Living Well: A New Year Ritual

Content is based on the work of Temperance Alden, revised and summarized by Veronica Brown.

January marks a time for new beginnings; often, it's seen as an opportunity to start fresh in the new year. This idea is prevalent this season in calendars, self-help books, and social media. Many suggest that there is a secret to living well, which hinges on how we begin the year. We often hear that our happiness for the entire year depends on starting it right—starting new projects, taking classes, or pursuing passions like writing. However, by the end of the month, we may find ourselves thinking, "There's always next year." Is this really the best way to approach the new year, especially your new beginning?

This year, consider looking back to the teachings of Ars Moriendi (The Art of Dying). This 15th-century guide comforted many, helping them and their families navigate the dying process. When it was written, the discussions surrounding death were closely linked to those about life. Death is unavoidable, and it can come at any time, often unexpectedly. What if we borrowed a lesson from this perspective and focused on living well—not just in the fleeting moments we carve out between responsibilities, but by intentionally structuring our lives around the things we love? We could prioritize joy as a primary goal rather than a secondary one.

The Art of Dying, Ars Moriendi

Here's a shadow work journaling exercise: Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. On the left side, list all the things that bring you joy. These can range from tangible items like "my dog" to tangible experiences such as "spending" time with family" or "reading" a book." These activities are what lights up your life. On the right side, write down everything that drains your joy. The goal is not to tackle these negative aspects but to shift your focus towards what makes life worthwhile.

After making your lists, review the joy list. Then, each day this month (and beyond, if you find it helpful), pick one item from the joy list to focus on. Make time to incorporate it into your day. For example, if "music" is on your list, you could start your day by listening to your favorite songs or playing an instrument during your lunch break. Engage in activities because they bring you joy, no matter how silly they may seem. The more you allow yourself to live joyfully, the more satisfying your quality of life will become. Let this be your inspiration to embrace joy every day.

Have a wonderful New Year, everyone!

Veronica Brown