Be Kind, Then Begin
A Lesson for the New Year
Welcome to the new year!
I hope many of you were able to steal away some time to change up your routines and take a break from the busyness of life. I personally haven’t posted here in a minute because I took some much-needed time off, and then took a little more. I stepped away from writing entirely so I could simply reflect and reset.
With the closing of a year and the beginning of a new one, there can be a lot of emotions stirred up. One lesson that has been ringing very true to me during this transition is that before taking on the task of trying out new habits, self-compassion must come first.
It is all too easy for the hardships of the past year to be the loudest and quickest memories we recall. The practice of being mindful of how often we are lingering on those negative thoughts is a great skill to call upon right now.
We have to be aware of the existence of negativity first. In that moment, if we can give ourselves compassion, then—and only then—can the building of positive change truly begin.
Take a moment to see how that feels. What are you thinking about in this moment? Does any negativity come up? If it does, ask yourself: What is it trying to tell you? Thank it for bringing that need to your attention. Take a deep breath, and ask it to go. Now, you are ready to invite something new and positive to take the next step forward.
Reflecting on 2025
Closing the door on 2025 is taking me longer than I expected. However, considering how heavy the year felt, I think it is time well spent.
Professionally, my year was full of networking. I met so many amazing people and gained skills that used to feel daunting for me to try. I am proud of my courage, and I look forward to flexing that muscle even more this year. But with all that networking, it was often hard to measure progress. I frequently felt like I was spending a lot of energy doing things without actually moving forward.
On top of that, I faced many challenges managing my chronic conditions. I’m sure many of you can relate to how relentless it can all feel. Even as I write this, I have to pause, take a deep breath in, and release a little of that frustration.
When December came along, I was genuinely worried that nothing would ever feel resolved and that this “stuck” feeling would linger on for another year. So, I hurried myself to wrap up work so I could focus my energy on making gifts for my favorite people. Pouring all of myself into creativity and gratitude felt like the medicine I needed.
Then, by pure chance, call it serendipity, I got a call from a colleague asking me to take over a group she has been coaching! This opportunity allowed me to gain a National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change coach certification through Touro University California. With this certification I will be able to create and coach more groups through various organizations such as medical centers and universities. Suddenly, my year of networking felt like time well spent after all. The overwhelm of worry quickly shifted to an overwhelm of gratitude for the people in my life.
Looking Ahead at 2026: A Creative Vision
People like making a New Year’s resolution. In health coaching, we often begin by creating a “wellness vision.” Another type of resolution, but my own spin on this practice leans into a more creative approach.
To me, resolutions are filled with “I should” and “I have to” statements with a feeling of guilt associated with it. Instead of getting bogged down in the seriousness of it all, I rather to tap into my inner child and playfully piece together the future. If you are looking to set a path for this year, here is how I suggest approaching it:
1. Set Intentions, Not Just Goals: We often ask ourselves what makes a “good” intention. The key is to clarify the difference between an intention and a goal. A goal is a destination (I will run a marathon by this date); an intention is how you want to journey there (I will move my body with joy and strength).
2. Practice Dreaming: Think back to a time when you were a child and you just daydreamed. Maybe you were looking at the clouds, imagining you could walk on them. Use that memory to do a little daydreaming today. You never know what fantastic ideas can emerge. Maybe they can be your guide in this year’s journey around the sun.
3. Make a Thing! Bring your ideas into a tangible form to symbolize your dream and intentions. Whether it’s a collage, a painting, or a list of words, making your dream “sticky” in your brain makes it more believable and memorable.
Announcements & Goodies
Before I go, I want to share a few exciting updates and things I’ve been loving lately:
Chronic Pain Project: See the current exhibition in at SW Community Center 6820 SW 45th Ave Portland OR 97219. There are 37 pieces of art by 35 local and international artists on display all who experience chronic pain.
My Creative Compass Card Deck: It is almost here!!! I can’t wait to share more details with you soon. Until then, here is a sneak peak at some of the illustrations I have made for the “inspiration” cards to complete the deck.
Creative Compass Inspiration Cards by Kailey Fry What I’ve been learning: I’ve been diving into an art history though Art Explora Academy. Their app is free and provides you with a certificate if you complete all the lessons. Its the best art history app that I’ve found if you are someone like me that has a hard time figuring out where to start. Each chapter is quick, easy to understand, with videos and visuals along the way. There are short quizzes at the end to test your knowledge as well. Highly recommend if you want to learn in short spurts instead of dedicating hours into your schedule every week. Link for Apple users here Google Play link here.
What I’m reading: Fashioned by Sargent - further exploring art history, this book has been incredibly inspiring. I’ve only just begun reading it and I’m already so intrigued on the lens on how the garment was “the picture” and not the sitter. Even at a glance I’m learning a lot about composition, texture, and use of color.
What I’m listening to: I’m wanting to start this new year with a happy groovy vibe, with a touch of female empowerment! So my playlists have been full of soul, funk, and a little bit of country by The Chicks (formally The Dixie Chicks). If you’re a fan of funk, I highly recommend listening to Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony (see below), featuring the great Nigel Hall. Track 12 is a cover of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World” which feels oddly fitting for the world today, I’ve been coming back to it almost daily. I also recommend listening to Nigel Hall’s album The Burning Bush - A Journey Through the Music of Earth, Wind, and Fire.
What I’ve been eating: A lot of butter chickpea curry. It’s been the ultimate healthier comfort food this winter!
Wishing you all a gentle and creative start to the year.
-Kailey
The Chicks!! Need to listen more.
SO enjoyed this. Good advice and I love your projects and photographs. I'll have to try some of that butter chickpea curry, too.