Towards the end of each year, I make myself comfy in an armchair with a large cup of tea and review the last 12 months. I smile and I’m grateful for everything that was beautiful but also for all the other experiences. Then I think about any wishes I might have for the new year. Actually, it’s not the material stuff I’m interested in but how I could become a happier and more satisfied version of myself. It is about inner growth.
My affirmations for the last year are still valid (you can read them in the article Do Less, Be More - And Other Positive Reminders for the New Year). But this time around, my focus is more on letting go and on decluttering: Owning less and clinging less - both in terms of things and in terms of fears or expectations.
The following quote from the famous author Paulo Coelho served as the basis for my New Year affirmations: Live simply. Dream big. Be grateful. Give love. Laugh lots. I have enhanced this beautiful list by more affirmations that are important to me for the year ahead. You can read the full list below.
Another source of inspiration was Holly Butcher's open letter to the world, which her family published only a few hours after Holly's death. Holly died of cancer in January 2018 at the age of 27. Her letter is heartbreaking, touching and wise beyond words. I will continue to read it each New Year’s day to remember what really matters in life.
'The days tick by and you just expect they will keep on coming ... That's the thing about life, it is fragile, precious, unpredictable and each day is a gift, not a given right,' Holly wrote.
These are my affirmations for the new year. May it be fulfilled – and filled with love and many new experiences.
Live simply.
Own less.
Be mindful.
Behave kindly.
Create memories.
Move freely.
Breathe deeply.
Overcome fears.
Dream big.
Think bold.
Embrace yourself.
Be grateful.
Give love.
Act gracefully.
Laugh lots.
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