You want to let go of the pain, turmoil, and uncertainty of 2020 and move forward into 2021 with greater ease and hope for the future. But how do you let go of the tremendous challenges, heartache, physical and emotional pain that was 2020? Forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the only way to truly release something. Forgiveness is a byproduct of self love.
Who has time for self love and what does it mean anyway?! Well, before I answer that let me ask you a question. When was the last time you gave yourself credit for who you truly are?
2020 pushed you to your limits and you’re still standing! Social unrest, global pandemic, economic hardship, health risks, family issues. Pain and suffering. And here you are. Tired and a little frayed at the edges. But look a little closer. Wasn’t it you who found new ways to connect with family and friends? Wasn’t it you who spoke out against injustice? Wasn’t it you who said a silent prayer for global peace and safety? Wasn’t it you who made masks when there was a shortage? Wasn’t it you who asked for help when you needed to support your family? Wasn’t it you who got up everyday to face whatever 2020 had lined up for you next? It was. It was you.
Acknowledging your strengths, your compassion, your passion, and your will during these incredibly difficult times connects you with your personal power (1st chakra). This chakra is the energy center not only for your personal power but several other aspects of life. Here are a few; basic safety, the physical body, identity, your fire, and your will to live. Connecting with this chakra by way of personal power also gets you in touch with basic safety, your fire, your physical body and your will to live. There’s a calming, a settling-in to your body when this happens. As a bonus, connection to your first chakra allows your heart chakra to open more freely and thus is allowed to forgive. Forgiveness is not a thought but rather an experience.
Here is a tool to help you experience Forgiveness of 2020. To let go and to move forward without dragging the pain with you into the new day.
As with any tool or exercise, you get out of it what you put into it. This is a simple exercise but has profound impact. This doesn’t have to be done on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day but rather when the timing is right for you.
Schedule out some quiet time and find a comfortable place to sit. Grab a pad of paper and a pen. Sit for a moment taking a few slow full breaths to allow your body and mind to settle as you prepare to journal about 2020.
Next, gently think back to the beginning of 2020. Way back to last January. Write your account of the major events of 2020 in chronological order from January through December. What was going on for you? You may even look back to your calendar to remind yourself of the events. Write down the memorable events. The joyous times and the challenging times. When you get to a difficult event take a minute to remember how you felt. Acknowledge your pain, sadness, fear etc. and then remember what you did in relation to that situation. THE KEY TO THIS EXERCISE IS THIS – give yourself credit, acknowledge your strength, your compassion, your will, in dealing with that particular hurdle in your life. If you find it difficult to give yourself credit, imagine it was someone that you love who went through the same ordeal. Imagine they suffered that same hardship and persevered the way you did. Give yourself the same credit and acknowledgment you would give to them. Self love.
Here is an example:
Due to the pandemic I was not able to attend my favorite establishments and bond with others in a familiar way.
How I felt: I felt scared. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I didn’t even feel like myself without doing the familiar things that I did in my life or seeing familiar faces.
What I did: I took myself on nature walks. Sometimes by myself and other times with a friend (exercising social distancing)
Acknowledgment: Even when my world, the world that has defined me, was turned upside down, I stood up. I got myself out of the house. I exercised. And I found a new way to connect with my friends. And now that I think of it, I realized just how much I missed the outdoors! I really enjoyed those walks.
When you re-frame the events to focus on what filled your heart the pain and fear fall into the background. Forgiveness.
Wishing you a bright and joyous 2021!
