…for a new year?<\/p>\n
I realize that a lot of my blog posts have become a soliloquy of ‘what does ____ mean to Anna Kate’.\u00a0 Just an observation…let the soliloquy begin!<\/p>\n
I’m not a big New Year’s resolution maker.\u00a0 I do take a few moments to consider ways to better myself in the new year but I don’t make a poster and tape it to the fridge.\u00a0 I don’t feel the need.\u00a0 Plus, when I’m having one of those<\/em> days (I’m sure you’ve all had one of those<\/em> days) I don’t need a written reminder to sink me lower in the funk.\u00a0 I also take a little mental trip through the soon-to-be-over year to remember both the highs and lows.\u00a0 It’s my own way of staying grounded.\u00a0 Whether the year is coming to a close on a high note or one a bit lower, it’s good to be reminded that things always seem to even out.<\/p>\n I have come to think of January 1st as a fresh start.\u00a0 A chance to do things differently if need be.\u00a0 A time to let go of any leftover “stuff” from last year…physical or mental.\u00a0 As an adult, I have gotten to the point where I like to clean out after Christmas.\u00a0 The devil’s advocate in my brain is asking me if I’ve looked at my sweater stack lately!\u00a0 Ten years ago I might have shoved more into the drawer or closet but I’ve discovered the satisfaction of clearing out the unnecessary things I accumulate.\u00a0 Watching Hoarders<\/a> doesn’t hurt either.\u00a0 (I’ve never been close to being a hoarder but this show will scare you into minimalism in a heartbeat!)\u00a0 Other “stuff” is mental and emotional.\u00a0 That is harder for me.\u00a0 I am usually able to get over things quickly but my memory is elephantine.\u00a0 I don’t forget what was said, actions that were taken, feelings that were felt.\u00a0 Those things tend to stockpile in my mental closet, sometimes without my knowledge.\u00a0 Luckily, I have recently acquired the ability to brush away those cobwebs and make room for happy thoughts.\u00a0 I’ll toast to that!<\/p>\n