When I was a child, I would always have the best New Year’s Eve plans! My Mother would get all dressed up in a pretty dress and high heel shoes, and she would leave a trail of her sweet perfume as she made her way out the door for the big celebration at hand. My brother and I couldn’t wait to receive our goodnight kisses so that we could get our own party started. Oh, we had big plans, we would have a sleepover at my grandmother’s house. We loved putting on our tiaras, drinking a special occasion root beer float, and we reveled in the fact that we got to stay up super late watching Dick Clark's big countdown to the ball dropping on the TV. 10,9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Happy New Year! We would blow our horns and jump up and down on the bed like it was the best night of our entire lives. Oh, the simplicity of that perfect little moment. To capture the spirit of that simple act is what we all aim for as adults. We all think that we might get a glimpse of it again, whilst drinking and partying the night away, but it never quite seems as fulfilling as our memories of innocence. That happy feeling that comes from within. That’s why as the calendar turns to another year, I propose that it’s a time for reflection, renewal, and setting intentions for the journey ahead. While many focus on resolutions of physical or material nature, enter the added pressure of the build up and ultimately false promises to ourselves with this year’s New Year’s resolutions that we vow to keep. Let’s face it - it always seem to fail at some point in the coming months, and by February we feel even worse about ourselves. Instead of this rollercoaster of emotions let’s take a new approach by taking smaller steps of spiritual reflection and embrace the New Year from a spiritual perspective, which can lead to profound personal growth and inner peace and even possibly finding that happiness again.
OK here we go… Let’s explore how to celebrate a spiritual New Year, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
12 ways to find your inner happiness:
- What Makes you happy?
Get quiet. Whatever that means for you. If you meditate - great, if your meditation is going on a run then do that or find a quiet place alone and unplugged. Once you are in your quiet zone think about what makes you happy. When do you feel joy?
- What are you grateful for?
Write down the things you are grateful for. Every night before bed jot down one thing that you are grateful for. It can be in a journal or in Notes on your phone. It doesn’t have to be monumental it can be a tiny thing.
- Who do you want to be?
Do you feel you are on the right path in your career and goals? Think about who you want to be, not what you are doing.
- Create a Vision board
It’s nice to have visuals of the things that you want in life. It makes your dreams and goals visible and tangible and helps keep it alive in your mind daily. Then you know what you are working towards. It’s a nice inspiration.
- Believe in yourself
With a positive outlook in life you can achieve so much. Remember positivity is contagious and people like being around other positive people.
- Embracing Reflection
The end of a year is a perfect moment for introspection. Reflect on the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the growth experienced. Journaling your thoughts can be a therapeutic way to process these reflections and acknowledge the journey you’ve been on.
- Setting Intentions
Now that you know what truly makes you happy, and what you want to make happen in your life, it’s time to set some intentions. Unlike traditional resolutions, spiritual intentions focus on internal growth and emotional well-being. Set intentions that nourish your soul, such as practicing gratitude (like writing down your daily gratefuls), cultivating patience, or embracing kindness. Remember, intentions are guiding stars, not strict goals.
- Cleansing and Purifying Rituals
Welcome the New Year with a sense of freshness. This could be a physical space cleansing (burn some white sage), like decluttering your home, or a personal ritual, like a meditation session or a purifying bath. The aim is to clear away old energies to make room for new possibilities.
- Connecting with Nature
Nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us of the larger cycle of life we’re part of. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or simply watching the sunrise or sunset. Let the beauty of the natural world inspire and rejuvenate you.
- Nurturing Mind, Body, and Spirit
Commit to practices that nurture your entire being. Yoga, meditation, prayer, or any practice that brings you inner peace are wonderful ways to honor your spiritual self. Regular practice helps in maintaining a balanced and harmonious state of mind.
- Cultivating Friendships, Community and Relationships
Our spiritual journey is often enriched by the people around us. Seek out or nurture friendships and relationships with those who uplift and support your spiritual growth.
- Practicing Gratitude and Kindness
Embrace each day of the New Year with an attitude of gratitude and kindness. Small acts of kindness and acknowledging the good in your life can profoundly impact your spiritual well-being and those around you.
A very Happy spiritual New Year to you. This is an opportunity to renew our commitment to personal growth and to align more closely with our true selves. As we step into this New Year, let’s do so with hope, kindness, and an open heart, ready to receive and grow from whatever experiences come our way. Here’s to a spiritually fulfilling and joyous New Year! May your New Year be filled with peace, joy, and spiritual growth! - Written by travel blog writer Renee Wilde
