It is days into the new year. If you created a new year's resolution, have you been sticking to it? If yes, fantastic! But do you worry how long it will last? Or maybe you're like me, I didn't create one because I didn't know where to start. Well here's to a new ritual! Give it a try!

I got this in my e-mail from a really good friend. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. For the past ten years, I've had a simple New Year's ritual that's been a way to ring in the new. As the saying goes, "Well begun is half done," so I suggest you do this ASAP to get 2012 off to a wonderful start:

Start with a 10-15 minute meditation in which you set your attention on releasing the old and opening to the new.

1. On a piece of paper, hand write a list of all the things in 2011 that you'd like to let go of. This can include old patterns that don't serve you, grudges or resentments you're hanging on to, fears that hold you back, or circumstances that you'd like to change. It can also include not useful habits such as eating too much sugar or not exercising. Make sure your list is as complete as possible with everything that didn't work for you in 2011. My list is usually a few pages.

2. (This part is fun.) If it's easy for you to burn the list, then do it. If not, you can tear the list up in many pieces. As you release this list, imagine letting go of the energies that are represented on your list.

3. Now, on to creation. Make a list of all that you wish to create for yourself in 2012. Include the habits you'd like to embrace, the external circumstances you'd like to create, and the internal experiences you'd like to have (joy, freedom, ease, love, peace, acceptance of all that is, etc). Be as specific as possible.

4. Read the list aloud (whether you're alone or with others). Speaking it out adds more energy to it. Feel each item as though it's actually happened. And lastly...

5. Put the list in a special place, as a symbolic offering for your coming year.

Notice how you feel after doing this ritual. I always feel cleansed, lighter, renewed, and excited about what's ahead.