I have to always be my own man, no matter what happens around me and what others think I could, would, and should be.
This one connects both personal growth and cultural traditions around the New Year. The idea of starting as I mean to go on is powerful, suggesting that the way I enter a new phase in life sets the tone for everything that follows.
Historical examples like the clean house ritual or the burning of the Año Viejo—speak to the universal desire to release the past and embrace new beginnings. It’s about symbolic cleansing, whether it’s clearing out the literal dust or burning away old memories and mistakes, making room for fresh opportunities and ways of thinking. This ritualistic shedding of the old to welcome the new is something that has transcended both time and place.
Our emphasis on staying true to ourselves—being our person ties into the idea of taking control of our life and being intentional in how we live it. Just like these historical rituals, the act of resolving isn’t just about change, but about reclaiming your autonomy and setting your course with purpose, regardless of external pressures or expectations.
This offers a great reminder of how powerful gratitude can be for our well-being, especially when practiced in the morning. The act of pausing to appreciate life, no matter how small or simple the things we’re thankful for might seem, sets a positive tone for the day ahead. It’s refreshing to see how gratitude isn't confined to a specific religious or spiritual context—it's a universal practice that anyone can tap into, regardless of their beliefs.
It also makes sense that those who focus on what they're thankful for, rather than what frustrates them, are likely to experience greater happiness. It’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts, but shifting the focus to gratitude can act as a reset button for the mind. And when that gratitude is expressed first thing in the morning, it has a ripple effect on the rest of the day, helping to boost mood and even contribute to better health.
I tell my students to keep it simple—whether it’s about appreciating the ability to be with loved ones, the opportunity to work, or even the quiet moments of just being alive. These small moments of reflection can have a big impact on overall well-being.
Does anyone have any other personal rituals or reflections you practice on a daily basis?
