“Have you looked back on last year with an honest look?”
Renée K. is a Dutch Parisienne, known for her book Live like a Parisienne, even if you are very Dutch. In addition to completing her second book, she advises professionals in the field of image and style and teaches style development at the 55 Creative Business School. She shares her life between Amsterdam and Paris on social media. Also take a look at her Instagram and website.
How is your MOI going?
Size does not matter, we already knew that. But the fact that one of the smallest words in the Dutch language can be responsible for such a great feeling of guilt continues to fascinate me. I’m talking about the word ‘I’. Say it out loud a few times, admitting that it feels a bit awkward. Yet here lies the basis for what we start the new year with: good intentions.
Have you looked back on the past year with an honest look? And also from the I-perspective? Let me give you some example questions: how good have I been to myself? Have I listened to myself? Have I stayed true to myself? Have I done what I promised myself? Yes, a lot of ‘me’. Get used to it. I did too, thanks to Paris. I have learned the art of the ‘I’ or ‘moi’ from my friends who, day in and day out, in all facets of their lives, simply and shamelessly consider themselves very important and therefore put them first. With a direct influence on choices regarding study and work, raising children, clothing and relationships. I always call it the ‘table for 1’ idea. Finding yourself nice and important enough to go out for dinner with yourself. And not just as a metaphor.
Does this seem like something to you? Then put aside all possible forms of guilt and start with an MOI plan. In my work I apply an extensive method, but it comes down to 5 factors:
Selfknowledge
How well do I know myself? In all the hustle and bustle, we forget to regularly return to the protagonist. And that’s you. How am I doing? What is really important to me? Where do I want to go and what do I need for that?
Freedom
How independent am I in life; mentally, physically and financially? Can I make choices that are good for myself from freedom and not from social pressure, assumptions, tradition, upbringing, fear of falling short or disappointing others?
Self-care
How kind am I to myself? Am I protecting myself? What does me good: reading, painting, walking, a weekend away or a massage? What sweet steps towards myself do I take?
Grow
How do I invest in myself? Do I listen to my curiosity or park it for later? What were the inspiring moments of the past year? Where is my growth?
Pleasure
What can I really enjoy? A cake, a sunset or a fleeting glance on public transport, what are my moments of enjoyment? Which ones have I experienced recently? Do I think about this often enough and do I allow it?
Just rating each factor is a step in the right direction. Let’s designate 2024 as the big MOI year. Not only because everything sounds better in French, but also to turn it into a true project. And then at the beginning of 2025 we will see how much beauty this has undoubtedly brought you.
