Out with the Old, In with the New

Over the past few years, I've taken the few days before and after New Years Day to finish... and to start.  I don't have an exact ritual that's the same every year, it's more like I take stock and take action.   (And I make a list, of course I make a list!  Who doesn't love lists?!)

I don't know about you, but sometimes I get a bit carried away and before I know it I'm 25 pages into 10 books and it turns out I'm not really reading anything.  That happened to me BIG TIME this year, so this week I wrote down everything I'm currently "reading" and decided what I would be finishing this week and what I would stop reading and start over at a later date.  It was a tiny assessment & declutter exercise, but now I feel like I'm not heading into 2017 heavy with the weight of 2016's obligations.  

Over the next few days I'll tidy my apartment, do some deep cleaning, reorganize some shelves, make sure the laundry is done and the fridge is full.  I'm starting out the way I'd like to continue. 

I'm also taking time for planning.  Determining my core desired feelings for the year, what I want my life to look like 12 months from now, and breaking down my goals into steps that will help me reach them.  

There are practical advantages to this (like having a clean bathroom), but you don't have to spend a month decluttering Marie Kondo style in order to be ready to receive what the new year has to offer.  

One year, on the way out the door to a NYE party, I quickly wrote down some experiences I was ready to let go of, burned the paper over the kitchen sink, rinsed the ash down the drain and left.  It took less than 5 minutes, but it gave me freedom. 

Do you have a New Year's ritual?  If so I'd love to hear it.  Pop on over to the Soul Centered Facebook Group or leave a comment below and share your "out with the old, in with the new" ideas.  I read every response and look forward to continuing the conversation.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!