Our

Weekly Whimsy

With love,  Angela Schmidt

The new year invites one to welcome fresh beginnings and set meaningful intentions.  Let’s not bring in overwhelming resolutions but simple, heartfelt habits that bring you joy and awareness.

Here are three ways to welcome this new year with intention:

1.  Gratitude Reflection

Start your new year by looking back on your past blessings.  Take a moment to write down three things you are grateful for.  This is a beautiful way to shift your mindset and build a foundation of positivity.

Reflecting on these moments of gratitude helps develop a positive outlook and reminds you of the good things already in your life.

Take a journal and write down these three things you are grateful for.  It can be a cherished memory, a personal achievement, or even a lesson learned through challenges.

To make this practice more powerful, consider why each of these things brought you joy or meaning.

Gratitude opens the door to abundance and sets the tone for more positivity in your new year.

2.  Cleansing Space

Our environment plays a vital role in shaping our mindset.

Welcome your new year by refreshing your home environment by tidying up a corner, rearranging a room, or simply lighting a candle.  A small shift can create a powerful sense of renewal.

Remember to start small.

Choose a drawer, a shelf, or a corner of your home to tidy or reorganize.  Clear out clutter that no longer serves you.  Create a space that feels light and inviting.  Try adding simple touches like a new houseplant, fresh flowers, or a favorite scent—such as lavender or citrus.  This can also help stimulate a sense of renewal.  A cleansed space creates mental awareness and signals a fresh chapter.

3.  Setting Intentions

Instead of making a long list of tough resolutions, create intentions that resonate with your heart.

Ask yourself: 

What qualities or feelings would I like to develop this year?

Your intention might look like a single word or phrase for this year.

It can be “balance,” “growth,”  “peace, ““harmony,” “courage,” or “joy,” or a short phrase like “welcome new opportunities” or “prioritize self-care.”  It can be an entirely different word or phrase.  Choose a word or phrase that captures what you want to develop this year. 

Write this intention on a card or in your journal.  Place it where you can see it daily such as your desk, mirror, or planner.

This is a gentle reminder to keep you aligned with your heartfelt intentions and help you stay focused on what truly matters to you throughout the year.

As you look at creating meaningful intentions, remember to start small and celebrate what you do along the way.  

Need inspiration?  Here are two journaling prompts to help inspire you:

1.  What would make this year feel fulfilling?

2.  What small habit can I start today to support my intentions?

Oh!  Have a nice warm spiced hot cocoa as you do this!  It is a perfect companion to go with your journaling habit.

Here is a quick recipe for you:

Spiced Hot Cocoa (Serves 1)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dairy-free milk (such as soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cayenne for extra warmth

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the dairy-free milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder, maple syrup, and cinnamon until fully blended and smooth.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup, if desired.
4. Pour into a cozy mug.
5. For a fun twist, top with a sprinkle of nutmeg, a dash of ginger, or a pinch of cayenne for a slight kick.
6. Sip slowly and enjoy the comforting warmth!

Prayerfully create meaningful intentions, look ahead and celebrate as this new year unfolds!

Welcome your new year with heartfelt intentions, love, joy, and whimsy!