'Tis the season to take inventory of your life as we close out the year and prepare for the upcoming one. And it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom—you decide! As for me, I’m looking at the hand I’ve been dealt and making the most of it. I believe you have a choice in life: you can focus on everything that’s going wrong, or you can choose to celebrate what’s going right. So, here are a few things I do to close out the old year as I usher in the new.
1. Create a Gratitude Ceremony
This can look different for each person and from year to year. Sometimes I create a gratitude jar that I fill with things that made me happy throughout the year, and then I read them on New Year’s Eve. Other times, like this year, I mentally go through the year and reflect on the moments when I felt the most peace and balance, giving gratitude for them.
The key is to take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Whether it's something big or small, acknowledging the blessings and good moments can set the tone for your new year.
2. Take Account of the Lessons Learned
What happened this year? What did I learn from it, and how did I overcome it? For me, this is important because it allows me to take accountability for the decisions I’ve made and the areas I need to work on to continue growing spiritually.
Taking stock of your experiences—both the challenges and triumphs—helps you grow. It also provides clarity about what needs to change in order to move forward in a healthier, more balanced way.
3. Make a Declaration for the New Year
What do I see for myself in the upcoming year? What areas would I like to see myself grow in? What great adventures would I like to experience, whether big or small? How can I invite more joy and peace into my life, and what does that look like or feel like for me?
I do this with the understanding that people, things, habits, and interests flow in and out of our lives. What was a theme for one year can change in the next. I like to ensure that I’m operating out of the fruit of my spirit and that I’m cultivating what brings me joy. This helps me avoid getting locked into a lifestyle of events and obligations that no longer serve me, where I’m simply going through life on autopilot.
4. Be Intentional with Your Time
All in all, these are ways that I check in with myself to make sure I’m on the path that brings me personal happiness and peace. I want to be intentional about how I spend my precious time, not just mindlessly going through life. This time of year is the perfect opportunity to ensure you’re on the path you want to be on, and if you've veered off course, it’s a great time to find your way back.
5. Make It Fun
Take time to enjoy the process! Add candles, scented incense, journaling, or create a tangible or digital vision board. You can even enjoy a hot bath with flowers and essential oils as you speak abundance over yourself, or as a form of nurturing yourself after a difficult year.
Another way to celebrate and reflect is to listen to some music and dance around—it's a great form of release! Winter is all about letting go of what’s no longer serving us, getting cozy and warm to nurture the spirit, and making room for the abundance the new year will bring.
Always Remember:
Closing out the year doesn't have to be a stressful, overwhelming process. It can be an opportunity to reflect, reset, and embrace a new chapter with intention and clarity. So, take your time to acknowledge your growth, be grateful for the lessons, and set a course for a fulfilling year ahead.
Love you lots! – Sacred
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