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Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

Note: while I can’t recall where I got the wording for the post-it five years ago, I believe it was from Marie Forleo, whose business program I was enrolled in at the time.

Allison Deraney's avatar

“I’m already doing what I need to be doing.” Such grace-filled peace in that sentence. I love this.

May your quiet knowing carry you all the way through 2026, Dana. 💞

This week, I will honor my 5 year sober anniversary by reflecting and remembering how aligned I am with the whole me who lives inside me. All the mashed up versions of me that got me here. They all deserve a round of applause.

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

Thank you, Allison... and sending you a huge, heartfelt round of applause ❤️

Alaina's avatar

I love this post! So soothing to read. Embracing acceptance of where you are at and celebrating the micro acts of love and service to yourself .

On the 1st January 2027 I want to be celebrating 1 year of sobriety… I am starting my journey, setting my intention and putting this in writing here now! I will embrace a community of like minded, kind and non judgemental people to walk alongside me. Thank you. 🙏

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

Beautiful, Alaina! I feel honored you shared the beginning of your journey here - thank you, walking alongside you, cheering you on 🙏

Jamey M's avatar

A quiet knowing. Just incredible, Dana! Happy 2026! And here’s a shout out to this incredible new day. Peace, love, gentle understanding.

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

Thank you, Jamey! Sending blessings for a beautiful start to the year and beyond ❤️

Isabel Cowles Murphy's avatar

I'm finally catching up on pieces I couldn't read during the holiday break and this one really landed for me. I dealt with some major losses and frustrations last year but somewhere, in the midst of it, I had this insight: "I am spending my days the way I want to." IE: Even if my book had been given a green light, or my Substack had more traction, or some of those personal things had worked out differently, the way I spend my days wouldn't change. Therefore: I have made it. Everything else is gravy.

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

Yes! Love that, Isabel ❤️

Susan Stein's avatar

Love you too, Dana💕

Little Edits Atelier's avatar

I can’t wait to see where I’ll be in 5 years. I love the way you use the sticky note measurement of how you feel about where you are now and how you consider your future self.

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

It’s such a helpful reframe, I find... even, in smaller ways or over the shorter term, asking myself: what will my future self be glad I did? Sometimes, this means something simple like making my bed when I get up in the morning! Wishing you a beautiful, inspired start to the new year, Mary ❤️

Susan Stein's avatar

Dana, so happy that you have found the contentment that you so much deserve.💕

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

Thank you and love you, mom! ❤️

Crystal C's avatar

This was beautiful, Dana. How cool that the post-it fell out just when it was supposed to, and you were able to share that inspiring question with us. I have certainly been thinking about it and wondering what today, this week, and this year will look like for me. I love how you said, "I trust my heart will guide me." That's how I feel in the season I'm in... new to retirement and trying to enjoy the slower pace of life. Happy 2026, and I'm looking forward to hearing about your studies!

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

Thank you so much, Crystal. And I love that you, too, are in a season of listening to and trusting your heart. Wishing you a beautiful 2026 - who knows what magic and goodness awaits! ❤️

Brijit Reed's avatar

Hooray for you along your journey! I love that you said that it’s an integration. I believe that too, as I practice releasing my fears through trusting that EVERYTHING on my path is for my highest and best good— no matter what it looks like.

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

Thank you, Brijit! Your practice sounds deeply freeing - I love how it creates space for more than just everyday, immediate human perception (which I believe is so, so limited).

Brijit Reed's avatar

Agreed! 🌻

Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Beautiful Dana 💙

On January 1st 2027, I want to look back and be grateful that I practiced loving myself, accepting myself, striving less, and softening more. It's ever a work in progress, but becoming increasingly clear as I age into the menopause years that this is at the heart of everything.

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

I love that so much, Vicki. Thank you for sharing and being a true inspiration to me ❤️

Donna McArthur's avatar

The energy this knowing brings to your days must feel significant Dana. Thanks for this essay, it gives me a lot to consider.

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons, DTCM's avatar

It truly does. Thanks for being here, Donna. Wishing you much clarity, grace, and joy in the year ahead ❤️