While growing up in the Soviet Union Christmas was not a big holiday for us, but New Year’s Eve was a big deal. That was the day we exchanged gifts.
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts I received then, is the family tradition I still carry with me today. It is the tradition of giving a proper goodbye to the year that is coming to an end. I still remember how at 11:30 PM (23:30) we would sit around a table topped with festive food, and together we would express our gratitude, share our successes and our sad moments, and then say goodbye to all of it.
Now I am sharing this tradition with you. Before articulating intentions, priorities and drawing big visions for 2019 I would like to suggest that you take some time to honor 2018, and all it has taught you.
You can do this over a couple of days or all at once.
December 28th
Step 1. Give yourself a Circle of Gratitude Medal. (15 – 20 Minutes)
Celebrate YOU and all of the amazing things you accomplished. Here’s how.
December 29th – December 30th
Step 2. Write. (10 – 15 Minutes)
What will you learn from, let go of, and accept from 2018 to move forward in 2019 without the baggage? When you’re done writing, burn it and release it into the air or let it sink. (Ideally, from the top of a mountain or near an ocean. Maybe add travel time to this step. 🙂
Examples for inspiration from the Ancient Blessing in Nahuatl, which is spoken in Mexico. The blessing deal with forgiveness, affection, detachment and liberation.
- I honor the Divinity in me and in you.
- I release my partner from the obligation to complete myself. I do not lack anything, I learn with all beings all the time.
- I release my children from the need to bring pride to me; that they may write their own ways according to their hearts, that whisper all the time in their ears.
- Learning through, and only through, LOVE, I bless my essence, my way of expressing, even though somebody may not understand me.
December 31st.
Step 3: Make a promise to yourself for 2019. (10-20 minutes)
If you wish, make two promises, one personal and one professional. You can base them on the lessons you learned in 2018.
Examples for inspiration:
Making morning sacred. – Make myself the first priority. – Use my most productive hours effectively. – Make time for romance. – Meditate like my life depends on it. – Slow Down. – Get Healthy Wealthy. – Learn a foreign language. – Honor my body.
Next, choose 2-3 and write them on a white piece of paper and keep it where you can see it. Own your promise(s) and create space for it to happen in 2019, but do not put actions around them just yet.
January 1st or 2nd (or a day you choose)
Step 4: Take action. We will post on January 1st what to do next.
