Clearing Space for Growth: A New Year's Reflection

As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what truly matters in my life and what’s been holding me back. Someone who inspires me once said, "If you want a new car, you need to make room in your garage." That wisdom hit me deeply. It reminded me that we must intentionally clear out what no longer serves us to make space for the big things we know are coming.

This season, I’ve committed to making room in my life for the things I want—not just material things but dreams, growth, and the kind of energy that fosters fulfillment. Clearing space isn’t just about physical clutter; it’s about letting go of negative energy, unproductive habits, and even relationships that no longer align with the person I am becoming.

This doesn’t mean I’m aiming for constant happiness or perfection. It means leaning into my faith and trusting that everything happening in my life is guiding me toward where I’m meant to be. I won’t sugarcoat it—this process is as petrifying as it is exciting. Growth often feels uncomfortable, but I’ve learned that those moments when I push through my fear are when the real magic happens.

If you’re ready to make room in your life for your dreams, here are a few tips to get started, along with how I’ve personally implemented them myself:

1. Take Inventory of Your Life
​Grab a journal or sit quietly and reflect: What in your life is no longer serving you? This could be physical clutter, negative thoughts, toxic relationships, or routines that drain your energy. Write them down and visualize what your life could feel like without them.

What I Do:
Every December, I review my gratitude journal to reflect on what brought me joy and what drained me. This practice helps me identify what to carry into the new year and what to leave behind. For example, this year, I realized that certain commitments I kept making were just taking up way too much of my energy without aligning with my long-term goals, so I decided to let them go.

2. Let Go Gracefully
Releasing the old isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. Start small by clearing one area at a time—maybe your closet, your schedule, or even your mindset. Remind yourself that letting go doesn’t erase the past but makes room for your future.

What I Do:
As I reflected on what I truly wanted my 2025 to look like, I realized that some of the trips I had booked for this year no longer aligned with my goals. While canceling them wasn’t an easy decision, it felt necessary to make room for events and opportunities that are more productive and in line with my vision for the future. By prioritizing what matters most and letting go of the unnecessary, I’ve been able to create space for growth and focus on what will truly move the needle in both my personal and professional life. It’s a reminder that sometimes saying "no" is the most powerful way to say "yes" to what’s ahead.


3. Replace Negative Energy with Positive Intentions
Clearing space isn’t just about removal; it’s about replenishment. Surround yourself with things and people that inspire and uplift you. Fill your time with activities that align with your goals and values. Replace worry with hope, and doubt with faith.

What I Do:
After clearing my physical and mental space, I use affirmations and vision boards to set positive intentions. For example, I recently updated my vision board with images and quotes that reflect the personal and professional growth I’m working toward. This visual reminder helps me stay focused on the positive energy I want to cultivate.

4. Embrace the Discomfort
Growth is often uncomfortable, but it’s also rewarding. When fear creeps in, remind yourself that feeling petrified is part of the process. It means you’re stepping into something bigger than yourself. Celebrate your bravery, even in the smallest steps.

What I Do:
When I face something that makes me feel uncomfortable or nervous, I remind myself that those feelings are often a sign that it’s exactly what I need to do. Instead of avoiding the discomfort, I acknowledge it and lean into it, knowing that growth only happens outside of my comfort zone. I focus on the bigger picture and how each uncomfortable step gets me closer to my goals. Whether it’s speaking in front of a crowd, attending events where I feel out of place, or taking on new challenges, I push forward by reframing my nervousness as excitement and reminding myself that the most rewarding experiences often start with a little fear.


5. Lean Into Faith
Trust the journey, even when it feels uncertain. Faith isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about believing in the process. Whenever doubt arises, remind yourself that everything is unfolding as it should, leading you toward your purpose.

What I Do:
When I feel overwhelmed by the unknown, I return to my gratitude journal and write down three things I’m thankful for. This practice helps me refocus on what I have instead of what I lack. I also turn to prayer or meditation to ground myself and lean into my faith. These moments remind me that I don’t need to have all the answers right now—I just need to trust the process. Trusting the process is one of the most important pieces many of us forget when we are starting our journey, but please know, no one has all the answers. You have to lean into your faith.

Why Making Room Matters
When we hold onto what no longer serves us, we limit the capacity for new opportunities to flow into our lives. By making room, we signal to the universe—and to ourselves—that we are ready to receive. Whether it’s a new job, a relationship, or personal growth, clearing space creates the foundation for transformation.
As we step into a new year, I’m choosing to trust that clearing out the old will make space for the incredible things waiting for me. I’m petrified, yes—but I’m also excited. And that’s the sweet spot where growth happens.
I hope this inspires you to do the same. Here’s to making room for the life we’ve always dreamed of.

​How will you make room in your life for what you want? Let’s start this journey together. Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out—I’d love to hear how you’re stepping into your own season of growth.