Here it is! The last day of 2020 is finally upon us. Whew!!!! What a crazy flippin’ year!??!!!? I’m sure it’ll go down in our memory banks as some combination of intense, bizarre, challenging and unforgettable. It worked muscles we didn’t know existed, allowed each of us to find new depths of strength, heroic flexibility and new ways to connect and balance our lives.

In a peculiar way, it’s how I’d describe a recent experience I had doing “goat yoga.” LOL! But, I will say, the “goat yoga” prompted more giggles, and we only had to endure these furry creatures with hooves climbing us for an hour… not 10 months. Yep, that’s me holding a real goat in tree pose, on the right getting my hair nibbled on and below in table top with proud goat atop.

If you haven’t tried “goat yoga,” it may be something to add to your bucket list. It was surprisingly enjoyable, even if awkward. I have a whole new appreciation for goats, especially their desire and ability to keep climbing up, up, up… again and again and again… no matter the shape, size or opportunity available. Pretty inspiring, right?

On a more serious note, I hope you and your families delighted in a wonderful holiday and found ways to celebrate with loved ones in meaningful ways. We made the most of outdoor activities (including the goat yoga!) and took in countless lights where ever we could find them! On Christmas Day, we had a wonderful Zoom call with my Dad & Oma, my brothers and their families and cousins. We all live in different parts of the country, so aren’t typically together anyway. But one of the unexpected gifts of c-o-v-i-d was the nudge to leverage tech to connect. For that, I’m most grateful!

It can be a tricky balance to stay safe AND give yourself enough permission to create and enjoy fulfillment in the midst of these unusual times. Remember, there is always a way when we’re committed, flexible and with a great attitude.

I’m also present to the reality of so many being side-lined, and suffering with the virus. Within the last 2 weeks, at least a dozen inner circle friends and family members contracted c-o-v-i-d. Scary and no fun 🙁 Gratefully, even the most elderly was in and out of the hospital and all recovering nicely. I’m hoping to share insights from a fellow coach who is typing up notes about what helped and hindered her and her husband’s recovery. Keep an eye out for that.

In addition to 2020 coming to an end, my first Radical Reset group coaching program just completed yesterday. This is why you haven’t heard a lot from me here in the past several weeks, as I’ve been immersed in serving this group. What a joy to witness participants shift their mindsets, leverage the inner peace skills vault, and establish new habits of “daily movement” (aka = daily exercise).

We had 3 back to back “movement challenges” over 6 weeks, where the objective was just to do some kind of movement. It didn’t have to be a big sweaty workout… even walking or stretching counted, though many did real workouts. Over half the group went from zero to little exercise to consistent daily exercise!!! Once simple habits are established, it’s easy to build on… which ultimately leads to losing unwanted pounds, having more energy and WAY less stress.

They also jumpstarted 2021 with fresh clarity and enthusiasm.

Radical Reset has proven to be a powerful framework for those ready to get back to their best selves lickety-split. This is why I’m rolling it out again later in January. Email me at mary@lifecoachmary.com, if you want to be the first to get details.

End of Year Completion Ritual

That leads us to today’s topic, which is how we can put a bow on 2020. How do we move on without carrying a 2020 hangover with us?

For the last 22 years, I’ve embraced this “end of year completion” ritual as a way to close out the year and prepare for a fresh start. If you’ve been a client or subscriber for awhile, you’ve seen these potent questions before. It’s still one of the simplest and most powerful exercises you can do each year.

Set aside some uninterrupted time to journal your answers to the questions below. I personally like to curl up next to a warm fire, light candles and get comfy, allowing plenty of time to reflect on the year. Give yourself this gift this year. It’s a powerful way to acknowledge your year and transition to the next.

End of Year Completion Questions

1. What are your disappointments, failures, and breakdowns?

Let’s acknowledge what these items are…. this is an opportunity to let them go, carry them forward, or make a new promise.

2. Make a second list titled: Successes, Wins, and Accomplishments.

This is a chance to celebrate and own who you have become this year, and your achievements. Where did you step into your power and greatness? Please don’t skimp on these. The little stuff counts. NO modesty allowed. Let’s validate all your accomplishments. Look through your organizer to remind you.

3. What have you learned about yourself and your life? What insights have you gained?

True insights have the transformational capability of shifting us into a new, more alive place! As we are blessed with insights it is important to nurture and deepen these new understandings.

4. What are you grateful for?

This list might include some of the above and anything else you truly appreciate about yourself or any other area of your life. There is a basic principle. Whatever you appreciate and give thanks for will increase in your life.

(For this question… I like to be REALLY thorough, counting the big and little things I’m truly grateful for. That means don’t limit yourself to ONE page.)

5. How will you celebrate and honor your years’ accomplishments?

What would be a fun, special thing to do for yourself?

After you have completed answering your questions the next step would be to prepare yourself for an amazing “New” Year. Check out an article on New Year Creation: Engaging Your Senses in Your Vision.

And there you have it!

Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy New Year’s Eve celebration, however you choose to embrace it in these unique times. We’ll be hunkering in at home with the family.

Virtual cheers to you. Thank you for being a part of my world and allowing me to serve you.

And here’s to your success and inner peace in 2021 and beyond.