Embracing a Shift at New Year's

I once read a dating book by relationship expert John Gray (no relation:) who explained that one of the tricks to starting a good relationship was to always end your relationships in the best way possible. This has always stuck with me: If you embrace the change, are grateful for and learn from your experience, and can let go of what no longer serves you, the energy is cleared to allow for a fresh, new beginning.

Now what about the relationship that you have with each passing year? Do you think it works the same way? I do. And if we give ourselves the chance to end this year in gratitude, joy, and learning in what may become of next year? Why, the possibilities are endless!

While time marches on uninterrupted, I believe there is still a shift that takes place between this year and next. This shift provides us all with an opportunity to pay attention to our intentions both for what we would like to leave in and learn from 2009 and what we would like to create in 2010.

Give yourself a gift this holiday season and take 15 minutes, 1 hour a day - whatever you can allow - and put a pause on the holiday rush. Sit alone, have a glass of wine, and decide consciously what you wish to leave in 2009. This will automatically begin opening up space and energy for 2010.

What lessons and joys are you taking with you? Give thanks. What are you leaving behind? Let it go. What do you most desire for 2010? Write it down. This can be an illuminating experience. You deserve it!

By giving yourself this time during a season that is so easily consumed by others' wishes and demands, you are also honoring your relationship with yourself. And I couldnít think of a better, more powerful way to embrace a fresh beginning in a New Year filled with possibilities.