| THE EPISTOLARIAN |
Do you dislike the majority of messaging around New Year's?
Ick — I abhor the torrent on motivational communication that comes out on January 1st!
The focus on goal setting and changing who we are with a “new year, new me” mentality make me feel both inadequate and behind on all of the “shoulds.”
Though New Year’s Day is oddly arbitrary, I do still love the idea of a blank slate, a blank canvas for the year. It isn’t about becoming someone new; it’s about a second chances on whatever matters to you.
As a new year dawns, I find myself hopeful and filled with anticipation. Never can the days ahead be truly known or prepared for - but what joy a fresh start brings! A chance to start anew: well rested, nourished and ready; eager to see where life leads.
What about you?
"SAY YES"
Years ago in my yoga training, the teachers instructed about “being a yes.” To be a yes is to be fully committed to whatever it is you show up for. It always sounded oddly culty, and I didn’t like anyone telling me what I should be enthusiastic about. After leaving the training though, I began to embrace the idea of “being a yes.” What do you want to say yes to in 2023? Can you say yes to something in a way that feels relaxing, self compassionate and spacious? What would you say yes to you? |
I'll leave you with a poem about the New Year by Tara Mohr. I love how she shares "the curriculum is given, not chosen." How much we can plan only to be surprised by what life brings us!
I wish you a happy, healthy and meaningful new year ahead,
New Year's Poem by Tara Mohr
New year. It will not be
what you plan or what you chart.
Remember, dear? It never is.
The lines will not run straight
or the surfaces be smooth.
After all, the curriculum
is given, not chosen.
New year. Today, do not resolve
anything for yourself.
Resolve something for all of us.
The very heart of time is begging us
to never wish for I again,
to only ask for us.
And intention? Do not
even intend anything
or try to name the roads
you want on your map.
Instead, look back
and fall to your knees
for every time you have hurt yourself.
Repair.
Remember how you loved
before you were born.
Grow more like dust on the earth,
for joy crackles between
the powdery grains of self, not in them.
New year.
Another turn.
Another turn of the sphere.
Another turn to be.