As we begin the new year, we’re reflecting on the last twelve months and considering how we want to start this next chapter. What do we want to bring with us and what do we want to let go of? How can we cultivate a mindset we want to carry into the new year? Through these considerations we’re learning that it’s really not about creating a “new you”, it’s about improving ourselves and our habits, finding the things that calm, rebuild, enlighten, and inspire us, and reassessing what our needs are. Here, we created a collection of inspirations and ideas that we’re excited to explore as we move into 2024.

DIGITAL + PHYSICAL CLEAN UP

Digital Clean Up: Free some mental space by unsubscribing from all of those emails you don’t remember signing up for in the first place, or unfollow people on Instagram / TikTok who are no longer bringing you any joy or inspiration.

Physical Clean Up: Make space for abundance in the New Year by letting go of the things that are no longer serving us. An easy place to start is to clean out or  reorganize your closet, pantry, etc. For pieces that are still in good and usable condition, here are some great resources to give them a second life:  

• Suay: Batch dyeing to give them new life
• Facebook Buy Nothing Group: A place where locals can come pick up free goods instead of  trashing items. You can search for a Local Buy Nothing Groups near you - search for your specific neighborhood instead of city.
• Donating: Instead of donating to for profit thrift stores, find local charities in your area for gently used goods.

RECIPES

We love this bright Burrata Salad from Eyeswoon.

Warm up with these Hot Honey Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese from Lideylikes.

Look forward to Spring with this recipe for Shortbread Cookies with Edible Flowers from Camille Styles.

Ginger Tea to help you “thrive this winter” from Plant You.

Sunday Sauce Recipe from NYCooking - lasts for a week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

BOOKS TO SPARK CREATIVITY AND INSPIRATION

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life by Roxie Nafousi

The Artist’s Way

• Morning Pages: “Morning Pages are three pages of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. *There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages* – Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put three pages of anything on the page...and then do three more pages tomorrow.”

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in your local bookstores, Bookshop.org is a great place to buy books online. The site sources all of their sales from independent bookshops [which we love as an alternative to buying from big name online retailers.]

• “Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores. Our platform gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in local communities.” -Bookshop.org

TAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE

Winter is a time for renewal.

• For finding and building your community, we love By Way of Us –they hold events to bring communities together in LA, Portland, and New York.
• Volunteer in your community.
• Try something new, some ways we’re exploring this are: 15 min Instagram work outs, Creative Workshops, Pottery Classes, Watercolor Classes.
• Take walks in your neighborhood and try using the Google Lens feature to identify that plant you’re liking. 
• Befriend a tree.
• Read about the revolutionary power of rest where Atmos Magazine talks to The Nap Ministry founder and Rest Is Resistance author Tricia Hersey.