My wish for all of us for 2024 ✨
Happy New Year my dears!
In December I read a post about a New Year's tradition from Ireland: On the 31st just before midnight you open your back door to let the old year out. Then, right after midnight, you open the front door to let the new year in.
I instantly loved this sweet tradition and while I didn't make it to midnight (haven't in years 😅) I did this little ritual in the morning of January 1st, figuring I could let go of a few sleepy hours of 2024.
When I opened the back door I pictured all the old energy, the stuffy thoughts, the stress and the overwhelm from 2023 floating out. I visualized my house clearing up and I had this beautiful calmness and serenity settle in my body.
While 2023 for me personally brought many beautiful moments and gave me memories with my children, my husband, extended family and friends that I will treasure for the rest of my life, it also felt like a heavy year on a global scale.
To me, it feels that besides the obvious political unrests and social divides, our world still hasn't woken up from the shadowy slumber that COVID imposed on our society a few years back. I feel and I worry about the loneliness, the isolation, and unresolved anxiety that so many people carry and it makes me wonder how that contributes to some of the mess we are finding ourselves in now. I worry that we have become less resilient and more fragile and, as a result, judgmental and aggressive –especially as in-person interactions decline and virtual hangouts and social media addiction increases.
So, as I opened my front door to greet 2024, I invited in my personal goals and ambitions for this year along with a global wish for more connection and more understanding, for resilience and the ability to stay with each other even if we don't agree with everything someone else says. I invited in calm and stable minds that don't get frazzled or aggressive because of the smallest opposition, stressor, or difference in opinion. I invited in optimism and joy and resourcefulness that can serve as cushions during tense times. I invited in peace.
I don't know about you, BUT, as someone who is sensitive and deeply desires harmony, I can at times feel powerless… even paralyzed… in light of what is happening around me.
If this is you, I want you to remember something with me: When you feel overwhelmed and small, you ALWAYS start by coming back home to yourself first and make sure that you –your body, your mind and your energy– is aligned, calm, steady and helpful. That is ALWAYS your starting point.
Here is what I mean:
You are not helping anyone if your nervous system is deregulated (aka. if you feel chaotic, frazzled and overwhelmed) so STOP. Pull back a little and take some time to come back to yourself and regulate.
Here is what that might look like:
go on a walk in nature
listen to calm music
pick up a mindfulness or meditation practice
start a gratitude journal
sign up for a creative class
make a date with your girlfriends
get enough sleep
replace some of the inflammatory foods in your diet with healthier options
surround yourself with optimists and people who laugh easily
get in touch with your neighbors and create a sense of community
The truth is that we can only ever do as much good outside of ourselves as we cultivate inside of ourselves.
In 2024, don't let yourself run dry, but nourish your nervous system, protect your inner calmness, your resilience, and your optimism. That is when you feel the best AND are of greatest service to others.
Here is to a beautiful 2024.
Warmly,
Caroline
