December 31–  Everyone  has their own feelings about the last day of the year.  If your year has been tough, you are ready to say “good-bye” and start fresh.  If this has been an epic year, you might be anticipating what the new year will bring.  It is all your perspective.

As I have shared before, I am a goal setter.  I start thinking about how I can improve, how can I be the best me, and what steps do I need to take.  I like to focus on one word that encompasses my goals and thoughts for the next year.  There is power in writing down your goals.  My goals in 2017 and my goals in 2016 were different and somewhat the same but something I could focus on.  I’m still working on my 2018 goals.

I wanted to share something that my sister and her family does each year.  This simple tradition has been such a blessing to them and a great way to celebrate memories.  Each year they begin with an empty jar.  Throughout the year they add memories to the jar.  It might be a significant movie ticket, written memory of something funny one of their children did, a photo, a drawing, matchbook, you get where I’m going.  Sometimes my sister will just journal that day to capture a feeling.  All the memories are placed in the jar.  On January 1 of the next year, they make a special breakfast and go through the jar. The memories of the previous year are celebrated and reflected on.

There is so much power in celebrating memories and honoring the previous year.  It gives them a moment to reflect and make goals for the next year.  I found this quote from Victoria Erickson that I really like:

Have a great last day of 2017!  See you in 2018!

Looking Forward,
Amanda