Time to let it go!

Ah, its the end of another year... ooops, I mean decade. Did you know as I write this hundreds gather in the bustling streets of New York City for "Riddance Day"? Yep, people of all ages and backgrounds are writing down what they want to "let go" or "get rid" of (metaphorically speaking) before the New Year begins and tossing those papers into a giant shredder.

For 3 years this event has grown in popularity perhaps because it seams to be cathartics experience for those who participate. Just image, you write down the things that troubled you, those bad memories of the past year; that car payment, that "Ex", that illness, etc. and then you witness those worries disappear - destroyed right before your eyes. New years has always been a time for resolution and new beginnings but it is difficult to truly focus on making positive changes in your life without letting go of the negativity and issues that you feel held you back. So, ready for that fresh, positive state of mind and start but you're not in the "Big Apple"? Don't worry, try these 5 Simple Steps to "letting it go" and start the year (and new decade) off right!

Face it!

You only need a pen, a piece of paper and all those bed memories. Just take a few minutes to write down your personal worries, issues, and negative situations take occurred in your life over the past year (or decade). They can be as major or as minor as you like as only as they were events in your own personal life. And yes, this is a time of forgiveness. I once heard someone say that holding on to a grudge is "like drinking poison hoping the other person will get ill"... let it go.

Release it!

This would be a great time to use that shredder in your home office but for me, I love a good old fashion fireplace. Whatever you do make sure it is completely destroyed, beyond recognition, and you witness it.

Create it!

Now that you've released that negative baggage it's time to focus on positivity, goals and the joy in your life. In another letter, (yes, again no email or text or word application... just pen and paper) write down at least 10 completely positive things you are grateful for in your life right now. Good health, friends who care about you, reliable car, a cute smile, a roof over your head, a boyfriend, girlfriend or best friend that makes you laugh, a cozy bed, etc. Follow that up with at least 10 more things you are looking forward to having or doing in 2010. These are different from Resolutions these are specific items you already have on tap. They can even be the simple things you are looking forward to that will occur in the new year; birthdays, Sunday dinner with a relative, a friend coming home, completing an exam successfully, shopping with a friend, getting your hair done, Superbowl party (see guys I didn't forget you), your kids first day of school, Girls night out, going to the beach on the 4th of July, going to a concert, etc.

Mail it!

Ok, remember those things call postage stamps? You know, before texting and emails people actually mailed letters to each other. Well, place that letter you wrote to yourself into an envelope, stamp it and mail it to yourself. Do it before New Years Eve so it will arrive in 2010. You can open it on New Years day or you can hold off for a week or two. I would suggest opening it before the end of January but no mater when you open it be sure to do the last step.

Post it!

Post your letter! In your office, your bedroom, anywhere just as long as it is someplace you will see it every day! Remember to review it and think about the things you are grateful for. It should help keep you inspired... so start writing!

Blessed wishes to you and yours in 2010!