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.
I definitely agree with and want to adopt this practice - what a good way to start off with a clean slate in the new year! This reminds me of the Jewish tradition of Rosh Hashanah, the ending of the Jewish calendar year, on which we repent for all our mistakes of the previous year and ask for forgiveness from those we have wronged. In our tradition, we have a week to contemplate these errors and to plan for how to make better choices when the new year starts on Yom Kippur with a day of fasting and prayer.
ReplyDeleteYour idea seems much simpler and somewhat more practical, but the basic concept is still a good one.
...Sorry for not introducing myself earlier but my name is Kathleen and I'm Joey's roommate / surrogate little sister. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I've enjoyed reading what you have to share thus far =P Good luck, and I'll see you around cyberspace!
It's nice to meet you, Kathleen. Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment. =)
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