2014 was not a stellar year for my family, many friends, but especially myself. After all, I'd gotten divorced, moved in with my parents, lost my bid on three houses, had car troubles resulting in repair bills in the thousands of dollars, been diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have a double mastectomy. Not a great year.
As I approached the end of 2014, I wanted to do something to symbolize that I was letting go of all the bad stuff (the anger, the fear, the worry) for the year and starting 2015 with a blank slate. That's when I came up with the balloon idea.
On New Year's Eve, a group of us gathered together before all the night's festivities. We wrote down on Post-It notes all the bad events, feelings and resentments for the year. Then rolling up those notes, we inserted them into a balloon and filled it with helium. We took the balloons outside, said goodbye to all that negativity and released them into the night sky. Almost a dozen balloons were released that night, but more importantly we all were able to figuratively let go of all that had weighed us down that year.
Now that we're in 2015, it's nice not to bring with me the old hurts and fears. I've started anew and look forward to an amazing year. After all, I'm now cancer free and on the road to a new body.
What did you let go of in 2014? What does 2015 have in store for you?
What an inspiring way to start the New Year! Good luck--know that you have a whole squadron of Heartwarming sisters cheering you on.
ReplyDeleteMy "big thing" started in early December, when my husband and I decided we'd work on getting healthy (and thinner--sigh). I'm trying to let go of bad habits, at least some of them.
My Christmas tree is still up. Ornaments off, yes, but tree up. I haven't had time to think about what to let go LOL
ReplyDeleteI've been following your updates on Facebook Syndi and I'm so glad to hear you're cancer free!! You're an excellent writer (you know I loved your book The Reluctant Bachelor), and I hope part of your starting anew will be to write more books. ( : I lost my grandmother in December of 2014 (Which is why I'd been scarcely seen on the Heartwarming blog) so that's been tough, especially for my mom who took care of her to the end. But like you I am saying goodbye to the stresses and challenges I faced in 2014 and welcoming 2015, whatever it may bring. And in the words of Jane Austen I'm determined to "think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure." all the best to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea for letting go of the past. Best of luck in moving forward with your life. May 2015 hold many blessings to make up for the challenges of 2014.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to get rid of all that baggage and begin anew. I think everyone goes through rough times and supposedly, it makes you stronger, so with that in mind, you can start the new year with herculean powers.
ReplyDeleteSyndi, I'm so happy to hear from you here. You have great strength. The release of balloons is cathartic. I actually go to the cemetery and release a balloon with a note to Denny on each anniversary of his death. My daughter and granddaughters went with me one time and they said it made them feel so good, like our thoughts were really going to be snagged by him. I'm sending you good wishes for a really wonderful 2015. You've crossed some big hurdles.
ReplyDeleteSyndi, I love the balloon idea. So glad you are on the mend! May blessing flow your way this year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to let go of the past! I am so glad you are cancer free and looking forward to amazing things in 2015, Syndi! Wishing you all the best!!
ReplyDeleteGood going, Syndi! So nice to hear your 'voice.' I love the balloon idea - both yours and Roz's. My mother used to say that holding on to grudges or fears was like "slow poison" to your system. Sounds like you have the right mind set to tackle what's ahead. We'll all be watching for more books. And shouldn't those balloons be in one of them?
ReplyDeleteSyndi, you are an inspiration! It really does feel sometimes like bad things come in packs. I've heard people say they come in three's, but if that's the case then I think they've doubled up on me before. I do believe tough times make you stronger--and I think you're already there. I agree with Muriel...write those balloons into a book!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Syndi, and I love what you did with the balloons. You deserve only the best in 2015 and beyond! Your positive, move-forward attitude and strength are contagious :).
ReplyDeleteI love that idea. Instead of burying them where they could resurface, you just let them go. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for 2015 Syndi. You so deserve it. Love the ballon idea
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea with the balloons. I think symbolic acts such as this really do work. Here's wishing you a great year ahead.
ReplyDeleteSyndi, I can't tell you how effective this exercise is! I used it many times in my past when the world was not my friend and it really works. Another is putting all your negative thoughts on paper and burning them. I do that one A LOT!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks for sharing and I hope and pray you are healing!!!