Usually at this time of year, I start feeling motivated and excited to charge right into the new year. Last year I switched things up a bit, and decided to focus on intentions rather than goals. Still, I think the underlying motivating force was essentially the same: I was aspiring to improve my experience, to expand my success, to get somewhere.

Let me make it clear: I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that.

Yet for me, things have shifted. Yes, I’m excited about 2014 and the new projects and experiences I’ll discover there.

But I’m already content with my life.

This is a big shift. It’s huge.

No, I’m not saying things are perfect. There are still desires moving through me. I want more prosperity, and to be more physically fit. I want to share the fruits of my creativity in ever-widening circles. I want to travel, to have fun, to read and write a lot. I want good things for my family and friends.

Perhaps the difference this time is that I already know that these things will happen, especially as I let go and allow them. That’s one way of phrasing it. Another is that I’m content with who I am right now, in this moment, and the way life is unfolding.

Rather than aspiring to success or joy or freedom, I’m recognizing those things in my life. I’m grateful for all the blessings of being alive in this physical body at this time. I’m following my inspirations and seeing where they take me. I’m going with the flow.

I hope this makes sense. It may seem like a very subtle difference, probably because it’s all about my own internal attitude.

The things that have happened in my life this year – losing a dear friend to cancer, becoming a published author, helping loved ones heal from and cope with injury and illness, traveling to conferences, writing a novel in a month, performing in some amazing spaces, seeing changes in some friendships – have all seeped into my soul. The underlying theme that is emerging is that external circumstances are going to shift and change, yet the way I choose to approach life is with love, kindness, and connection. For others and for myself. To listen to my intuition and go with the flow. To feel my emotions fully, and then let them go. To allow.

Rather than aspiring to a “better life,” whatever that might mean, I’m letting myself be inspired by the delightful, adventurous, creative, unpredictable, love-filled one that I have.