New Year’s Eve is almost upon us! For some it’s a celebration, both cathartic and cleansing. It’s an excuse to drink more, dress up more and kiss someone you don’t know too well just for one night. Because tomorrow, we leave it all behind. To many, it’s not the most favorite holiday, with never the right plan and too much pressure to do something eventful. A marker of time, we reflect on the year past and decide what we will change in the year to come. Writing the list of resolutions can feel like an exercise in futility. We often set goals too hard to fulfill, demanding too much self-discipline. Without more gradual change and structure, how can we keep promises to ourselves at the flip of a calendar year? Perhaps a slightly less ambitious New Year’s goal is one related to perspective. To act for just this eve as our ideal selves.
Forgive. Allow yourself to forgive someone that you have a really, really good reason to dislike. Not because they’re right or you have to, just because today you’re above it. Imagine the lightness you feel, how safe you are from that person. Give yourself temporary immunity just for a day.
Let go. Whatever is worrying you, plaguing you – a responsibility, a debt, something really serious – just say, “That’s not going to bother me today.” It doesn’t mean you’re not going to deal with that thing, just release your muscles from tensing up at the thought of it and know that you will handle it. You’re allowed to feel happy and light.
Love. Be kind to those around you. Your friends, neighbors, your fellow man. Even if they’re not. Smile at someone because you’re both human and you’re nice. Think of a person you no longer have in your life and think of something funny about them. Something you loved. Today is an excuse to smile and hug.
Aspire. Think of a quality you would like for yourself that is something internal. One that would make you a better person. Whatever it is, write it down. Mean it. In one year from now, you’ll most likely have become more of whatever that is.
Celebrate. Consider your life, your self, this time and feel happy that you are in it. You are alive and you feel things, you have love, experience and you are growing more insightful every single day.
What can happen when you think and act as your ideal self is that it will become more real because you have demonstrated those intentions. They are qualities that are already a part of you, but by voicing something, enacting it, the ritual itself can give it more life. Sometimes we need an excuse to be better, a motivator. If only we were all paid to be our best. Hopefully living as your ideal for a day will make you choose to live it more. Because when you act as if, one day you are.
Happy holidays, friends, and wishing you all a kiss this New Years! xox Sarah
Featured image All rights reserved by caitysparkles on Flickr
I was out of town and came home to a post by Sarah! Another great one. I’m going to put FLLAC (see, I made an acronym!) on my vision board!
I am going to do this because stress is not good for your health and I feel sometimes I am too hard myself — okay maybe more then I should be haha. I hope you had a great xmas Sarah and a happy new year as well
Hi Sarah,
You nailed it on the forgiveness thing. You don’t do it for the other person, you do it for yourself. When you forgive them, you’re not saying, “What you did was OK.”, you’re saying, “I’m tired of feeling bad/angry/tired/whatever, so I’m not going to anymore”. It’s an amazing release. And you might even want to keep feeling that way after New Year’s Eve!
Totally Andy! I am glad you got that one nailed – and happy happy new years to you ! x
Perfect! Forgive, Let go, Love, Aspire, Celebrate. I’m writing this on a post-it and putting it up on my notice board, a positivity daily reminder. There are many Teaspoon quotes on my board, by the way! =)
Sarah, I wish you a superb, amazing year, the best of your life so far!
May we all laugh & love more this year! We are all BEAUTIFUL! (I always get slightly carried away these days, too much optimism & happiness you see! Plus, I got this super cute reindeer scarf and I’m loving it!)
Happy New Year! xo =)
Awe thanks Amalia!
I think I’ll put a post-it on my board in honor of yours. Thanks for your kind words and happy happy new year! xoxo
I wrote it on a post-it too
I need a reindeer scarf! :p
lovely!! your posts make me so much more aware that I’m alive than I ever normally feel, you make me want to work on myself, to love myself and to really aknowledge myself. Thank you so much Sarah! Happy Holidays *
Yay that makes me feel awesome! Thanks Silvia happy happy holidays!xox
Happy Holidays to you! Perfect NYE idea
Thank you Kelly , to you as well!! X