As we approach the gateway between 2023 and the new year, I can’t help but reflect. Looking back on 2023, it seems that for me, this was a year of letting go.  These are the things I released in 2023:

• A few more toxic relationships.
• Begging, wishing, and pleading for other peoples’ time and attention.
• The idea that my mission or purpose are anything other than simply being myself – what ever and no matter what I’m doing.
• The belief that what I do in the world defines me or that I am defined by my work.
• The hope that my work in the world would garner attention, notoriety, fame, or wealth.
• The wish for a love outside of myself. If I can’t love myself, then there is nothing outside of me that will make me feel loved.
• Goal setting:  What’s the point of setting goals when the universe is in charge anyway!?
• The last remnants of the illusion that I am in any way, shape, or form, the master or creator of my destiny.
• Time spent giving my attention (and money) to any outside perceived authorities. If I cannot discern my own truth, or face life as it comes to me, I am doomed!
• The desire to convince anyone of anything ever.
• Giving a shit about anything that human beings do to themselves. Go ahead, be the source of your own extinction – I can no longer care because caring puts me into the trap of thinking I can change it. Humans have been destroying themselves for 10,000 years. My little self is not going to change that. Accepting human beings as their self-destructive selves and getting the fuck out of their way, gives me peace.
• Wishing for change. All we have is THIS PRESENT MOMENT. Be at peace with that!
• Taking responsibility for other people’s shit or the solving of that shit. Sure, I’m happy to share some tools with you – but YOU HAVE TO USE THEM! Also, my prayers are not going to enact some sort of miracle or divine intervention for a situation you chose yourself, or is part of the plan for your life. Stop giving me that much power along with the weight of your expectations. Instead – DO SOMETHING to change or heal yourself!
• Believing that I am an asshole for setting boundaries. I’ve learned that the more we (especially as women) stand up for ourselves, our safety, and our needs, the more the world hates us. Go ahead, hate me…..I DO NOT CARE!
• The idea that I have anything to teach anyone or that I, in fact, know a single damn thing. In the vast mystery of the universe, how can I know anything? (though if you state something about Mary Magdalene as fact without supporting scholarly evidence, I will call you out – because I’m that asshole.)
• Finally, years ago I gave up new year’s resolutions and for these many years I’ve maintained that letting go. What I will do is continue being a broken, flawed, fragile, vulnerable, wounded, sometimes angry and self-righteous, presence of love in the world.

How about you?