A toast - to endings, to beginnings....
I feel like the new year is all about letting go.
For a couple of years now, I've adopted my own tradition for New Year's Eve (12/31). I think it stems from old Irish folklore, but I'm not sure where that part starts and my own additions have been woven in. It goes like this: take a moment before midnight to sit down and write out all regrets, mistakes, disappointments, grievances, etc. that you've had for the past year. Be thorough; if you doubt something should be included, include it anyway. Once the list is made, however long or short, re-read it. Now set the list on fire. Burn your past, brush away the ashes and uncover a brand new, clean slate. Understand that your regrets are for the current year, and will not be baggage carried into the new one. Forgive yourself - that's important. Let go of all the bad, make room for the potential good. I usually add a small smile once the paper (or napkin, whatever scrap I've used to write on) is completely burned. I end up feeling better, almost healed in a way. By the time midnight rolls around and the Ball drops and I count down from 10 to 1, I'm ready for the New Year.
Feel free to embrace this concept, even mold it to your own liking.
I don't really think my ritual is all that special, but it certainly makes even the most unmotivated turn determined (if only for a night). It also brings a sort of comfort that's hard to describe. I like that. Now we're a week into 2011, and I feel compelled to accomplish something extraordinary.
