I don’t know about you, but this year just feels different. The way I stumbled across this for myself was doing the things I always do at the start of a new year. Choosing a word. Setting big goals for the year. Working my planner (by the way, if you need one — I highly recommend Sol Planners). But after I did all those things that I usually do, something just felt flat.

Truth be told, I wasn’t ready for those big goals or intense focus. A lot happened in 2020. And as of this writing, a lot happened in the first two weeks of 2021. And if you feel like big goals and getting back into the hustle of life doesn’t feel right, then keep reading.

Stepping with Gentleness

My dog Moose is aging and is supposed to be restricted from jumping, lots of stairs, and long walks. In his old age, he’s developed degenerating disks. I’ve taken up one simple mantra every time he’s on the move. BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF.

Which is what got me thinking about us. Just like Moose, we may need the simple reminder to be gentle with ourselves when it comes to stepping into 2021. What does that look like you ask? Maybe it means we slow down on setting big goals and choose to do the next right thing before God this month. Maybe it means we choose to be still instead doing things for God. Maybe we let God determine our next steps while we nurture our souls.

When it comes to gentleness, each Enneagram type, based on their core motivations, will find different things that feel gentle. So to honor my souls craving for gentleness and the inner work each of us can do with the tool of the Enneagram, here’s some gentle step ideas for each Enneagram type.

Type 1 | The Reformer

Type 2 | The Helper

Type 3 | The Achiever

Type 4 | The Individualist

Type 5 | The Investigator

Type 6 | The Loyalist

Type 7 | The Enthusiast

Type 8 | The Challenger

Type 9 | The Peacemaker

Here’s the thing. The last year was a lot for a lot of people. And quite frankly, we learned some things, didn’t we? We’re changed because while it was heavy, it also gave us an opportunity to slow down, be with our people, and learn from God. And because we’ve been changed, it’s okay to change how we show up and start a new year, isn’t it? If you are ready to get back to big goals and getting things done….friend, I’m cheering you on. But if you are sensing the need to slow down and take it one baby step at a time, let’s give ourselves permission to be gentle with ourselves and just do the next right thing.

Hey friends, I’d love to hear from you. How are you choosing to be gentle with yourself at the start of 2021?

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