This holiday felt different — kinda of strange. Heck, this year that is about to end felt that way to me.

As for Christmas, maybe the unusually warm, wet weather kept the full-fledged spirit of the season from descending upon me. Whatever the reason, it never quite felt like Christmastime.

Oh, I did all the required stuff, decorated the house, made the fruitcake, and wrapped the presents. Still, at the end of the day something was missing this year. I am not saying it was bad — just different.

Now, it’s time to say farewell to 2015 and I’m a little bit glad to watch it depart. As I said, this year felt strange. Well, perhaps unsettled is a better word.

There seemed to be something always happening or about to happen that kept things stirred up. Every month I’d think, “Once we get through ____ things will settled down and get back into a routine.” And, every time something else came up to keep us completely out of a routine.

None of the stuff was awful or tragic. In fact, a lot of it was great, but it was change and change can take a toll on your being. Shoot, it can plain wear you out.

So with that kind of year, I guess I should not be surprised that the holiday ending it was a bit out of sync as well. Anyway, it’s time to turn the corner and head full-steam into 2016.

I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions because my resolve doesn’t last too long. The spirit is always willing, but the actual “doing” gets lost.

For example, a year or so ago I decided at least once a week I’d put something in my “positive jar.” This was a little jar I designated to hold all the good stuff I experienced throughout the year.

I did well for about two weeks. Then I’d forget and try to catch up. Bottom line the positive jar started making me feel negative about not feeding it regularly.

Then there was the gratitude journal. Same thing happened. I faithfully recorded things for which I am grateful for, oh, a month. Then I’d fall asleep without writing anything and feel really bad the next morning that I didn’t keep my resolution. That did not improve my gratitude level.

After much thought about the whole New Year’s resolution thing coupled with the unsettledness of this year, I decided simply to make 2016 a year of surrender. Yep, 12 months of just letting it ride — whatever “it” turns out to be.

So, my plan is to simply see where life takes me, ride the wave, go with the flow. This resolution does not require me to write anything down or stick something in a jar. So maybe it’s doable.

Well, I guess I’m set. Going to say a fond farewell to 2015 and all its changes and jump into 2016 with no expectations. Yep, sounds like a plan.

Just as I settled my mind on this surrender option, this “let the wind take me where it will” thing, I read a message offering predictions for 2016 from a Chinese astrology expert.

Well what the heck, it can’t hurt to see if some Chinese astrology can tell me where the wind might blow me this coming year. Anyway, I found my “birth number,” (I’m a three) and here is what it said.

Three: Reap your rewards

“You’ve reached a phase when life rewards you for all your hard work, and moves you to a new level of power. This can also mean the need to let go of what’s no longer a fit for you. Ask yourself if you’re still on your sacred path, and attend to what’s calling your heart.”

So rewards are coming. Let go of what doesn’t fit (closet cleaning time). Am I on my path? What is calling my heart?

Oh goodness, I might need a jar or a journal to figure this out…

 

Nancy Blackmon is a former newspaper editor and a yoga teacher.