Trusting the Flow: Reflections on 2024
As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons, challenges, and blessings that have shaped both Harmonise and me. It’s been a year of alignment, growth, and manifestation—one that has reinforced the importance of trusting in the flow of life and reminded me of the magic that happens when we stay true to ourselves and our passions.
Here are some of my reflections and insights, along with some reflective questions or journal prompts I am sharing to carry forward into the new year.
1. Alignment Opens Doors
Being self-employed, doing what you love and are passionate about, is empowering and satisfying, and can bring with it a sense of freedom, joy, and appreciation. I often sing along to the infamous words of Frank Sinatra “I did it my way”. Yet it also comes with responsibilities—solo decision-making, juggling many balls, and facing the uncertainty of how many people will will book or show up.
There’s an art to being comfortable with the unknown, it is a practice, and requires a great degree of trust in your true self, your alignemnt, and faith in the Universe.
Last year (2023), I was in a year 7 numerolgically, a year of deep introspection. Harmonise faced its quietest year for bookings. I even explored full-time jobs as a back-up plan but I remember reminding myself that everything was unfolding as it should, and I chose to remain in trust. Rather than go into panic mode, I embraced the extra time as a gift from the Universe. I spent six weeks in solitude writing the first draft of a deeply personal book.
On the cusp of 2024—moving into my numerological year 8, a year of manifestation—things began to shift. Pilates bookings started pouring in, and I received an email from a travel company inviting me to run a private yoga teacher training for their staff.
“Always believe that something magical is about to happen”
This intensive course was an absolute joy to teach and kicked off January 2024 with a bang! It was the start of my busiest year ever with Harmonise, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year! From just two teacher training courses in 2023, I have run seven in 2024, alongside CPD courses, numerous workshops, and two retreats. One of many highlights this year was the retreat in Antiparos, Greece. It was so magical I’m returning next September, with spaces still available—why not treat yourself for Christmas?
Looking back, instead of leaning into the energy of fear when bookings were at an all time low, I trusted that I would be directed somewhere … and seemingly it all ‘flowed’ to me. When you’re in alignment, sharing your passion from the heart, opportunities and doors are more likely to open.
What have you felt passionate about in 2024? Have you felt in alignment? What might help you deepen that connection to yourself and your purpose – to feel more aligned?
2. Trusting cycles and being in flow
After such a busy 2024, some of my other projects went on the back burner. As I transition into a numerological year 9—a year of endings and completions—I notice how life’s cycles naturally guide us. For example, after filling the last two yoga training courses, my February course hasn’t booked up. Knowing that I am the co-creator of my life, instead of forcing things, I’ve decided to trust divine timing, go with the flow, and postpone the course until September (details here).
This allows me space to focus on completing three exciting projects: my Hypopressives training course, a new Pilates teacher training manual (watch this space!), and my book. Trusting the flow has created room for creativity and alignment.
Is there something in your life ready for completion? Or something you’d like to let go of to channel your energy into something new?
3. Finding the value in every experience
It can sometimes feel like we’re ‘wasting time or resources’ when we’re not physically making money in our business. For instance, I spent months recording and uploading classes for the Harmonise On-Demand Library, a largely free resource for trainees, the income barely covers costs, let alone the time invested.However, when look at the bigger picture, I see the value: I thoroughly enjoyed creating the classes, massively enhanced my creative sequencing abilities, overcame technical challenges, and embraced self-acceptance.
I learned to be comfortable listening to my voice, who I am, and my imperfections. Initially, I didn’t edit the recordings due to time constraints and lack of knowledge, but now see it as a strength—showing my humanness.
The more teachers that are ok with not needing to be perfect, the better!
Hearing feedback from students who enjoy the classes brings warmth and joy to my heart. I’ve begun repurposing these recordings by uploading a free class each week to YouTube to spread the love. Please subscribe and share the link with anyone who may like to practise at home. I’ve also since recorded myself teaching the full yoga and Pilates teacher training courses, which are invaluable resources now shared with all trainees and graduates.
Reflecting this year on this process has shown me that nothing is ever wasted. One day, I may create online courses using these resources, but for now, I’m focusing on completing other projects first—discernment is key.
Are there times this year as a self-employed teacher where you have made a loss (on a class, workshop,retreat)? What lessons did you learn? If the event went ahead, did you enjoy the experience or make meaningful connections? Did you make a difference in other people’s lives? Did you notice any shifts? Can you repurpose any resources or see the bigger picture in your efforts?
4. Pause and count each blessing
One of my most cherished moments this year was training my 18-year-old daughter to teach yoga. Inspired by the younger trainees on the private course I ran in January, she decided to join. The philosophy of yoga spoke to her so much that I could see an instant shift in her mind state, the choices she made with friends and going out, and how she managed her time.
It led to deep chats, allowing me to get to know, appreciate, and understand her on a whole new level—and she has shared that she felt the same about me. Whether or not she ever teaches, guiding my daughter along her path was a beautiful blessing and a life affirming experience. Even if I never run another course for the travel company again, the experience it gave me with my daughter is, to me, far more valuable. It also reinforced my belief in the importance of sharing yoga with teenagers, providing them with the opportunity to explore its tools and benefits.
Who have you met along your path? Who has inspired you? What connections have you made? What growths have you witnessed? What blessings have you experienced this year?
Closing Reflection
2024 has been a year of alignment, trust, and growth for Harmonise and myself. As we prepare to embrace the new year, I invite you to reflect on your journey.
What has 2024 taught you about trust, alignment, and flow?
Here’s to stepping into the next chapter with purpose and openness.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Article by: Clare Francis
