In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.
- Deepak Chopra
I love New Years Eve. Not because of partying (I rarely drink nor do I like to go to bed late, yeah I love my grandma lifestyle) I love New Years because it is never easier to let go of the past than during this time of the year! I know New Years Resolutions are rarely kept (you probably have your own stories to tell about stopping to smoke and such) or fulfilled immediately but saying good bye to things, habits and negative, draining situations is easiest NOW!
Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.
- Eckhart Tolle
PRACTICAL TIPS:
MAKE LISTS
I admit it, I love lists: to do lists, shopping lists, pros and cons etc You name it, I’ve probably done it. So for the past 15 years I’ve written lists in one notebook, which I still have and use. And I made a list each New Years of what I would like to accomplish or change. I already have written my new list into that book, along with a short summary of things that happened throughout this past year. Today, I made a new list of the things I want to let go on a piece of paper, which makes me feel like I am freeing myself. But this is just my road towards personal freedom, maybe it is inspiring to you too. And this paper list, I will burn on New Years Eve as a symbolic cleansing ritual. No fireworks, just burning the past in a good way!
To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.
- Jack Kornfield
We all know that it takes time, discipline and effort to change our habits, since humans are habitual little beings. Instead of breaking old and strong ones, let’s focus on creating new and healthy habits in this new year. Here are a couple of ideas on how to work with yourself on a personal, emotional level. Even if just one of these quotes by Jung or Kornfield or of the following tips resonates with you, write it down on a piece of paper and stick it to your bathroom mirror as a reminder:
One of the most courageous decisions you'll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul.
- Brigitte Nicole
SELF DOUBT
Start by re-programming your thinking patterns and beliefs: Transform „I’ll never be able to do that“ into „I believe I will be able to so in the future“. Chaining ourselves into thinking we’re capable of less than our potential leads to a frustrating and boxed life. If you truly want something, let’s say, like something physically achievable as a handstand, then you will be able, if you put your thoughts and efforts towards your goal.
WORK ON YOURSELF ONLY
Don’t wait for others to change. You won’t be able to change them either. Everything beyond our nose’s is none of our business. And we can only be of guidance and assistance if we live as an example and show that behaviour that we want to see in others. You want to be treated with more respect? Start by respecting others.
DO ONE THING A DAY THAT SCARES YOU
Ok, this might be a stretch. If the outlook on daily scary things is not for you, make it a new weekly habit. And the truth is, we're all scared of something. By jumping over our own shadows, no matter how tiny or unimportant it might seem, this will help us grow as humans. Start small and become daring in that process!
DON’T BE A WORRIER,
BE A WARRIOR
Depending and worrying about what other people think is really tiring. Trying to control other people is like trying to control the weather. It's simply impossible. Instead, focus on how you feel about yourself. Don’t wait for the approval of others.
SELF CRITICISM
To me, this one is the most painful. Maybe it’s in my character, maybe it’s in the starts, but making a mistake and having to live with it is sometimes harder to accept than mistakes other people have made. Since I’ve experienced that it’s ok to make mistakes, I have opened up perspectives and actually started to enjoy this life a little more by laughing about my own silliness.
