Breaking Traditions

Rituals and traditions can provide a sense of comfort, but is doing the same thing really giving you the opportunity to grow and evolve or simply stay comfortable? I have used rituals during the holidays and certain times of the year in the past when life was too challenging or difficult to see beyond. I did not have the energy or creative juices flowing to do anything but what I knew and had done repeatedly before.

As I have moved on to calmer and stronger times, I love to explore all my options of celebration. I encourage you to consider the power of doing something new and different. When we step outside our box of comfort, we grow, learn, and even evolve to a higher place mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Do you do the same thing each year for your birthday or make the same food for each holiday? Try a new idea, recipe, way of celebrating, and see how it feels.

A new behavior can feel uncomfortable at first. As you practice in a fresh and different way, you begin to see renewed possibilities. Can you feel the beauty of a new experience and grow confidence with adventuring unchartered waters? Yes, it may seem scary at first or maybe someone may be disappointed everything is not the same; however, you will not know until you try.

As you wrap up Thanksgiving and all the gratitude you trustingly felt, I hope you might be inspired to attempt something new going forward. What could you be missing out on by staying stuck in the same old ritual or tradition? What unique memory can you create for yourself, family, and friends with holidays and celebrations in your future?

In the wise words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Whoever said you had to keep doing the same thing? Be brave, strong, and curious — break a ritual or tradition!

Health & happiness,