On the birthdays of my clients and friends I love to wish them a Happy Personal New Year. I look at birthdays as a unique opportunity for a fresh start that doesn’t have to be shared with the rest of the world. Today as I celebrate my personal New Year’s Eve in anticipation of my own Personal New Year tomorrow, I am reflecting on the practices I have put in place to celebrate myself and those who support me on my ongoing journey of growth and healing. Declaring your own personal new year does not have to be limited to your birthday. It can mark the fresh beginning after a transition into a new career, identity, or lifestyle. You might also designate it as a day to celebrate surviving a life-threatening illness or traumatic event, or starting a new commitment that you’ve made to yourself. Here are some strategies to support you as you declare and celebrate your personal new year. Curate Your Community of Care. Over the weekend I scheduled a series of adventures and activities with some of my dearest longtime friends. We prepared and enjoyed meals together, watched sunrises and sunsets, and hiked in nature while enjoying the beautiful colors and crisp air of autumn. I brought small gifts to show my gratitude, but it felt so good to just be able to show up and be loved on and taken care of. I found much needed rest and respite in their presence, and I left each encounter feeling energized and restored. Who are the members of your community of care? How and when will you schedule dedicated time to connect with them just for fun? Reflections and Revelations. Writing has always been a powerful way for me to express and process my emotions. Studies also show that it offers benefits when it comes to treating and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. During this time of year, I spend a lot more time writing in my journal to reflect on what I want to celebrate and give gratitude for over the past year, as well as identifying areas where I want to grow. During one of my adventures with friends this past weekend we did some journaling around the firepit and one of the prompts had us honor our ancestors. In reflecting on my grandmother’s life, I had the revelation that she was always a stabilizing force in our family and that I wanted to carry on that legacy. As you reflect on the past year, what do you want to honor or celebrate, and where do you want to grow? What have these reflections revealed for you? Cultivating Joy. Since my birthday is in autumn, I find so much joy in all the activities that fall has to offer. I love a good visit to an orchard for hot cider and a fresh and warm cinnamon doughnut. I delight in the socially acceptable opportunity to scream at the top of my lungs in a haunted house or on a spooky hayride. Few things make me happier than watching the unbridled excitement of children, so I look forward to trick or treating or doing other fun activities with my nieces and nephews. What’s one small thing you can do to cultivate joy in your life today? This week I challenge you to declare and plan a fine celebration for your personal new year. Whether it’s for your birthday, another milestone day, or even just making it to the beginning of a new week or month, you deserve to revel in the masterpiece that is you. Manifestation Affirmations I am intentionally curating my community of care. I am making time for self-reflection and the valuable revelations that it brings. I am consciously and consistently cultivating joy.
Master Your Mindset to Manifest a Life You Love. Most Sincerely, Monica Marie Jones Your Soul Journey Guide