During the past few weeks many of us prepared for and happily celebrated holidays, traveled to visit family and friends, closed out work projects, and juggled the other wonderful December activities that sometimes seemed overwhelming. At least they did to me. How, then, dare I suggest one more thing for you to do in the remaining hours of 2012? The answer is simple…I believe this brief exercise will help you let go of this year and enthusiastically welcome 2013.
I love the symbolism of new beginnings and celebrate the opportunity to deliberately end one year and intentionally create a new one. Some friends know that in the past few years I have “started over” several times before truly embracing a New Year. On February 29th of this year, for example, I declared that the first two months of the year were really part of 2011 and I celebrated a second New Year’s Day on March 1st. I mention this to suggest that you may want to follow the steps below a time or two (or three) until you really settle into 2013.
Six simple steps can get you ready for a terrific 2013. You can do them in as little as 15 minutes, but I suggest a bit more time if you have it. Grab something on which you can make notes — sheets of paper, your journal, or an electronic device in which you store important information. Then sit in a quiet place where you can focus on yourself without interruption.
Step 1: Close your eyes for a moment, and take three very deep breaths. Open your eyes.
Step 2: Next, jot down the things that did not work out the way that you hoped they would in 2012.
Step 3: Then, take a few minutes to jot down the nagging loose ends that you have not yet wrapped up — a conversation you’ve been avoiding, clutter in some part of your life, any kind of unfinished business. (For more information about the topic, check out “The The Burden of Unfinished Business”, posted here earlier this year.) I urge you to make note of your loose ends without the pressure of thinking that by writing them down, you will then have to deal with them. This is only a step about bringing them into your awareness.
Step 4: Spend a few minutes jotting down the things that you loved about your life and your choices in 2012.
Step 5: Now, write a detailed description of the 2013 you wish to experience, using the present tense (“In 2013, I am….”, “In 2013 my life is…”)
Step 6: Reread your description and ask yourself if you are ready to accept the amazing year that you have just created. If you are, welcome it into your life. If you do not yet feel ready to accept this amazing new year, spend a few moments exploring what may be holding you back. When you are ready, sign and date your creation, thereby committing to yourself that you want to accept the gifts that 2013 has in store for you.
Most importantly, have fun with this! I encourage you to try any variation of the technique that feels better to you than the steps described above. As for me, I am ready to create my 2013 now. At midnight on December 31st, when I kiss 2012 goodbye, it will be with a quick peck on the cheek and a gentle but firm push out the door.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! May 2013 be your best year yet.
Happy New Year Sharon! And many thanks for this new post. I will do it!
Just on a side note, I have got an amazing Christmas gift this year. It was on Dec 24th when doing some dish washing I heard my inner voice telling me I knew the answer to one of the “existential” questions I had…. What am I here for? What is my goal down here? I had often wondered and not being able to give a definite answer was difficult for me. On Dec 24th, It all became crystal clear: I am here to be happy with my family, my husband and my kids and I realized that I had it all already and that all the rest that happen, that I am doing were cherries on top of the cake. I thought of you, Sharon and remembered the post about greeting ourselves when we looked at us in the mirror. I got that “wouha” moment. I felt incredibly good and thankful to life. That was the best gift of life I got.
Thank you for your posts and sharing them with us.
Big hug from Europe and best wishes to you and all the blog readers!
Virginie
How wonderful to hear from you, Virginie. You are so kind to take the time to share your experience with all of us. THANK YOU! I hope that 2013 is a wonderful year for you, your family, and all you love. Bonne annee!
With much love and a big hug,
Sharon
Sharon,
I was introduced to this website by Clara Chang. I am really inspired by many many blogs you wrote.
2012 was a tough year and I have so many issues unfinished. I really wanted to run away from these issues. But your 6 step guide makes me feel more complete. There are things I can celebrate too in 2012.
I hate making new year resolution but once again your 6 step guide inspire me a ask myself what I really want to do in 2013. These are things that I look forward to. Now, I am ready for a great year ahead.
