Making your new year count

It’s that time again, when we sit poised at the edge of a new year wondering where the last one disappeared to and contemplating what the next one will bring.

Some of us are tired, feeling out of control having worked or partied too hard.  Some of us are bored, looking for others to entertain us having not spent enough time finding our flow.   And some of us are frustrated having let another year pass without taking the initiative to drive our lives forward and shape them the way we want them to be.

Spending time now to focus your intent for the next year can help to avoid letting another one slip away, which is what I was fortunate enough to do on the summer solstice at a ceremony hosted by Beáta Alföldi.  The exercises were so simple and powerful, I thought I’d share a variation on them here so you all might have the opportunity to set yourself up for a magical 2018.

There are 4 questions then a final exercise to be done with intent (not just mentally as you read through this).   You might want to flick through the previous year’s calendar before you start, or mentally walk yourself through each of the months remembering the highlights.

Find a space that feels sacred to you, then take the time to ponder each question separately.  Consider writing them on separate cards or paper to hold as you do.  Read them aloud, then close your eyes, breathe to ground yourself, and wait for the answer that bubbles up - not the one you think is appropriate.

1. What are you proud of from the previous year (if you were to brag about one thing what  would it be)?
2. What did you tolerate that you’re not prepared to do for another year (something you know is stifling your growth)?
3. What are you grateful for (go crazy here, list everything you can think of)?
4. What one thing do you want to make happen next year (choosing one thing will help set your intent for the year)?

When you have answered all four questions, centre yourself again, reflect on the answers that came up, then ask for one or two words to best describe what you need to cultivate to: build on what made you proud; strengthen your resolve not to tolerate what doesn’t benefit you; and help you achieve what you want from next year.  

The greater your intent, the more power this phrase will hold for you.  You can also energise your commitment to yourself and your new year by bringing the phrase into form.  Do it in a way that is significant to you that will keep it in mind for the year.  Consider writing it on the bathroom mirror, setting it as your phone wallpaper, planting something in your garden to symbolise it, or creating your own artwork featuring the phrase.  Whatever you choose, do it with focus and intent to support you having a magical and masterful 2018.

In health and happiness,
Sim
xo

My thanks to Beáta Alföldi for hosting the Solstice ceremony and creating the space to reflect on and celebrate last year, and mindfully move forward into the next.