I want to thank everyone who shared their time with me in 2023. I so appreciate you. As you go into 2024, be kind to yourself. When someone you love has died, recently or even years ago, the new year can bring on waves of emotions. You don’t have to put expectations upon yourself. Permit yourself to embrace your feelings. If you feel joyful, don’t feel guilty. The spirit of your loved one embraces your joy. If you feel sad, allow those feeling to flow through you.
There is an identity shift that comes with death. Whether it is a spouse, parent, child, a friend or a pet, their absence in your life will force change upon your soul. Most of us try to resist that change, believing that getting through the pain means trying to remain the same. That is not always true. When we allow death to be a rebirth, then we can give ourselves the opportunity to heal. We will grow with the experience rather than against it. As you let yourself grow, remember that the soul of your loved one is also going through change, and it is so beautiful when you can grow with each other. Growth is not letting go of a loved one but instead binding your souls together.
Let this year be a new year of letting go. Not of your loved one, but of what was. You will never let go of the love and connection that you shared, and neither will your loved one. His or her spirit will hold you close forever as he or she embraces your growth.
Maybe this new year can bring a daily ritual where you can take a few minutes to connect with your loved one. We all talk to their spirits throughout our day, but Spirit reminds me that we need to sit quietly so they can respond.
Find a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Then take a moment to breathe and become attuned to your body. Take note of everything that you are experiencing in this moment. Do not resist what you see. If you think you are sad, scattered or whatever emotion, let yourself accept these feelings. This is who you are in this moment, and that is okay.
Imagine that you are rising up above yourself and looking down. Visualize a hug. Forgive yourself for anything you think that you are doing wrong. Allow yourself to feel acceptance and love. Meet yourself with true compassion. As you open to love, you will feel the spirit of your loved one connecting with you, joining you as you grow together. When you are ready, return to your body and take some slow, deep breaths before you open your eyes.
If at first you don’t feel the connections, please, please don’t be discouraged. It may take a few tries. The bond is there. Keep on loving yourself, and through that love, you will find a new and wonderful soul connection.
With many blessings on your journey to growth throughout this new year.