We all know the dark days of winter, especially those of us who are (blessed) to live in the Pacific Northwest. December 21st marks the longest and darkest day of the year. But rather than curling up under the covers or heading for the gallon of Chunky Monkey ice cream in the freezer, maybe we could, instead, spend the time cultivating a new vision for the new year; one that will empower us and enlighten those we touch.
All things go through a cycle of birth and death and rebirth. We are no different. We need the dark, quiet, introspective days of winter to evaluate where we have been and where we want to go. If we choose to ignore this cycle of growth, it is probable that we will either run around in circles, accomplishing little, or run out of steam part way through our journey.
One of the best ways to spark our vision for the new year is to write about it. You can do this by journaling – telling a story about what you have done for the past 12 months and what you wish to do for the next 12 – or you can make a list. (I am fond of the list format.)
Divide your paper into two, side by side columns, and list what you have done/accomplished on the left side and what you still wish to do/accomplish on the right side. Once you can see where you have come from, you can ask yourself, what can you do to get where you want to be; what resources do you have; what resources do you need; who could be of assistance to you; or better yet, who could you be of assistance to?
This is a time to widen your perceptions; dream big; go for the gusto; refrain from censoring yourself. (That will all come later.) Release your old belief systems and let them follow the outgoing year. Reconsider the big picture. Embrace a new way of looking at the world and your authentic place in it. This will facilitate your revitalization, your inspiration for the future, and spark a new vision for the new year to come.
And pretty soon, those dark days won’t be so dark anymore.
Be well ~
Shawn Marie Howe
