New Year New Slate

Dear Reader,

Happy New Year!

There’s something magical about this time of year, isn’t there? A fresh start, a clean slate—it’s like life hands us a blank canvas and says, “Go ahead, paint your dreams.”

In the past, my New Year ritual was all about letting go. I’d scribble down the things I didn’t want in my life anymore, crumple up the paper, and burn it. Watching those words turn to ash felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I was able to let go of the past and things that weren't serving me.  It was therapeutic.

But this year, something shifted.

Instead of focusing on what I don’t want, I’ve decided to pour my energy into what I do want. It feels lighter, more hopeful. And I’ve been inspired by a beautiful Mexican tradition called Áño Viejo, or Old Year. Maybe you’ve heard of it?

Here’s how it works: families make a dummy, like a scarecrow, to represent the old year. They fill it with wishes for the new year and at midnight, they light it on fire. The flames carry their hopes and dreams into the night, a bright promise of what’s to come. Isn’t that such a beautiful way to say goodbye to the past while welcoming the future?

So, I decided to give it a try. I wrote down all the things I want to invite into my life this year—joy, creativity, deeper connections, adventure—and tucked them into my own little version of an Áño Viejo. As the flames danced, I felt this wave of gratitude for everything the past year taught me and this spark of excitement for everything the new year holds.

I’m curious—how do you celebrate the new year? Do you have your own rituals or traditions? Maybe you’re like me and want to try something new. If you do, here’s an idea: instead of focusing on what you’re leaving behind, focus on what you want to embrace.

Write your dreams on paper, light a candle, plant a seed… whatever feels right to you.

Make it yours.

This year, I’m choosing to believe in possibility. To believe in the power of hope and the magic of a fresh start. And I’m so excited to see where this year takes us.

Here’s to painting our dreams on that blank canvas.

With love and a heart full of hope