I'm not really into resolutions. Partly because I rarely stick to them beyond a couple of weeks, but mostly because I've been doing something else since I was 10 years old. When I was in the fifth grade, I spent New Year's Eve at a friends house and her older sister (who I thought was the COOLEST) shared this with us at midnight. It stuck, and all these years later, it's still my favourite ritual.
- Step 1: Think about what you want to leave behind, ready or not.
What have you overcome? Big or small, did anything rise up unexpectedly and derail your plans? Was there a particular theme to the year that you feel like you can now move forward with or from? Take a moment to acknowledge any silver linings here too.
- Step 2: Write it down. Write it all down.
If you left something, someone, some feeling, some pattern behind, what positive change would it make space for the next year? Where can you make space for what's making its way to you?
- Step 3: Set it on fire.
Take your list outside just before midnight. 11:50ish is a nice time. Read it to your self (out loud, if you dare) and set it ablaze.
- Step 4: Inhale. Exhale.
Notice any subtle energy shifts from this exercise. Don't rush back inside just yet. Be with it. Can you sense a bit of spaciousness, lightness, enthusiasm? When you're ready, head inside to sip something effervescent and embrace the year ahead as you cheer, shout, and kiss it into existence.
