31. The One Where We Set Intentions (and Ditch the January Pressure)

What this episode covers

Welcome back to the Mindful Educator Podcast 🤍 After a much-needed break, I'm officially back behind the mic - refreshed, reset, and excited for what's ahead. In this first episode of the year, I'm sharing a very honest reflection on how different this January felt compared to previous years. Instead of hitting the ground running, I found myself moving slowly, resting more, enjoying time with the kids… and feeling guilty about it - until I realised it was exactly what my body and nervous system needed. If you've felt flat, unmotivated, or like your spark took a little longer to return this year, this episode is for you. In this episode, we explore: * Why it's okay if January felt heavy, slow, or unmotivated * Letting go of the pressure to be a "new version" of yourself on January 1 * How energy influences how we show up as parents, partners, teachers, and humans * The importance of seasons - and why we don't need to be "on" all year * Using intention (not hustle) to guide the year ahead * Small, sustainable habit changes vs. overwhelming life overhauls * Why sleep is often the foundation for everything else * Creating new neural pathways (and why your brain resists big change) * Different ways to set intentions — vision boards, journaling, voice notes, or reflection * Trusting the process even when the "how" isn't clear yet I also share some of the tools that personally support me when I'm setting intentions, including: * Yearly energy readings with Courtney * Oracle and tarot cards (yes, my woo side 🤍) * A powerful 24-hour planning and clarity session with Elsa Mitchell, which helped me reconnect with my direction and confidence for 2026 Most importantly, this episode is an invitation to ask yourself: How do I actually want to feel this year? And what's one small habit that would support that? You don't need to have everything figured out. You just need to choose a direction - and gently keep guiding yourself back when life throws curveballs. ✨ Mentioned in the episode: * My Reflections & Intentions Booklet (a beautiful starting point if you're feeling unsure about the year ahead) https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1225418/140215074039006976/share * A free upcoming webinar focused on helping you reconnect with your spark 👉 Follow along on Instagram: @the.victoria.r Webinar registration details will be shared there very soon. Thank you so much for being here, for listening, and for allowing me into your ears and your world. I'm incredibly grateful — and I can't wait to share what's coming next. 🎙️ I'll speak to you next week. Contact - www.victoria-r.com.au; [email protected]