Happy New Year?

Welcome to 2026. The time of year we all become excited because we cross a perceived line that somehow erases the past and leaves a clear slate in front of us. A chance to create a new narrative, life path, way of being or simply to magically leave all the baggage behind that invisible line.

How many of us will:

                Start anew?

                Leave it all behind?

                Change our habits?

                Wipe the slate clean?

What is the percentage who believe they can do it, but will keep others in their life suspended in amber just the way they have always been perceived by us? You can change but do you believe others can join you? Should they join you, are you willing to meet them as who they are now rather than who you have remembered them to be? If it is not worth the bother to allow them back into your circle, can you let go of your perceived hurts, upsets and righteous indignation?

Are you willing to leave some acquaintances behind? Moving on with your life so that you may follow the path you are now choosing? It is not necessarily a farewell, but rather a reordering of where they are in your priorities, but this can seem unkind, sad, empty or unnecessary. Yet, it may be just what you need to have this fresh start. Baggage is baggage and if you want to leave yours behind it might be suggested that you offload theirs as well.

The time worn phrase, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life,” is akin to this new starting line we define as the beginning of January. It also informs you that you can make the choice for change at any point during any year and at any time.

It is a process, rather like decluttering your home, except it is decluttering your life. Taking various aspects out for analysis and determining how willing you are to have new ideas, thoughts, habits and patterns. Or not.

The good news is that there’s always next year.