There are many things we want to leave behind this year and some things we won’t need ever again.
If you want to begin the new year, or a new day (any time of year) consider letting go. Let go of the stuff standing in your way and the stuff that is weighing you down. It might be clutter in your home or on your calendar, and maybe it’s something more.
7 Things You Definitely Won’t Need This Year (or ever again)
Here are seven things you definitely won’t need next year. Let them go and discover what matters to you. Leave them behind so you can be light. Release them to create space for change.
1. Guilt from any way you decided to feel better during the pandemic.
There were so many things we couldn’t do this year so we did more of whatever we could. We also did the things that distracted us from fear and discomfort. What was your thing? Baking, drinking, shopping, rage-tweeting …? Maybe it was more than one thing. Look at your new habits and ask yourself what’s really serving you? If you want to make a change, make it but make it without guilt for doing what you felt you needed to do to get through.
And maybe while we are giving ourselves a little grace, we can let go of our judgement on how anyone else is coping with (yep, I’m going to say it) this unprecedented time.
2. A reason to say no.
You don’t have to explain yourself every time you say no. A simple, “no thank you” or “not this time” or “I’m not up for that” is just fine. You are allowed to protect your time and energy without explanation.
3. Wearing anything but your favorite things.
We’ve worn more sweatpants than ever before this year. Why? We wanted to be comfortable and turned to things that were comforting. As you consider what you want to wear back to work or out in the world think about clothes you feel good in. Be comfortable and comforted. Instead of making your body fit the clothes, wear clothes that fit your body. If you don’t know what your favorite things are, try this minimalist fashion challenge.
4. Old goals and expectations.
You are not the same person you were a year ago. You may want something different than before. You don’t have to finish goals just because you set them. You don’t have to maintain the same (or any) expectations of yourself or others. You are allowed to let them all go and start over.
5. Other people’s thoughts about you.
As Martha Graham said, “What other people think about you is none of your business.” Don’t let other people’s thoughts of you shift the way you think about you or the way you live your life. Usually all of this thinking about what other people think is a waste of time because they aren’t actually thinking about you the way you think they are. Whew, so much thinking about thinking. Give yourself the freedom to make decisions based on what you know is best for you.
6. Doing it alone.
Asking for help is hard but doing life alone is harder. That doesn’t mean you need a full-time partner or someone to support you every waking moment. It means that the people in your life matter. It means that surrounding yourself with like-hearted people in your community (virtually or socially distanced in your own backyard) is important. It means that lifting others and letting them lift you right back will change your life in the best possible way.
7. Getting back to normal.
Let’s leave normal behind because once we do, there’s room for questions like …
- What do I really want?
- How do I want to live my life?
- How can I turn my intention into impact?
- Wouldn’t it be crazy if … ?
Normal isn’t working anymore. There’s something better for us.
You won’t need these things next year, or tomorrow. Stop carrying them around and let go.
P.S. Three things that aren’t normal but will encourage something better for you in the New Year …
1. Less Is Now. The Minimalist’s documentary on Netflix.
2. Project 333. Read the book, take the course, try the challenge.
3. The Simplicity Space. Your like-hearted people and the inspiration and direction to simplify your life is here.