No more New Year sprints
Many people start the new year with big visions and long lists of new year's resolutions. With at least one, that will supposedly change their life. The more ambitious it is, the better, right? (No shame if you do too!) We all know that the change of the calendar year does not automatically mean a shift in who we are, right? Yet, the new beginning, this new chance at life... It does bear a little magic in it.
I have never been big on making new year's resolutions. I don’t look down on that, but I was always a bit skeptical. Maybe even a little protective of myself, to be honest. If I'm not able to change all year long, why would Jan 1st be different? Looking at statistics, most people give up or fail before the month is over. If I don't make a new year's resolution, statistically speaking, I'm actually doing a great job at avoiding being bitter about it 3 weeks later. And if I should end up exactly where I am anyway, I can surely do without the disappointment intermezzo on top of the situation I'm in already.
Over the years, I've realized that the date truly does not matter. Whether I succeed or fail at the shift I'm trying to make is entirely independent of what the calendar says. Which, at first, seemed a bit gloomy, but it is very freeing in the end. Tell me, have you ever considered you can give yourself a new chance any day of the year? And while this might sound controversial to some, it does not even have to be a Monday either! It can totally be any time of the day too. How freakin' awesome is that?!
But what do we do about the Jan 1st magic then? It would be a shame to let it go to waste.
“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.”
And as you could have guessed, I do have a couple of ideas.
- Look back and celebrate how far you've come already. We rush from a goal we've just achieved to the next one without genuinely appreciating the milestone we've just reached way too often. Closing off one year and beginning the new one is a great time to take a look back and truly see the journey we've been through. Whoever you are and whatever your year has looked like, I am fully convinced that there is plenty for you to celebrate and be proud of. If nothing else, consider this: if you are reading this, you have survived all of your darkest days so far. Yet again. Go you, you badass!!
- Set an intention. Just one. It does not need to be a grand goal either. If you decide you want to feel at least marginally more content with your life at the end of the year than you felt about it at the beginning, that's perfectly sufficient too. Then, as you walk through your days, just keep your eyes open for opportunities to do exactly that. And of course, when they come, you need to also grab them and go for it.
- Pick a word for the year ahead. Just close your eyes for a minute feel into the vibe you get when you think of the year ahead. There is no need to overthink it; the first word that pops up is usually the "right one," and there is no right or wrong anyway. Last year, my word was 'adventure,' and oh my, it was quite a ride. This year, my word is peace.
- Do a vision board. This is something that I've tried for the first time at the beginning of 2021, and I consider it to be an excellent reflective exercise to take a good look at what do you actually want. You can get as craftsy or be as practical about it as you want, and there is plenty of how-to's all over the internet to guide you. Just one hint from my side: you make the rules, and nothing is off the limits. Go as big or as detailed as you want to. It is okay if not everything works out the way you put it down, but you'll be surprised that more will, rather than won't.
- Write a letter. You can write a note to your future self, which can serve as a vision board of sorts if you are more inclined to write rather than do something visual. Alternatively, you can write a thank you note to your past self from a year ago. Gratitude is always a good idea, and regardless of any moments from the past you might not be exactly proud of, it is all a part of the journey you needed to go through to become who you are today. You deserve a pat on the back and the thank you note.
- Instead of new habits you think you should pick up, choose one habit you will shed instead. It might be as small (or as big) as unnecessarily apologizing when it's not due. Or snacking instead of a proper, healthy dinner. Or finding excuses for skipping movement and walks because of slightly unfavorable weather. You can think of the new year as a chance to declutter and make your life lighter, rather than as of a starting line for another 12-month-long sprint. I mean, why not? You already know I am choosing peace anyway. :)
Are there any new year rituals or practices you particularly enjoy or go back to every year? I'd love to know! Looking forward to reading about your new year magic in the comments.
Simsalabim - and until the next time then... :)
