Today is Dec. 31 – the last calendar day of 2017. Tomorrow will mark Jan. 1 – the first calendar day of 2018. This is the time when you are ready to make some changes after the holiday hangover has cleared. There is the high of the lead-up-days to whatever you celebrate and there are the bubble-days after Christmas where everything is great but a little foggy which leaves you wanting to get back to routine because the holidays are rarely routine.
Photo Credit: Kezia Nathe
It's always A LOT of: food, drinks, treats, presents and people. It's like the time off that you end up wanting more time off from. If this is the way it is for you like it is for me, then you may be doing some soul-digging + mind-searching. You might be looking for ways to switch things up. You might be trying to find something new to jump into. You might be getting clear on what you want to make happen next year. Remember this: your new year can be a continual process. I know it always takes a bit to get back in the swing of things in the New Year so start with these 10 things that you can let go of to clear out some mental space before Jan. 1 rolls around!
1. The Guilt. Go ahead and ditch the guilt on what you consumed over the holidays. Whether it was one too many nanaimo bars or a few too maybe eggnog + rums, let it be! If you enjoyed it, that’s a win. We aren’t born with guilt, we learn it, which also reminds us we can un-learn it. Do that. Let go of the guilt related to taking care of yourself. If you don’t care for yourself first (think massage + carved out time for you) then you can’t take care of anyone else.
2. The Mindless Scroll. You know when you do it. You know its a soul-sucker. Put your phone down and either talk to the person you’re with or get up and do something productive, like make your bed.
3. The Grinch Attitude. Leave your grumpy grinch attitude behind and remember that it is a choice to be grumpy. Stop, drop and do one thing that you KNOW makes you feel good. We all know it feels better to be in a good mood. If I’m annoyed in traffic, I put on my favourite song. I take a really big breath and I give myself a cheesy grin – works every time. Did you know smiling actually changes the chemistry inside of you? Do it, I dare you.
4. The Old Clothes. There’s a strong chance you got a new sweater or a pair of socks or pants or something you place on your body for Christmas. Do yourself a favour and go through your dresser + closet and donate at least two things for every one new thing you got or bought. I promise it.feels.so.good.
5. The Need to Control E v e r y t h i n g. Try as you may, you won’t figure out your entire life in one afternoon so there is no sense in continuing down that rabbit hole. Start a vision board and cut out little pieces of inspiration from magazines or articles and put up photos of your favourite people. Focus your time on those things and I guarantee you your life will unfold exactly like it’s supposed to.
Photo Credit: Darren Hull
6. The Word Busy. Be honest, you sometimes get asked how you’re doing and you automatically say “oh, super busy,” as if it’s a badge of honour. Keep being honest – it doesn’t feel great always answering “oh, super busy,” does it? Let us all stop this word from invading our conversations. If someone genuinely asks how you’re doing, dive in and let them know what’s real in your world at that time – it actually feels really good to share.
7. The Novel Text Messages. As often as you can, use your voice through words out loud or on paper. Phone your person even if it’s just to say hi. Write a love note – It literally takes 37 seconds to leave a note on the counter for your partner or roomie (better yet, leave it on their pillow so they get it before bed!)
8. The Self-Limiting Beliefs. Let’s face it, you are your own worst critic; I know I am. You know what Buddha says? “let that sh*t go.” I’m sort of kidding, but seriously let it go! Putting limits and boundaries on yourself isn’t helping you or anyone around you be the best version of themselves. Let it be known that you are also your greatest teacher and reminding yourself that you are awesome just as you are – is super powerful.
9. The Lame Posture & Lingering Injuries. This is super real for me too and I know I’m not the only one. I am tall so my shoulders round forward as a result of doing the lean-down to get on people’s level so sometimes my posture sucks. Being aware of this can give you a baseline to work from and pull your shoulders onto your back where they belong especially in a seated position (like desk work, screen time or driving). PSA: If you have lingering injuries like a sensitive low back or a funny neck thing or a weird shoulder pain, go see somebody for it! A heads up: your lingering injury could also be related to lame posture – get it checked out.
10. The Perfection. Letting go of perfection will allow you the space to simply do your best. You have to invent your own brand of best. This isn't just one choice or one instance where you make a decision to move towards your goals and dreams. Doing your best is a series of situations where you follow through with your best despite all odds against you. A perfection mindset kills this off. Tie your entire life together by doing your best everywhere you can. There is no separation – it's you in all the places you show up. Every time.
I feel there is something special in the air this year, welcome it in!
Giving you a virtual cheers from my wine glass & a warm Happy New Year hug,
xx
Photo Credit: Darren Hull Photography
