by Anne McGuffey
I love moving my body, and even better if I’m out in nature while exercising! For many years I’ve had a tradition of being active outside on the last day of the year, and again as the new year begins on January 1st. Closing the year and starting the next, doing something that feels good and is healthy for my body, mind and soul. 🙂
On the last day of 2015, my husband and I enjoyed an exhilarating morning of Nordic skiing today. (that’s cross country skiing, not downhill – note my skinny skis!) He snapped this photo while we were out gliding on the snow. Then we came home for a relaxing soak in our hot tub. Aaahhh, a great way to end 2015!
Do you have rituals or a special activity that you enjoy to close the year and begin the next one? Make time in these early days of 2016 for a meaningful way to open the new year.
Another of my favorite year-end activities is a review of the past year, and setting intentions for the new year. If you’d like to do this, grab some paper and a pen, and here are some ideas to get you started:
- Review your calendar (or your memory!) for key events during the past year. Where did you travel? Who are the important people that you spent time with? What events or activities were meaningful for you?
- Did you read any books that made an impact on you? Did you create something new, such a project in your work, changes in your home, or something artistic? Perhaps you took on a new activity or challenge last year?
- As you review your year, look for themes, insights and lessons from the year. Even difficult events and losses will have gifts for you as you look back over the past twelve months. Jot down these insights and gifts.
- Look ahead to the coming year: what would you like to create for yourself? How do you want to challenge yourself to grow? A theme may emerge for you for 2016, in the form of a word or phrase.
- Give yourself the time you need for this process and have fun! This may take an hour to complete, or you can take a week or so and come back and add to it as ideas emerge.
2016 will be an exciting year for me — in March I’ll begin my 800 mile trek of the Arizona Trail! I’ve been planning this thru-hike for about 8 years, and now it’s almost here! I’ll be starting a blog soon about my trail adventure, so stay tuned for how you can join me virtually on my journey.
All the best to you in 2016, creating your Whole, Healthy Life!
Anne McGuffey is certified as a Wellness Coach, Nutrition Advisor and
Energy Medicine Practitioner. She is a passionate advocate for living a mindful, whole and healthy life. Connect with Anne at https://www.facebook.com/wholehealthylife
