I used to love the promise of a New Year, the idea of wiping the slate clean, starting afresh, everything seemed possible. Yet after a while I felt disillusioned and New Year’s became anticlimactic. I had all the hopes and expectations of waking up anew, refreshed and invigorated, but nothing ever really changed. Now I know why, and I feel totally reconnected with the possibilities of embracing the promise of change at New Year again. If you are feeling nonchalant about transitioning into 2018, keep reading and see if what I’ve discovered resonates for you too.
The key ingredient to my epic New Year lies with my mindset. If I am not accountable for the changes and committed to making them, then it just isn’t going to happen. So, in order to get myself in the perfect mindset to change I start by giving myself some space to reflect on what lessons I’ve learnt over the past year and acknowledge how much I’ve grown, evolved and experienced. That gives me the basis for setting my intentions for the year ahead, so that I can express with more clarity what I want more or less of, by way of feelings, experiences and achievements. Once I’ve got those down I can use them as a compass of sorts when I’m navigating decisions, opportunities and challenges. If I’m in alignment with my New Years intentions it keeps me accountable and observant and on course to my destination. I feel therefore throughout the year as though I am in control, purposeful and intentional while striving to achieve. To me, that is what makes for an epic and memorable New Year.
Something to note in all of this though, as you follow the below process. You can only answer for yourself, your feelings, thoughts and behaviours as that is all that is within your specific control. This is usually something you may need to keep checking in on when you write your responses to the questions I pose. You see, although it may be comforting or familiar to do so, try not to rely on someone else leading the way first when you create your responses and intentions, especially when it comes to letting go of things. Take ownership of your feelings, become accountable and either decide to let it go because it’s the best thing for you, or don’t – but do not kid yourself into thinking it’s the fault of someone else first. That concept right there is an illusion, an easy out. It’s far better to be honest with yourself and just confirm that you’re not ready to release that feeling or relationship or memory yet and that is ok. With this whole process, there is no judgement at all, just a way for you to get to know yourself a little bit more at this time, on this part of your journey.
Embracing the Promise of Change at
By Alison Callan
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New year