It's the first of December.
A clean page.
Nothing's been written on it yet, not even a coffee stain.
Before the month starts pulling at you, let's give it six quiet minutes.
Sit somewhere comfortable.
If it's cold, wrap up.
Let your eyes close, or rest them on the window and whatever gray or
gold light is out there.
Breathe in through your nose...
cool and clear, like winter air.
And breathe out slowly, a long soft cloud.
Again.
In...
filling your chest.
And out...
letting your shoulders come down from your ears.
Let's close November properly before we open anything new.
Think back over the last few weeks.
Don't try to review all of it.
Just let one moment float up.
Good or hard, it doesn't matter.
What did November teach you?
Maybe something about your limits.
Maybe something about who shows up for you.
Whatever it was, thank it.
Quietly.
Thank you, November, for what you showed me.
You don't have to have loved the month to thank it.
Some months are teachers you'd pick.
never Now think of one thing you don't want to carry into December.
A worry you've already chewed on long enough.
Or some old story you keep telling yourself, the one that actually never helps.
Picture setting it down by the door, like a heavy coat you today.
don't need
Breathe in...
and notice how much it weighed.
Breathe out...
and leave it there.
It might try to follow you.
That's how these things work.
You can just set it down again, as many times as it takes.
Now, one intention for December.
Keep it simple.
A word or a short sentence.
Not a resolution.
Nothing you'll feel bad about by the fifteenth.
More like a direction lean to in.
For someone it might be, slow down.
For someone else, finish what I started.
Let yours come up on its own, even if it surprises you.
When you have it, say it to yourself, quietly.
And say it again, a little more like you mean it.
If your mind keeps jumping to shopping lists or plans, that's normal.
December's a busy month.
Just come back to your word.
Later, write it somewhere see you'll it.
A sticky note on the mirror, or the lock screen on your phone.
Now picture a day later this month, with that intention already in it.
Maybe it's a dark afternoon, a week or two in.
The lights are on early.
Things are busy, the way they always get in December.
And there you are in the middle of it, living your intention.
What are you doing differently?
Maybe you're saying no to one thing.
Maybe you're just taking your time with your tea.
Notice what it feels like in your body.
Maybe lighter in the chest.
Maybe your jaw's a bit softer.
That feeling is available to you today too.
You don't have to wait for the fifteenth.
Rest here a moment.
Just you and your intention, and a whole month of cold, quiet mornings ahead.
Okay.
Let's start it.
Wiggle your fingers and toes.
Stretch your arms out, or up, whatever feels good.
Let your intention be the first thing you carry into this morning.
Take one bright breath in...
And let it out.
Open your eyes.
There's no need to wait for a Monday or a new year.
The fresh start is this one, right here.
Go and use it.