Article by First House staff member Michelle L.
The end of the year is approaching, and most people divide into one of two camps; those who excitedly look forward to a “fresh start” and those who panic feeling they didn’t achieve enough the last 365 days. I’m here in a nonprofessional noncertified capacity to tell you there is a better way! We don’t need to reinvent ourselves simply because the last digit of the year changes.
No need for lofty resolutions that will leave you feeling bad about yourself when you don’t complete the unattainable benchmarks you set for yourself. There is no space here for “new year, new me” - you are a wonderful glowing human just the way you are! Whatever you achieved in the previous year was what you could handle, and being present is a gift. That being said, the winter solstice and new year are a great time to integrate ritual into your life, at whatever capacity works for you.
Years ago, I spent the holidays with an ex and I met his amazing and similarly woo woo sisters who introduced me to their tradition of pulling oracle cards on New Years Day. We made French press coffee and muffins and shuffled the Oracle deck. The cards were spread across the table face down and we each followed our intuition to select one that would represent our theme for that year. I took my card home and put it on my fridge; every time that theme arose in my life I paused and reflected on how I could act in a way that was true to it and myself. The best part was that I felt guided, and I had people to share it with; I’d immediately text them both and share how it had popped up and the outcome.
In the following years I’d continue the ritual; sometimes in peaceful solitude after a lovely but chaotic family Christmas, other years with friends over brunch with bottomless mimosas that led to loud public friend therapy sessions and standup comedy. More than once the servers would ask what we were doing and join in on pulling a card because it is FUN. These moments of reflection and growth are driven by the ritual and are sustainable; small wins throughout the year to keep you on your path (and staying true to your First House).
Decide what your vibe is and if you are open to it we’d love for you to come to First House and tell us what your intuition guided you to pull and what you think it means for your upcoming year. Happy New Year (and same beautiful you)!
