Mookychick Community’s New Year Survey Results Are In!

The new year has been and gone, and 2019 is in full swing. Whether you spent New Year’s Eve quietly tranquil under a weighted blanket or out and about in celebration, we all have our own unique ways of managing the stress and excitement that the new year brings.

Mookychick asked its readers about their new year’s traditions. The diversity in responses was fascinating and truly eye-opening. Here’s a quick summary of what you lovely people shared; perhaps you will find some gems of wisdom which you can implement in your own life.

In terms of rituals and traditions, there were few responses which screamed Prosecco and fireworks. People spoke instead of connecting with the natural elements and de-cluttering their surroundings, wiping the slate clean for 2019.

‘I do a smoke cleansing ritual with Mugwort & Palo Santo {for myself & my home focused on gratitude & clearing} and set intentions for the coming year.’

Setting intentions, not making resolutions.

Many are spurning the tradition of making New Year’s Resolutions and setting intentions for the year instead, which are far less concrete and cause less disappointment if not fully achieved.

‘I light a ritual fire to burn away the old year’s detritus and make space for the new. I throw notes into the fire and declare my intention.’

Spreading goals over longer periods of time.

Others set resolutions throughout the year, instead of putting all the pressure on the early months of 2019.

‘Washing the old year away by connecting to water: a river walk, chasing a rainstorm, or this year, swimming in the ocean of Tasmania, Australia, singing a chant to the sea goddesses.’

Goals are related to personal growth and experience, not normative notions of ‘success’.

Those who do set resolutions, however, have left losing weight and exercising behind them. The types of goals set are more internal and more achievable, including smiling more and seeing more sunsets.

‘I take down my yule decorations and burn them, along with the previous years calendar.’

Personal achievements are eclectic. Self-acknowledgement is beautiful.

2018 has proved to be astounding in terms of achievements for Mookychick’s readership. When asked about their proudest moment from the past year, prestigious writing festivals, grad school and new jobs peppered the survey responses. Alongside this, working through mental health issues or learning to love themselves for who they are were some of the most heartfelt and inspiring achievements of all. Whether your proudest moment is professional or personal, you deserve to take all the credit for every step you took in 2018.

‘Knowing that change, at every level, is not only possible, it can be like wildfire when done with the best of intentions.’

Excitement for the year ahead is abundant. Many are looking forward to finishing university, buying a house and more weddings on the horizon! Some are expanding on their talents and abilities, by taking up diving or qualifying as a teacher.

I hope that 2019 brings you delight and prosperity. Perhaps, some of the tips and tricks above might help ease the transition into the new year.

Best 2018 reading according to the Mookychick community:

• All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld
• Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
• The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
• Cake by Jen Rouse
• Jealousy by Alain Robbe Grillet

Further New Year inspiration on Mookychick:

• New Year fire ritual to set your intentions
• Finding your feet in the season of change
• 3 New Year poems by women: The cusp of old and new