The beginning of a new year is a special time for me. It is a time to clean the slate and start anew. That can mean developing better habits or devising more efficient systems of organizations. Perhaps you have had a falling out with a friend or family member. This is a great time to bury the hatchet and get a fresh start. Or maybe you need to sever a toxic business or personal relationship and open yourself up to developing a healthy relationship. If you are feeling drained and depleted by the behavior of another, it may be time for a change.

On the fun side of forming new habits, Pinterest is filled with clever inspirational ideas. I saw this idea about a month ago and I plan on doing it. At the start of a new year, as good things happen in your life write it on a piece of paper and add it to a glass jar. On New Year’s Eve, you read each slip of paper to remind you of all the blessings in your life.

I recently read about the burning of Zozobra (Old Man Gloom) event that has been held in Santa Fe, New Mexico since 1926 as part of the Fiestas de Santa Fe annual celebration. The event was started by local artist, Will Schuster to banish the negative memories of the past year. A flailing and groaning 50-foot muslin and paper puppet, Zozobra, is paraded around and is set on fire. The event attracts thousands who bring their gloomy memories that they can watch go up in flames. It is said as the fire consumes the beast, so go the feelings of gloom and doom from the past year; the flames renewing the hope and optimism of the celebrants. The event is held on Friday of Labor Day weekend.

It seems to me that the Zozobra event should be held on New Year’s Day. I hope I will be able to attend this festival, at some point, but I am not sure I could deal with the large crowds. Do you have a fire pit? How about creating your own character to set afire and start a new tradition; invite your friends over to send off their negative thoughts to make room for a glowing outlook for the new year.