Clean Slate: Insights on How to Start Again
We often think of a clean slate at the start of each year, but each day is another chance to hit the reset button and start with clarity, and intention.
Creating Your Clean Slate
A clean slate isn’t just about letting go of the past; it’s about actively choosing what you want to bring into your life. Ask yourself the following tough questions:
What is serving me?
What is weighing me down?
What habits, relationships, or thought patterns am I holding onto simply out of routine?
One of the biggest things I’m learning to release is the pressure to have everything figured out. Life doesn’t follow a perfect timeline, and it’s okay if the new year starts off a little messy. What matters is that we take the time to realign with what truly brings us joy, peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
What to Let Go Of
If you’re feeling stuck, here are a few things you might consider releasing:
Things that you like but do not love. Make a list and release them all. Writing and mentoring bring me joy and are keepers. I’m letting go of the things that I don’t do well because of lack of time or capacity.
Guilt over unfinished goals. It’s okay if you didn’t start that project or hit that milestone. Progress is progress, no matter when it happens.
Toxic relationships or draining commitments. Pay attention to what (or who) consistently leaves you feeling depleted. Sometimes the toxic relationship is with social media.
Negative self-talk. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. Be your biggest cheerleader.
What to Welcome In
Instead of focusing on what isn’t going well, let’s shift our attention to what can be cultivated:
Small, sustainable changes. Forget overwhelming resolutions. Start with one habit that brings you joy, or makes you feel confident that you are living a purposeful life.
Acts of kindness. We can’t always control the division in our world but we can perform an act of kindness each week that will create ripples and make our communities better.
Moments of rest. Don’t underestimate the power of slowing down and simply being present.
A spirit of gratitude. Even on hard days, there’s always something to be thankful for. Taking a walk in nature brings clarity.
Life may sometimes feel heavy, and you may often feel stuck but each day is a new opportunity to create the life that you truly want for yourself, your family and your community.
