The end of the year, post the holiday rush, often brings bittersweet emotion. The balm of gratitude struggles to overcome the heavy feelings of regrets or shortcomings from the past year and sooth worries about the year yet to come. Amidst surges of self-doubt, my mind stirs with stories about what I still need to release from the past and of what I long to create for the future.
I know I am not alone in both the simultaneous letdown and pressure of this quiet week before the new year commences. We hear well-meaning commands all around us: set your intentions, have the best year yet, or finally learn how to make goals and new habits stick. The buzz about such things begins to pepper the air waves and social media channels—before we have even had time to rest and digest. Not to mention many are still processing world strife and personal losses.
My blues are small and ordinary, yet the emotions need attention nonetheless. I’m feeling sad that my son returns to Los Angles tomorrow, and what was built up in my mind to be the best holiday yet with much family bonding and togetherness, was dimmed by my daughter being sick for two weeks and the kids busy and not as into togetherness as their mother.
When I start looking back on the year just passed, my mind with its bias toward negativity, jumps to what I did not accomplish and the promises I did not make good on, rather than my wins, successes, and many moments of joy.
All-in-all, I am so grateful to my husband for his support and encouragement to begin new chapters. I appreciate many quiet moments of bliss in the outdoors with the dogs. The loneliness I have sometimes felt this year dims when I think about the women’s circle and the many new friends I have met. Further, I feel proud when I think about the personal growth and learning that has taken place and the new connections made there.
It takes a conscious effort to reflect, to give oneself grace, and to cultivate the right headspace and mindset to begin a new year with promise and intention, to remember what brings us aliveness and meaning. So, that is what I am doing, and I would love for you to join me in this endeavor. Starting January 2nd, 2024, I’m giving myself seven consecutive evenings at seven p.m. to breath, meditate, and complete some written reflection. It would be more fun and meaningful if you joined me and brought friends.
I’m calling this online gathering “The Mind Yourself Circle.” Start 2024 with a greater connection to self and spirit. For 7 days in a row at 7 p.m., January 2-8, join me on Zoom to ease into the New Year with some togetherness and mindful reflection.
Let the new moon come on January 10th and then you can hustle, set your SMART Goals, or whatever you feel you must do for a successful new year. But first, a sacred pause just for yourself – reflect, reconnect, dream – all before doing, doing, doing in the new year.
Wishing you a happy new year and hoping you will sign up to join me for seven days of mindfulness and reflection here.