My January Ritual is Way Better Than Resolutions

Instead of new year resolutions, I do this ritual in January to set the stage for the new year. Doing this mid-month gives me a chance to settle down from the new year hoopla and really focus on what I want for the year ahead

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Burning Bowl

This is about letting things go. I write down everything I want to let go of from the previous year. Experiences, people, feelings, regrets, memories, attachments… I throw all that energy on paper and then I burn it.

Sometimes I write it as a final venting session for the year. Sometimes I write it lovingly as I bid the things farewell. I don’t want to carry any of that energy forward, so I always do this part first.

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Gratitude Challenge

Now that my head is clear, I write down 100 things in my life that I am grateful for. Finding 100 things stretches me to look deeper into my world and reminds me not to take anything for granted. It also puts my mind in the right place; energized, open and receptive to more!

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Accomplishments

Next I list out what I want to accomplish. I’m very specific with the accomplishments; i.e., “I will take ten private golf lessons” or “I will publish 2 stories each week”.

I try to hit all areas of my life, finances, career, hobbies, spiritual practice, health. I’m working on adding in some big, “scary” accomplishments to keep stretching me as well.

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Experiences

Next I consider what I want to experience. I list out where I want to focus my time, resources and energy. This year I included things like stand up paddle boarding, private lessons, and cooking at home.

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Manifestation Letter

This is my favorite part! I write a letter as if I were writing it on December 31st, reflecting back on all the amazing things that happened in my life over the last year. I write it as if it had happened exactly as I desire. And I write it with glorious emotion and vibrant gratitude.

Every year, I write a manifestation letter and on December 31st, I read what I wrote 12 months earlier. It’s stunning how much of it reflects what actually happened in my life — even when I wrote about things I didn’t think were quite possible for me.

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Throughout the year

Another favorite part is keeping track of what actually happens during the year.

I keep track of what I actually accomplished and experienced throughout the year. At the end of the year, it’s interesting to see the things I anticipated and sought after… and then the surprise gifts that fell into my lap along the way.

Here’s what I consider to be the most valuable part of the process…. I make a file called “What I learned in 2023” and I add to it throughout the year. Anytime I have a good “learning experience”, epiphany, or insight that’s worth remembering, I add it to the list. All my wisdom in one place.

Although I’ve been somewhat sporadic and inconsistent over the years, this year I realized I’m coming into a time when some of my richest and most valuable experiences are starting to occur. If I do this every year until I’m 90, I’ll have some damn good reading to reflect back on in my old age.

Happy New Year ❤

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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