation isn’t about massive Monday morning overhauls. It’s about tiny choices, made moment by moment, guided by self-trust rather than self-pressure.
Remember the word you chose for 2025? (If you haven’t chosen one yet, there’s still plenty of time)
Let it be your compass today, not your taskmaster.
If you chose “flow” like me, look for small ways to create flow today. If you chose “peace,” find tiny pockets of peace between tasks. If you’re still deciding, use today to notice what word feels true for you.
Your Permission Slip for Today
You have full permission to:
- Take breaks between Zoom calls
- Close your office door when you need quiet
- Say, “let me think about that” instead of an immediate yes
- Trust your own timing
A Question for Your Journal
Instead of “What should I accomplish today?” try asking: “How do I want to feel by the end of today?”
Let that guide your choices. This question is huge for me; I have it written on a sticky note on my desk as a reminder. (Yep, I’m a work in progress, and that’s okay)
Remember:
You’re not behind.
You haven’t missed the window for change.
The gentlest shifts often create the deepest transformations.
Here’s to embracing the day, exactly as it comes.
XOXO, Tonya
P.S. If today feels overwhelming, remember: you’re not alone. Reply to this email with “I need a permission slip for…” and I’ll send you a personalized one. Sometimes, naming what we need is the first step to receiving it.
Want Support Making These Gentle Shifts?
→ Ready for a different approach to change? Let’s explore what that could look like for you. Book a “Gentle Shift Strategy Session” and discover how support can make all the difference. [Book Your Call]
→ Need some immediate guidance? Reply with your biggest challenge right now, and I’ll share a simple tool you can use today.
Remember, transformation isn’t a race. It’s a gentle unfolding, and you’re exactly where you need to be.
