Last post, we sifted through 2011 and identified the people, events, actions, and thoughts that brought us good and those that didn’t.

I enjoyed reflecting on my life this year. It was an amazing year of growth for me. It was not easy or comfortable. I faced many fears and said YES to things way outside my comfort zone. I reassured my fearful inner critic, (the wizened old hag who I used to take seriously) that everything would be okay and I refused to engage in paralyzing hyper-analysis. I gave in to life, took risks, and bit off more than I knew I could chew. I stood in the fires of what I believe in (The Assault on Femininity & The Sacred Ache) and received more hate mail than ever before; I also received 20 times the amount of positive mail. I’m still here and the results were and continue to be magnificent and worthwhile. I missed the mark and had some “bad” days too, but I sat with their lessons and tried to use them to become better.

How about you? Do you notice that who you were in January is not the same person you were in June and who you are now is also different?   

This year was challenging for so many.  That makes retaining only the treasures of 2011 even more important.

On a fresh sheet of paper, extract ONLY the joy-filled parts of 2011 and the lessons learned from the difficult times. 

Take the old sheet, of yesterday’s questions and answers, and destroy it.  Let the treasures of 2011 be all that remains; everything else is dead and useless. 

Let it all go.

The past does not define the future and you have everything you need to become your best self and create the life YOU desire most. When you catch yourself reliving or rehashing something that is not on the treasure list, kindly remind yourself that you’ve decided to “let it go” then turn your attention to today. 

Let go of all the reasons things might or must turn out badly. They are not facts; they are just vapors and opinions. When you argue for your limitations, you tie both hands behind your back and blind yourself to opportunities that could lead you to your heart’s desires. Clear that.  Let it go.

This day is about cleaning, clearing, and releasing all that does not serve you. Be kind and loving with yourself as you apply the discipline to consciously release. With the past where it belongs, and the plan for the future not yet developed, there is only the present, take that in. I join you here.

Photo credit: h.koppdelaney