A ceremony for wedding hope and uncertainty
Practices to reflect, renew, and rest in who you already are
Hello.
I’m writing a few days before we begin again. Floors creak with the memory of now absent footprints, and stars dangle from the window, a little crookedly.
Through the empty branches the sky remains.
It is what you have.
Be earth now, and evensong.
Be the ground lying under that sky.
-Rainer Maria Rilke
For years, I’ve used this season to reflect and rechart my course, to realign with my wholeness– grieving what’s gone, celebrating what’s been, and planting seeds of hope for what will be.
I need this in-between time to dream, forgive, and reset. My body exhales from the stress of too much consuming, my heart relishes in the stillness and my mind looks forward to what hasn’t yet become.
Here are some of my favorite practices for reflection and renewal. There’s no need to do them all, or all at once. I plan on stretching them out over the next few weeks and letting the information integrate, informing my way forward.
May these rituals guide you back to your heart and remind you of the fullness of who you are, just as you are, right now.
Choose a word or mantra for the year
In 2023 my word was “Audacity.” When I set this intention, I thought it would mean having the courage and audacity to put on my first art show, move to California, and basically do the most.
My friend recently asked me, “How do you feel about that now?”
I told her that it turned into having the audacity to choose myself before anyone else and trust my energy levels/timing of my dreams without burning out. So basically the audacity to take NAPS.
Milestones, the audacity to rest, and a special request
Hello. I’m sitting down to write this letter on the summer solstice. I’m a day late doing my bi-weekly career check-in, there’s a bag of dinosaur-themed decorations from Party City on the dining room table, the weeds have overtaken the paving stones (again), and as type,
I didn’t put on my first art show, move to California, or sign with a literary agent like I hoped. Instead, audacity meant honoring my body and my capacity, choosing to go after my dreams with gentle perseverance instead of chaotic urgency.
In 2024, I’m choosing the word Nourish. I envision myself being nourished by the trees in the woods and the sunlight on my skin, by forming new connections, cooking homemade food, and sharing it around a table with laughter and wine.
I hope to nourish others with a deeper sense of presence, letting my heart and time overflow with generosity because I’m well-nourished, first.
Create a vision board
I have so many Pinterest boards but I’ve never thought of making one for an entire year. Apparently, my 2024 vibes are cottage core and vintage psychics! 😂
Here’s an example of one I did when thinking about my “Life Compass.” I have it as a background on my computer so I can look at it easily and reorient myself when I’m feeling lost.
Write words of advice to your future self
Offer yourself guiding words of advice, like you would a friend. Tap into your higher self and ask for gentle encouragement or reminders to carry with you throughout the next twelve months. Here’s mine from 2023.
Words of advice to myself for 2023
So. It begins. A new calendar year. I am so grateful to be sharing it with you. This date can bring with it both relief (ah, the past year is finally over) likened to a slamming door you’re very much ready to close, and a sense of trepidation. Here we are. At the threshold. A ceremony for wedding hope and uncertainty.
Discover your strengths
When I was training as a health coach, we learned about the strengths-based model for enacting change. Instead of focusing on your “weaknesses” and trying to improve, this approach acknowledges your strengths as a way to help you bring in more of what you want in life. You can take a free character strengths assessment here. I’d love to hear your results!
Map your year
Year Compass is the only year-end reflection journal I’ve used for a long time. It’s a free resource with thoughtful prompts, gentle questions, and lots of room to release before making room for something new.
Take the Wholehearted Inventory
This is a beautiful practice from Brené Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection. In her book, she helps us let go of obstacles to wholehearted living like perfectionism while giving us the tools to cultivate habits that return us to our fullness. You can take the Wholehearted Inventory for free here.
I recently started re-reading The Gifts of Imperfection and will launch a six-week mini book club/workshop course in a few weeks to share it with you!
Connect to Spirit for guidance
This is one of my favorite practices. I often do this through tarot, but I’ve found journaling to be another way guidance comes through with ease. If you choose to journal, I’d suggest asking Spirit the questions on your heart and mind and setting the intention to receive wisdom from your higher self. After each question, take some time to free-write whatever messages come through.
If you’re interested in working with tarot, I’ll be doing a New Year’s reading on
, or you can check out this spread and do your own reading. I also offer one-on-one tarot and oracle card readings you can book with me here!
Draw your energy
Last but not least, I love this drawing prompt from
to help us visualize and protect our flow of energy for the year ahead.
For additional resources and tools to help nurture your mind, body, and spirit, check out this post from last year.
"Life" supplies for Earth School
Honestly, it’s hard being human. Earth School is not for the faint of heart. I say this out loud, often. But just like when I was a kid nearing the end of summer, getting ready to go back to school, I get excited every January. The quiet of winter helps me slow down, gather resources, organize old (and new) tools and perform a sort of personal inventory before beginning again.
Wishing you peace, rest, and health. I’m grateful for each of you and can’t wait to spend another year orbiting the sun together.
All my love,
Mariah
Your turn.
Do you have a word for your year ahead? What was it this year?
What reflective practices nourish you during this season?
Is there a favorite song or poem you’re holding close to your chest?
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I struggle with a word for the year! I don’t know why 🤔 I do do a 24 in 24 list, albeit missing two for the moment. I could look back on 23 and give a word - travel. But I think I lack focus for looking forward.
I totally understand the lack of focus! This year feels a lot more open-ended than last, which I’m taking to be a good thing! Where did you travel last year? What are some things on your 24 in 24 list?