Do you believe in signs?

The idea of "what matters most" has been coming up in my thoughts lately. I've written about this topic before, but now I hear and see it everywhere. For example, I was doing a yoga practice today, and the instructor brought it up. Last week, when I was on a business year-end planning call, it also came up there. At least for me, the reminder to decide on, live for, and measure "what matters most" is everywhere. 

When I wrote about this topic in September, I explored the idea of making every day count, referring to Paulo Coelho's quote, "Don't live every day as if it were your last. Live every day as if it were your first." Before that, I created a journaling tool for my clients and community, guiding them through eight questions designed to help them discover what matters most in their lives. 

So, as you can imagine, this question is on my mind a lot. 

But let's consider that maybe what really matters most is not something external but internal. For example, whenever I'm asked what matters most, I automatically think of my relationships with my family. But really, what should matter most is my relationship with myself.  

When you think of it that way, it's not surprising that the personal development and self-care industries are thriving, especially in January. Plus, there's no denying that these last few years have been incredibly challenging for most people. The recent global pandemic created a shift in how we interact with others that's impacted all levels of society, pushing mental health and self-care to the forefront. Even without the pandemic, this shift has been a long time coming. 

In line with this movement toward self-care, writing a memoir can be incredibly cathartic and even eye-opening. Contrary to popular belief (and what's trending on social media), you're not writing your memoir for them; you're doing it yourself. While the finished book may be a gift for them (a gift they will treasure more than you'll ever know), recollecting and reminiscing is yours alone. When and how you decide to share your story with them is up to you. 

So, if you were looking for a sign, this is it. Let this be the year that you decide to record your stories and prepare for the next season of your life. Whether you're living out your final chapters or not even close, memoir writing is a way to take stock of where you are now and move forward with intention.