Onward And Upward: Welcoming a Better New Year!
By Donna DeNomme, MA, RScP
It’s wonderful to look at the dawning of 2022 as a bit of a “fresh start” – a time we can let go of what doesn’t serve us, embrace desired behaviors, and draw to us the experiences we wish to have – to cultivate our very best. But are you recycling the same worn-out resolutions? Or are you dreaming about powerful transformations but not too sure how to begin? There are a few small, yet mighty, steps that may help.
Ask yourself what you truly want. This might sound silly, but have you really asked? Take the time to sit by yourself without distraction and explore what you’d like to see in each of the areas of your life. Suggestions might be considering work, home, relationships with spouse, kids, family, friends (do these separately). Projects you’d like to work on this year. Creative pursuits. Health. Finances. What you need just because – the things that are the “wind beneath your wings” because they lift you up and help you soar. Onward and upward is our theme. That doesn’t necessarily mean big, better, best – it means being more authentically sincere to your individual needs and desires.
Once you’ve got your list, check it once or twice
- Does your list contain your authentic wishes?
- Does it reflect someone else’s agenda or what you think you “should” do?
- Add the most outrageous, wouldn’t-that-be-fabulous feats that you can imagine
- And then try to stretch to see even beyond that!
- Writing things down has been scientifically proven to help manifest and accomplish what you envision
A word about Visioning: Visions are more than just a glorified to-do list filled with goals and ambitions. A true vision contains your emotional feeling state. How will you feel when that vision unfolds? And how can you create the fertile environment that will nurture that desired state? If you want to accomplish something, what are the steps that might take you there? At the same time, what is the mindset that will facilitate changes you wish to see? And how can you cultivate that!
Promising yourself a cup of tea every afternoon to be still with your thoughts . . . or a Thursday night gathering (in-person or online) with a trusted group of like-minded souls might season your life with success more than a sixty-hour grind in the proverbial rat race. You know those times when you feel like you’re on a never-ending trek, moving quickly round and round but never getting anywhere?
I have an old comic that I’ve saved for decades with the classic hamster on the wheel frantically spinning and next to it a new and improved wheel that takes the form of a Ferris wheel with the smiling hamster going for a delightful ride. I’ve saved it because this is the epitome of a shift in consciousness out-picturing in our world.
Are you living a forced march, obediently putting one foot in front of the other each day? Or is yours a conscious embodiment of desired and purposeful actions, leading to a life lived as you would choose it to be. I understand there are some things we just have to do, challenges and duties that must be met. But what about the space in between? How do you fill the time that is yours to sculpt? And how might that change this year? Jot a few notes about what you’re thinking and feeling. Let your wisdom story speak from the inside out. And then, listen.
Focus on the highest and the best for you and everyone involved. Sometimes what is best may be wrapped inside a challenge that initially looks like an unwelcomed visitor, but later becomes a friend. When I was let go from the only job I’ve ever been fired from (because it was a hostile take-over), I spent six months furthering my training and launching what has become my life’s work. Getting fired was one of the best things that ever happened to me and was a pivotal choice point that shifted the trajectory of my life. What pieces aren’t quite right for you? And how might you sculpt or re-sculpt them?
What spiritual practices and self-care do you long for this year? There is no one right way. What feeds your soul? Walks in nature, time at the gym, massage or bodywork sessions, meditation, journaling, listening to inspirational books or music? Think about what you need to fill you up . . . and then schedule those activities in. Make yourself a priority.
Let go of the old, make way for the new. This principle is basic energy dynamics. Although we are, at essence, infinite beings, in this human form we are finite. Letting go of what no longer serves you (both in your physical realm and within yourself) opens space for newly creative energy, leading to a more evolved you! There are many good ways to facilitate true release. If you need help with this, stay tuned. I’ll be offering a guided practice online early in January!
Put out the welcome mat for your angels, guides, and helper beings. Spiritual support is all around you – your guardians are just waiting for permission to make themselves known. Or to be acknowledged. Because we have free will and choice, light beings will not insert themselves into your life and take you by the hand, dragging you in the right direction! You have to ask . . . and ask again. And be willing to listen to what pops in; remembering, again, that you are always at choice. If you already have a relationship with your spiritual team, nurture it this year. If not, open the door and invite them to protect and guide you.
Be brave enough to do the deeper work. Are there persistent or consistent difficulties? Places of trauma or wounding that never go away? Beliefs and blockages that limit your ability to bring forth your potential? Does it seem like you’re not able to catch up to where you long to be? Or to take a good, deep breath? There may be chronic behaviors or old patterns that sabotage your success. Let this be the year you reach deep to acknowledge and heal that which is longing for your attention. Once you do, you’ll be lighter and freer.
There truly is great promise in this new year. Can you feel it? There is untapped goodness within you ―welcome and cultivate those longings. May you live the life you love as you awaken a masterful life, one of your very own design. Many blessings to you and yours in 2022.
Donna DeNomme is a conscious energy teacher, shamanic healer, and ceremonial facilitator. As a Master Success Coach, Donna has assisted clients since 1987 and was
Donna offers psychic readings and empowerment sessions through For Heaven’s Sake. She is the award-winning, internationally published author of Turtle Wisdom: Coming Home to Yourself (series), Ophelia’s Oracle, 8 Keys to Wholeness, and As You Feel, So You Heal: A Write of Passage available at For Heaven’s Sake bookstore.