My first post of 2017 (and second post ever on Blue Jay of Happiness) was about goal setting. I listed some goals I wanted to achieve and ways I planned to do that. And while I of course still think it’s an *excellent* post… this year my mindset has definitely shifted.
I still have goals and things I would like to achieve this year, but instead of listing them out systematically and planning how I’ll accomplish them, I want to focus on making space for them in my life.
And to make space, you have to let things go.
So this year, I’m putting my focus into that, into letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose in my life. And, I think, the combination of this and having a few intentions for the year will work well.
Here’s what I’m letting go of and how I plan to do it…
Excess stress
While stress is an important emotion and can actually be good for us, I felt the weight of excess stress and subsequent anxiety last year. While I’m not so optimistic to say I intend to eradicate all excess stress from my life this year, I’m going to do my best to manage it using the skills I learnt last year.
How I’ll do it:
- Increase my meditation practice as found this really useful last year. To help me commit to this I’ve paid for a year’s subscription to Headspace.
- Keep practising yoga and breathing exercises.
- Write in my journal when I feel overwhelmed.
Excess stuff
Whenever I open a drawer, it almost explodes with stuff. I swear things just multiply when I’m not looking. Having a tidy space helps me feel calm, so in 2018 I want to just try and reduce the stuff. Fingers crossed myself and Dan will be moving in together at the end of this month, so I plan to have a big clear out then.
How I’ll do it:
- Clear out unnecessary ‘stuff’ before moving.
- Avoid buying stuff that isn’t necessary (or beautiful) for new flat.
- Read minimalist tips from the wonderful Jessica Rose Williams.
Fear
I discussed facing fears in a recent post, and again, I know I can’t simply ‘let go’ of fear, but using the techniques in that post I hope to let go of some of it.
How I’ll do it:
- Use the techniques listed in this post.
- Be kind to myself.
Other people’s crap
My tolerance level for other people’s intolerance, negativity and energetic ‘crap’ is at an all time low right now. I struggle to be around people who undermine others, people who drain my energy and people who spread hateful ideas. So next year, I’m going to let it go.
How I’ll do it:
- Unfollow these people online.
- Set boundaries.
- Take breaks if around these people, and/or visualise a protective bubble around myself.
- Call people out and speak up more about my own values and beliefs.
What’s important to highlight though, is that while it’s all well and good writing out what I plan to let go of and achieve, I’m not putting any pressure on myself. Life happens, priorities shift, we change.
I’ll check in with myself regularly to see how I’m doing on the letting go front, keep my list of intentions in mind and just go from there. And this is something I would encourage you to do too.
January is a month full of pressure. Pressure to be something different, change your life, get “healthy”. And, well, I’m flat out saying no. It’s great to use this month to focus on yourself and what you want from the year ahead, but please - lift the pressure off.
We’re all changing all the time, so just aim to check in with yourself from time to time and adjust as you see fit. You don’t need to overhaul your life, just become more in tune with yourself.
What are you hoping to let go of this year?
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