Unbelievable, but it is already December 31 on the calendar. 2018 is coming to an end. The gray and rainy weather in Chicago is the complete opposite of my cozy inner state today. Current state…Joy and child-like excitement of an upcoming miracle. Coming from Russia, new year’s eve has always been the major holiday for me. We celebrate Christmas only on January 7th. Therefore, in the run-up to the first of January, I always want to somehow especially celebrate the end of the year. Yes, making Olivier salad, a nice cake, and watching our new year movie is a must)), but for me, writing a reflexion on the past year is even more important thing to do on the 31st of December. Summing up is one of the favorite ways to celebrate all achievements and victories, to remember mistakes and losses and to wish yourself a new wave of accomplishments in the coming year. I like to list the highlights of the year, and then my intentions and goals/wishes for the new year. I do it softly, more in the form of wishes rather than strict goals. For me, flexibility in intent is the key to success.
This post is a reminder that summarizing the results of the year and articulating our goals is a reliable tool for achieving them.
So, last year for me was a year of great insights, and achievements, I was also overcoming myself and getting out of the comfort zone a lot. I am sure that for many of you it also turned out to be diverse and multicolored. I sincerely advise you to take a few minutes to take a look at your year and write a few sentences about your accomplishments. There is something therapeutic in this, plus it will rise a wave of gratitude to yourself. A year later, it will be interesting for all of us to read the wishes for the new year and see where there has been growth.
As for me, I’m declaring the coming New Year as a year of greater love for myself. As I get older, I want to prioritize not as many external indicators of success — grades at school, project implementation, financial indicators, but rather the way I feel. I prefer to ask myself, “Do I experience love, happiness, and gratitude every day? Am I inspired? Do I enjoy my life? What do I need to change to experience that?” Following my inner guides and intuition always helps me to feel better. To do so, sometimes I cancel an important meeting or refuse to complete everything on my to-do list (oh no, how irresponsible, right? No, and one more time no!) The best ideas and solutions come from a state of joy and tranquility, so prioritizing our mental health and wellbeing is the best long-term investment in ourselves as humans. It takes some time to master, but it is rewarding.
Recently, my mom came from Russia to spend this Christmas break with us. One day, she recalled that when I was a little girl, I often laughed lightly and carelessly. Those sounds of sincere children’s laughter were the greatest happiness for her. In the coming year, she wished me less seriousness and more sincere laughter out loud, because regardless of our age, we all remain children. I found this wish incredibly charming! I will do my best to find more joy in every day of the next year.
And now, I wish you, my dear friends, the same — joy, smiles and sincere deep laughter every day of the New 2019 Year. Let’s make it memorable and sparkly!
Lots of love and good vibes,
xoxoxo, Zhenya