5 Rituals That Might Make Life Better

Maxie and I are very different in a lot of ways, but we also have some of the same quirks. I think that following rituals is one thing we both do– and love. For me, it’s all about taking a few small moments throughout the day to slow down, decompress, and gain perspective.

5 Rituals That Might Make Life Better

Guest post by Maxie McCoy

I don’t know about you, but my I don’t feel like I truly get into the groove of the new year until mid-to-late January. Even though everyone is talking about resolutions and goals and being “your best self” right at the turn of the year (myself included), I find that it takes a few weeks to feel the freshness of the next lap around the sun to feel what really matters. And how to go about getting that done.

When it comes to making changes in the coming year, changes that matter to us– like a better outlook, or a healthier lifestyle, or chasing our dreams– it doesn’t happen like a light switch, as in all of a sudden we’re “doing it.” Rather, all of those changes happen in tiny decisions day in and day out.

One of my favorite ways to stick to those small, intentional decisions is through rituals. Now I know sometimes that word can bring to mind heavily religious or spiritual tones, but that’s not it at all. Simply, rituals are the little things that allow us to be more productive and intentional. It’s about how we do things. And if our well-being is a constitution of the things we repeatedly do, then rituals are how we implement those small steps that ladder up to great change.

I’ve written some of my favorite rituals below. Take a read and then use this workbook to create powerful, personal rituals.

1. Light a candle, make a wish
If you’re someone who loves candles lit in your room or apartment, don’t miss the opportunity to send your love and strength to someone who might need it. When we were little we used to make so many wishes, but why hasn’t that continued into adulthood? Candles and wishes are a great way to bring good thoughts for others into your daily routine.

2. Practicing gratitude
This practice has been one of the greatest rituals I’ve committed to. Every night I write down three things I’m grateful for. It anchors you in the goodness in your life even when days are bad and times are troubling. Gratitude is shown to have positive impacts on our joy, so making a ritual around it is powerful.

3. Bookend the day
The most powerful rituals happen around the beginning and the end of your day. Whether it’s stretching every morning or sleeping with your phone in another room at night, think about how you can make the bookends of your day more peaceful and powerful. And develop a ritual accordingly.

4. Enjoying, really enjoying, your tea + coffee
Most people like a good coffee or tea during the day, so why not make a ritual to savor it in quiet. Or to drink slowly without running around or having a device in your hand while you do

5. Daily 3 and monthly 1
Rituals can make you far more productive, and this practice helps ya get sh*t done. Every month, think about the big thing you want to get done and jot it down. Then, daily, before you hop on your phone or email, write down the three things that must get done that day. It’ll help you prioritize the important stuff in a sea of never ending tasks.

Rituals have the power to make your life far better. Take the time to create your own (this workbook should help) and let us know what new rituals you’ll be trying out this year!