Take some time before the new year even starts to take stock and reflect on the past year. Take a breath and exhale last year. Instead of a resolution, re-solve what is incomplete. Shining awareness here will open new possibilities.
This is a sober approach to the New Year before the champagne, so you don’t drag the old stuff with you! Instead of just hoping that things will be different or better, sit with yourself and reflect on the past year. It can be brief.
Take this opportunity, while the whole world is positioning itself, to acknowledge and remember where you’ve been, what worked, and where you realize you can do better. There may be many little things that you forgot to celebrate. You are looking at this as an observer so no judgement. With this commitment you will land right into the present moment. Just be with it all as it is. It’s like remembering scenes from a movie that you were in, and now you are watching.
Certainly write down what needs completion. You are facing yourself, and it’s very grounding. Alleviate the overwhelm and pressure of looking ahead by giving this practice its due. It’s a simple task that helps you find your own rhythm. What comes naturally is what you want to experience next year, and you can schedule and be on your way.
You can share some insights with your partner if you’d like, and see what is motivating both of you for the next year. That can be a courageous conversation.
As I did this I sat with anything that was troubling me so I could get a better perspective. So be done with it all, breath out and let go.
Next: Ways to structure the year