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your comments, Cindy. Sometimes our toughest years are those in which we grow and learn the most. I am happy to hear that you are ready for a great 2013 and send my very best wishes for a wonderful new year.
With a big hug,
Sharon
Dear Sharon,
Once again, you inspire me to examine those thoughts and feelings that are so easily pushed to the back of my mind. Ignoring the clutter clearly doesn’t make it disappear. After going through this exercise, I realize that I have the ability to change some of the things that didn’t go exactly right in 2012 and make them better in 2013. This has been a year of many lessons, many losses, and many opportunities for change. Over all, I am grateful for the challenges that have taught me to look within for the strength that has always been there. I am looking forward to taking the lead in creating 2013, instead of just letting it happen. As always, I am grateful to you, Sharon, for the perspective and clarity that you help us all to uncover. Happy New Year!
MJ
Many thanks for sharing your insights with us, MJ. I deeply appreciate your advice to “look within for the strength that has always been there.” We can always do this, but sometimes forget.
Wishing you a wonderful 2013, full of joy, love and gratitude.
With love and a very big hug,
Sharon
Hi Sharon and friends of Sharon – As my family and I sit down to write out our thoughts as you suggested, wanted to wish you a wonderful 2013! Thanks for always caring so much, lots of love to you and your family, Lisa
Thanks very much, Lisa. Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year, too, full of joy, love and gratitude.
With love and a very big hug,
Sharon
Hi Sharon:
Happy New Year to you! I love this idea and will spend some time with this exercise. It’s definitely time for serious introspection and I was worried that I didn’t start the new year off fresh. Now I know I can create my own and already feel the pressure lifting!
My best to you always.
Gina
Gina, sending love as you begin your New Year (at whatever is the perfect moment for you). Thanks for sharing your
perspective.
With a big hug and wishes for a Happy New Year,
Sharon
Thank you for sharing this exercise. I took it to heart amidst a very busy time knowing I could give myself what I needed to begin a new year on my own terms. So I did this weekend as I put the finishing touches on my statement, which I would like to share:
In 2013 I am once again in touch with who I am and living a life that is peaceful, fulfilling and enjoyable. This year I find new ways to live purposefully. All that I do has meaning as I manifest positive impacts in people’s lives. I love more than I ever have, and more freely. My heart is open and I glow with goodness and compassion. Greater wisdom and understanding are mine. I share these gifts. I am healthy in mind, body and spirit. I have all I need to take care of me. I am in balance with my responsibilities. I am open to abundance and abundance flows through me.
Happy New Year!
Colleen, your statement for this New Year is exquisite and inspiring. Thank you very, very much for sharing it with us. What an amazing woman you are and what a wonderful year it promises to be.
Sending a very big hug!
Sharon
It’s not even the end of 2013 but new possibilties and a “new year” are starting to take shape. In January I posted my detailed description for 2013 somewhere that I see it every day. I’ve lived it. I’ve grown, in the ways I hoped and more. Thank you!
In this transition time, I celebrate lessons of acceptance, appreciation, of joy, of abundance. I accept that I am who I am meant to be, that I am beautiful inside, outside, within and beyond. I’ve learned to cling only to the thread of the divine that connects me to all time and humanity. I’ve practiced a daily devotion that guides me in truth and hope. I take responsibility for my thoughts, words, deeds and emotions. I appreciate myself and honor my soul. In doing so, I build my capacity to recognize and let go of negativity, to live generously, with gratitude, and to experience joy in the little things.
Thank you very, very much for sharing these beautiful and inspiring thoughts, Colleen. I love everything you’ve written, and am especially moved by these words – “I’ve learned to cling only to the thread of the divine that connects me to all time and humanity. I’ve practiced a daily devotion that guides me in truth and hope.” Thank you for generously sharing your perspective and for giving us a glimpse into your journey.
With love, gratitude, and a very big hug,
Sharon