When I first started learning about boundaries, I just wanted to protect myself. 

I didn’t want to get hurt again…ever. 

So I put up walls to shut out all the potential pain. 

But in order to love – truly and fully – I had to learn that you can create and stick to your boundaries without putting up barriers that block the people that care about you. 

It won’t be perfect at first. But it is possible. 

You have to trust that in order to receive authentic love in all of its magnanimous forms, you have to take the risk to step outside the fortress that shuts everyone out. 

SOMETHING TO READ

Living an intentional life takes a lot of hard work. Here are 13 thoughts on life: Inspirational ideas to cultivate more joy. 

SOMETHING TO WATCH

In December I posted a Youtube video about How to Date with Intention. While the national day of love has passed, this is a fun watch if you’re ready to try dating in 2023. 

I promise at some point I will officially launch the podcast. 

SOMETHING TO DO

Make a list of 100 things that you’re grateful for. Revisit this list every time you’re feeling a bit bummed out.   

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

1. Here are a few reasons why you might need a reset. 

2. I finally updated my personal website. And I got new headshots! I guess green is my color for 2023. 

This is your invitation.

To dream.
To believe.
To grow.

Because all the magic lives in you
dreaming, believing, and growing.

keep growing.

AN INTERESTING LINK

When you think of keeping a journal, I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind is the traditional “Dear Diary” format, but there are so many ways to keep a journal. 

Here are 6 interesting ways to journal

SHOPPING LIST

I’m in love with building tiny rituals. Before I sit down to journal, I light a candle. Right now, this is my favorite scent.

SOMETHING TO LISTEN TO 

I enjoyed this podcast episode on the difference between certainty and clarity. 

SOMETHING TO DO 

As a part of My Reset Year, I’m currently building out a list of 52 mini challenges to find your inner spark and cultivate the change you need. Here’s a sneak peek: 

Host a two hour cocktail party. Hosting a small party at your home can be a great way to socialize and turn acquaintances into friends. Keep it simple with delicious drinks and meaningful conversation. And stick to the two hour rule. It’s long enough to make a connection, but not so long that you feel overwhelmed from hosting. 

In your most challenging moments, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns. 

But these mantras will help you navigate change and uncertainty.

Click now to read the post

AN INTERESTING LINK

Self-care is not selfish…it is necessary. 

Here are some quick reasons why

SHOPPING LIST

One of my favorite ways to relieve anxiety and practice self care is to take a long hot shower. Over Christmas, my mom introduced me to shower steamers and now I’m obsessed. Adding aromatherapy to my shower experience is an incredible way to disconnect from my troubles and reset my mood. 

SOMETHING TO READ 

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh is a dark, sometimes hilarious, but incredibly gripping novel about a woman that decides to hibernate for a year with the help of illegal prescription drugs. While I love inspiring books, I also love a good read that allows me to see varying points of view. I really enjoyed this book. 

SOMETHING TO DO 

As a part of My Reset Year, I’m currently building out a list of 52 mini challenges to find your inner spark and cultivate the change you need. Here’s a sneak peek related to rest and relaxation: 

Host yours own mini retreat. Some people go on retreats to take a break from the demands of daily life and relax in a peaceful setting. Others go on retreats to reflect or learn new skills. Retreats can be a great way to step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take time to focus on yourself and your personal growth.

All you need to do is to book a hotel stay for a long weekend and allow yourself to disconnect. Then plan simple activities like journaling, creating, reading, and reflecting to achieve your desired outcomes. 

PS.

I just returned to Austin from a glorious trip to New Orleans.

I was officially there to attend a baby shower and reconnect with old friends. But the trip was transformational.

I’d been searching for clarity… on what’s next and who I aim to be after finishing The Reset Workbook, scheduled to debut in December 2023 with Penguin Random House.

While I was there, I found clarity in an unexpected way.

I’m already doing what I want to do.

Reading, writing, creating, coaching, marketing, designing.

That’s who I am at my core: a man of many slashes.

So allow me to reintroduce myself.

My name is Justin Shiels and I’m a Creative Consultant / Coach / Illustrator / Author / Speaker

I would be honored to work with likeminded businesses and people to solve complex problems in interesting ways.

If you’re interested in connecting, you can always replay to this email to start the conversation. 

Here’s a link to my website to learn more.

The older I get, the more I value genuine connections. 

The type of connections that are willing to listen to you vent. 

Not afraid to disagree sometimes. 

And willing to call you out when you’re out of line. 

Those are the relationships that are worth cultivating. 

Meaningful friendships that can weather storms together. 

AN INTERESTING LINK

Here’s how to make friends as an adult.

Making friends as an adult is not impossible. It just requires a bit more effort and strategy than it did back in your elementary school days. 

This article outlines 7 tips to help you navigate the sometimes-rocky waters of adult friendship.

SHOPPING LIST

Sometimes the best way to build a meaningful connection is to get a little nosy. Actually Curious is the conversation card game that helps you build trust and empathy. 

SOMETHING TO READ 

If fear is stopping you from having (or doing) what you want most—starting a podcast, taking an epic trip, writing a book, applying for a scholarship, or even trying a new workout class-it’s time to go for it.

 Creator-educator Monique Malcolm’s latest book Don’t Let Fear Have All The Fun is your practical guide to quieting those fears and getting yourself moving

SOMETHING TO DO 

As a part of My Reset Year, I’m currently building out a list of 52 mini challenges to find your inner spark and cultivate the change you need. Here’s a sneak peek related to connection: 

Reach out to someone you genuinely care about and miss. Share your favorite memory with them. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Here are 3 empowering life lessons from Wednesday Addams 

This is my Reset Year

Here’s an inspirational quote from MLK Jr.