Does anyone else feel like 2020 and 2021 just morphed into one year? Are you having trouble tracking when certain events occurred? My guess is you're not alone!
It's almost New Year's Eve and the countdown is on... what if you took a few moments to reflect?
Here we are, perched at the beginning of a New Year, with yet again, so much uncertainty. I continue to be hopeful, sometimes tired of all of this and, hopeful.
I typically love this time of year. It's a chance to reflect: Say goodbye to some things that are no longer useful. Recognize things to hang on to and, it offers the opportunity to welcome new possibilities.
Despite the uncertainty, this still remains true for me. How about you?
I'm not one for making resolutions, I've always preferred taking some time to reflect on the year that was.
How about you? Do you have a special way to mark the end of the year? Do you have a ritual for planning the next year?
New beginnings, cleaning the slate, starting over...just a few of the ways some people refer to a New Year. While cleaning the slate and starting fresh may sound appealing, especially in these times, there may be a few things you want to hang on to.
I'd like to offer this quick practice that I've been doing for the last several years; it doesn't take a lot of time and, you may be surprised by what pops up for you. The key here is to let what bubbles up be the answer, no second guessing... trust your brain! Then get curious after.
Let's get to it...
Are you willing to try this out? You're definitely going to want to grab a piece of paper and something to write with...and maybe a timer if you want...
Your challenge for the next couple of days? Take some time to explore these questions:
What am I ready to leave behind?
What better time than the end of a year to ask yourself this question? We carry so many things with us year over year, maybe it's time to leave behind the things that are keeping you stuck, or holding you back. Perhaps its a relationship you've outgrown, a habit or feeling that you are done with, an attitude or even a tangible "thing"? Just notice what comes to mind for you.
What do I want to keep?
While setting new goals is always exciting, it's important to remember some of the stuff that you already have that's pretty great. Stuff you may want to keep. Relationships, health, friendships, work, useful practices that you do etc. Or maybe something new that you started out of necessity this year that you want to carry forward? A different way of working perhaps, a new relationship or a new habit that you started in 2021 that has been useful for you.
What do I want to add or have more of in 2022?
While "adding" always sounds good, you may already have some things in your life that you just want more of - family and friend time, me time or you get the idea here. Maybe you want to start a new thing? Perhaps it's about having more choices in a current situation. Whatever surfaces for you, take note.
What have I put on hold that I am now ready to look at?
As another year of restrictions comes to an end, perhaps you're ready to dust something off that you've put aside? One thing that has become even more clear this year is: there is no perfect time to do that thing you want to do. Even in a holding pattern, there is movement...sometimes slight, but movement nevertheless.
...and maybe most useful?
What have I discovered about myself this year?
2021 has continued to provide us with multiple opportunities to learn and adapt. Maybe, after another year, you've taken up a new hobby that surprised you or, you reawakened a previous passion? What practices have you adopted to ensure that you are staying well? Spend some time pondering "what did I discover about myself?". Amidst all of the upheaval and persistent changes, what have you discovered about you?
I'm always intrigued by what comes up by running through this process. It creates food for thought .. which, is the point by the way....to get you thinking. No matter what surfaces for you I do hope that it's useful.
If you discover that you're ready to re-look at that thing you've put on hold Contact me I'd love to help you get what you want in 2022!
Happy New Year! Wishing you continued health, mind, body and spirit.
Cheers,
Ann