As we enter into a new year, I thought it was only fitting to write about something that relates to new beginnings. So in this post we are focusing on the Season of Shedding.
What does it mean, to shed?
To shed something, is to rid yourself off. If we look at shedding in the context of nature. Trees shed their leaves when it comes closer to winter, mammals shed their fur as it gets warmer and closer to summer and snakes shed their skin when it has become too small and they have outgrown it. When we think of animals shedding things that no longer serve them, we may be tempted to think of their shedding in a bad context, that what they shed may be dirty or old. But this isn’t the case, when a snake sheds its skin it means that the previous has served its purpose and the snake can move onwards to a skin that fits him well. I want to highlight that the snake once embraced what it has now shed, it once was part of him but no longer.
What does this have to do with new years? I’m glad you asked! Similarly to our snake we too shed, but here I want to highlight the metaphorical things that we let go of. Nature repeats itself and we as humans are no exception, things may work a little differently but as we come from nature there will be patterns that represent and reflect on its form. New year’s is where many of us use the time to think about the old habits and our lifestyle and evaluate whether it has served us well for the past year, usually this is in the form of an internal monologue. Based on how useful the form of habit was, we evaluate whether to try it, change it or keep it for the new year. Unlike a snake, we as humans have a choice with what things we bring into the future with us, and whether those things are good or bad.
You and I have been shedding things from the days we were born, in a physical sense when we were little we shed our baby teeth to make room for our adult ones. We have a metaphorical sense we shed, old behaviours, possessions and more. The thing with the human mind is that it is impossible for us to maintain every thought and habit we have come across from birth, we repeat the ones that serve us best. There is a saying which you will see me repeat often throughout the page and that is ‘energy isn’t created or destroyed, it is only transferred’ and the same thing works for us. We constantly are replacing the things of yesterday, there are some habits that we do so regularly that it has become a pattern.
Sometimes we may forget to consciously shed things that are no longer serving us and we may become overwhelmed and overworked. This is where it is important to take some time out to shed things that may be taking up space in our lives that are making us heavy or unproductive.
To shed the previous version of yourself means to embrace the change that comes your way, if you are shedding the habit of snacking for example, it means that there will be a transformation in who you are. You go from being a snacker to a person who no longer snacks. That's the thing with shedding, it requires you to embrace change, and accept the transformation of your identity. The same goes with becoming a reader, to become a reader you must read regularly. Which means that you transform your habits and shed the old mindset which may be stopping you from actively reading.
What types of things can we shed for the new year?
There are many things that we can shed, and this list is not confined to the only ones here. With each of us we all have different lives and situations and what we shed will be completely different to what is best for us. As a rule of thumb think about if the thing you are thinking about letting go for the new year serving you. Emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically, in the long term?
Destructive habits and behaviours
We all may have some habits that are destructive to our growth, whether they are physically or emotionally. Sometimes we have to reflect and think, ‘if i was to continue doing this for the rest of my life what effect would that have on me?’
A destructive habit I have is spending too much time on social media, if we ask ourselves the same question and apply this to social media. If I continue my habit of remaining on social media for hours a day, will I get things done? I could predict how things could turn out, I would be very unproductive and probably not even be able to write this post today!
Possessions that no longer serve us
Similarly to mental clutter, we can also begin to shed things that we no longer need. That pair of jeans that fits funny, those books you said you would read and haven’t. Most of the time, when our environment is clear and we have what we need our minds tend to be clearer. Mind over matter. So for the beginning of the new year how about clearing a draw you have been putting off for a while or even clearing your skincare drawer.
Caring for things we cannot control
This is something I’m personally working on for the new year. It's hard when you are comfortable with being in control and you are put in situations which are out of that control. Sometimes being in these situations can cause us to be tense or anxious. This year one of my main goals is to let go of things that I cannot control, because if I cannot control it then worrying about it isn't going to help the situation or how I'm feeling about it.
Don't be ashamed of shedding things that no longer serve you, a tree doesn't grieve over its fallen leaves, and a snake doesn't cry over it’s shedded skin. The same way we must embrace the changes, and if they are for the better of our life, mental health and relationships then that’s all that matters.
Shedding the old things that no longer serve us may be painful or uncomfortable but concern yourself with the outcome of the situation after the shedding process has been completed. How much will change your life internally and externally? Remember the reason why you are letting go of certain things, and it will keep you focused on the end goal. We shed these things because we aim to make room for the good things that are to come. Like the tree, it cannot grow fresh new leaves if it didn't shed the ones from the last season. Letting go of its leaves gives more space for the new growth that is to come in the warmer seasons.
So going forward into the new year, what are you going to shed for this new season?
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