New Year’s is one of my favourite times of year. It is a time of rebirth, reflection and inspires change. As a Naturopathic Doctor, this is often the time I encourage my clients to do a cleanse. This is the time to free ourselves of any mental, emotional and physical toxins that have accumulated in us this previous year.
With cleansing of our bodies, let us get rid of any other ‘toxins’ around us. Clean out your closet or basement or garage of any unused items. Donate these items to local charities or offer them to friends. When shopping, ask yourself ‘Do you really need this?’ or will it become clutter in your home. Even when food shopping, ask yourself “Will this nourish and support me?” Be a conscious shopper. Let’s act to clean our hearts, our minds and our bodies of any unused, unnecessary debris and fill ourselves with only that which supports and nourishes us. Welcome to a more conscious and lighter 2014.
In my practice, I have the unique privilege of learning about many people’s life stories. It is an honour for me to become acquainted with so many individuals and their families. Over the years I have come to see that a person’s life can really change in an instant. Often times I see dramatic changes occur within a year. Because of this perspective, I believe that when you experience your darkest hour, a lesson and a gift may be around the corner. Many of my clients have experienced either a job loss, the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, financial turmoil, health scares or even a combination of these in the past year. Without a doubt, 2013 has been a difficult year for many individuals. Now is the time to believe that your life can change – with support, with will and intention.
Small acts of kindness can help to uplift heavy hearts. During the Christmas rush, I offered to pay for a man’s coffee who couldn’t find his wallet. His panicked face relaxed immediately and he turned around to give me the biggest smile. He then found his wallet and offered to pay for the orders of the next 5 people in line! Small acts of kindness generate a nice vibrational high. Exchanging the panic for the peaceful thoughts creates a lighter you.
Having a toddler at home has really forced me to be appreciative of the minutes I have to myself. As well, I have learned to take pauses amidst the busyness of the day. When you remember, take out an imaginary camera and look around you. Take snapshots or glimpses of the beauty that surrounds you. You may not feel like you have control over the daily tasks of the day, but see if you can find the hidden gifts that also present themselves. While waiting in line at the grocery store over the holidays, I took a quick snapshot of my son in awe over the perfectly majestic round grapefruit in his hands. He smiled at it, then brought it to his face for a close inspection, and then laughed aloud. Snap! There – I have captured the moment.
Let’s seek out those magical moments of the New Year. Let’s look for opportunities to help others in 2014. Let’s help to foster the feeling of community around us. Let’s connect with one another and be the best people we can be. This can be your best year yet. This can be your period of cleansing and lightness.
Written By Dr. Odessa Gill