Ritual to finish the year with a Bang.
I love this time of year—not just because of the holidays, but because it marks a season of new beginnings. It gives us a moment to pause, reflect on what the past year brought, and decide what we want the New Year to look and feel like. I’ve always believed in manifesting what we desire, and the quiet shift into January feels like an invitation to realign and begin again.
Every New Year’s Eve, I sit down with a pen and paper and write a list of everything I’m proud of from the past year—professionally, creatively, and personally. Seeing it all in one place is incredibly grounding. My heart swells with gratitude, and I’m reminded that even on the tough days, I moved forward.
If you’ve never done this ritual, give it a try. Be specific. And be bold. Say it out loud: “I’m proud of…”
Start with your artistic accomplishments. Then move into professional wins, boundaries you held, challenges you navigated, goals you met, and goals you stretched toward. When you think you’re done, keep going. Aim for 35–50 things. Ask yourself, “What else?” The more you acknowledge your wins, the more energy you create for manifesting what comes next.
These past few months, I’ve been doing my own reflecting and manifesting. I’ve chosen a theme for the coming year: Crystal Clear. Clarity in my art, my teaching, my business, and my life.
Here are a few things on my own list for the coming year:
– Move into a new creative space with beautiful light and room for retreats
– Redesign my ClareONeill.com website
– Completely rebuild The Artistic Image online course
– Launch a new course focused on working with models
– Form a deeper encaustic creative community
– Create more artwork
– Learn Instagram (for real this time)
– Get my inbox to zero
– Exceed last year’s income goals
They’re not all checked off yet, but naming them is the first step.
Before the year ends, I hope you give yourself the gift of reflection. Write your list. Celebrate your wins. Acknowledge your growth. Set your intentions. Anything is possible when you choose it. Truly—anything.
I’d love for you to share your comments and tell me what you are most proud of for 2016.
Be well….be creative,
Great post!! Thanks, Clare – you are always such an inspiration ♥
And you inspire me Lyn. I guess it’s a mutual admiration:) Have a great Christmas. 2017 is the also going to be a great year for you. I can feel it in my bones.
Clare,
Thanks for always sharing and educating.. Happy Holidays Enjoy…..
Cheers, Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, thanks for your comment. Happy Holidays to you as well……
One of the things I’m the most proud of this year is finally stepping into an encaustic class, I originally wanted to learn Encaustoc Painting but the Photo Encaustic class with you opened up so much more for me than I imagined. I really appreciate your clear, calm and articulate way of teaching. I’m looking forward to an intermediate or advanced online class with you next😀. Also, I would be happy to teach you Instagram, if I can do it (I am technically challenged) anyone can. Happy holidays and New Year to you Clare… Thank you .
Tracie, I’m so glad you stepped into the photo encaustic class…..you did great work. It was fun to see you progress. I’ll keep you posted on an advanced class. Stay tuned, some fun stuff is coming up for 2017.
That’s an affirming and productive annual ritual. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a stunningly textured new year!
Wishing you the success as well for 2017 Debra:)
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring glimpse into you. Here’s to a healthy and enlightening 2017! Excited to be taking your ecourse in February. I’ve already collected my goodies to play with. Enjoy this magical, reflective season 🙂
Thanks you Diana….it is indeed a magically reflective season. Looking forward to working with you in February as well. Happy New Year!
Great article Clare. I always learn so much from your writings. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year. I still owe you lunch on the Mississippi. Also looking forward to an advanced class.
Thanks Kay. Yes, we need to get together when you are back on the mainland:) Enjoy your Christmas and New Years.
Clare,
Wonderful list! And very inspiring. This is a good time of the year to reflect on things you want to do in the future. Not so much a new beginning, but a new, fresher outlook.
Warren
Agreed…..a fresh outlook is so imperative to keeping it all going.
Thanks to your class Clare I have been selling quite a few of my photo encaustic paintings.
Encaustic is finally being accepted into this small town of mine.
My first goal is to teach an online course on The Elements and Principles of Design.
As I am a bit technically challenged I am finding the recording part of the course on teaching an online course by Megan a bit challenging. I’ll get there though.
Also, my photo encaustic paintings are being represented by a New Gallery here in Campbell River in January, so things are already starting to come together for 2017.
Have a wonderful Holiday Clare, and I too would love to do an advanced photo encaustic
on-line class with you again. Cheers Rosalie 🙂
All around Congratulations Rosalie…..that’s all great news. Keep up the great work and I hope you like teaching online as much as I do. Stay tuned for an advanced class.
Cheers Clare,
Love hearing your goals. All so inspiring (except Instagram). LOL. I would love some more advanced classes. I have begun to do more now that I have a room dedicated. And I made a website at last. Just started recently. I have goals to go much further.
Thanks so much!
Jaimie Ladysh
Hi Jaimie, advanced classes are coming soon. Would love to work with you again. So glad you’ve dedicated space…..that’s so important. And you do such beautiful work. All the best for 2017!