Talane’s Blog of the Week, August 21, 2006

The Special Birthday Ritual

I recently turned 41. In honor of my birthday, I have a special ritual, one that I encourage my clients to do on their birthdays as well. On your birthday, the stars are aligned in your favor (that’s why it’s your birthday!) so take advantage of that!

Here’s the exercise: Make a list of all the accomplishments you’ve achieved over the past birth year and all the things you are grateful for. It could be that you took a trip, had a nice holiday, made a new friend or got a promotion at work. Write down everything you can think of. Shoot for 25 things, minimum. Then light a candle and read each one aloud. Let the accomplishment and gratitude for it soak in. Then read the next one, and the next, until you’ve gone through your whole list. Now, make your wish list – write down anything and everything you wish for in the coming year! Blow out your candle.

I do this every year, and am always profoundly struck by how wonderful life is, and how much there is to be grateful for.

All the best,
Talane