The Simple Mind is a newsletter to help you reduce overthinking and boost self-confidence.

We're all busy wrapping up the last details of 2024, and here I am asking about a cool thing you did in March…

There's a method to my madness, I swear.

I know in this busy season, your beautiful overthinking mind is multitasking. There's a lot going on. May this last newsletter of 2024 be your kind reminder to take a moment for yourself in the end-of-year madness.

Can you afford a 20-minute break? If not now, plan it (and by plan it, I mean lock it in your calendar).

I want to share reflection questions I'm playing with this end of year. I love to kill two birds with one stone, so these can also serve as great conversation starters.

Warm up a cup of tea (or get some wine, I am French after all) and get to reflecting!

What's one really cool thing you did in March?

[Can be replaced with any month of the year, really]

Do a monthly highlight treasure hunt. Looking back month by month, what's one highlight? Crazy how we forget the good stuff.

Really take some time to dig and find the one cool thing / highlight for each month. If you really struggle to do it, it may be time to create a habit to document the good stuff in your life (since it increases self-confidence and all).

What's your plot twist? 

What are you doing now that would blow past-you's mind? The things that felt huge a year ago but somehow became your new normal?

For some it's setting boundaries, for others it's their newfound discipline in one area.

Personally, it's my ability to just be and observe. This year I've learned to really slow down my mind and actions, and be more present. To accept not doing, but just being. As an overthinker, I'm sure you can appreciate how much of an effort that is.

What’s yours?

What story are you ready to drop? 

If anything, the previous question should help you identify one thing you used to 'be' or defined yourself by, and somehow you've changed.

"I'm a restless mind" is a story I tell myself. An untrue one, since I've made huge progress on that front, but I still identify as a restless mind... Which leads me to be more restless, to put fewer boundaries with my mind when I go down the over-productive, overthinking side, using as an excuse “well, that's who I am.".

Is it though ? If part of me was able to change, it’s likely I can rewrite that story.

And so can you.

It can apply to anything - something you've already made changes on, but still tell yourself you’re not. Or maybe it's something you want to change. Change can start by reducing how often you say “I’m not this”, or “I am that”.

What’s one way you define yourself, one story you tell yourself that you want to rewrite?

Two reminders for you

1. Celebrate the wins - you know I am a sucker for celebrations, but it serves a purpose. It increases your self-confidence.

2. There are different ways to reflect and use these questions:

• Hand writing: 

  We write slower than we think. Hand writing will allow you to slow down your thoughts and take time to explore. If you tend to feel overwhelmed with end-of-year reflections, hand writing will help you process one thought at a time.

• Fast typing:
  Offload your thoughts on the question real fast. I love to use Squibblers for it (if you stop writing, the text erases). Once you've offloaded your ideas, you can re-read them with a quieter mind. If you tend to judge or second-guess yourself, it's a great tool to reflect.

• Voice note: 
  When you talk out loud, you kind of have to structure your thoughts as if you talked to someone. Sending a voice note to yourself is a great way to externalise your answer and follow your thoughts thread.
  
  When you listen to it again, it’s as if the message was coming from someone else. It's great to distance yourself to observe your thoughts in a new light and see some potential ways you talk about yourself (or the stories you tell yourself).

And of course, these questions can be used with friends and family members you trust as a way to reflect together on the year. Nothing beats an attentive ear and a great in person conversation.

I wish you a lovely festive season, and appreciate you for reading.

Orianne

PS: Sharing is caring! If you know someone who’s a sucker for end of year reflections and deep questions, send it their way!

Hey! I'm Orianne your guide to turning that overthinking mind into your superpower.