The Void Before the New Dawn
I'm back with my annual reflection on this interesting period between the end of Christmas celebrations and the start of the new year, what I call the void, though this year feels particularly significant. People often use this time to recover from all the prepping before the festivities: the shopping, cooking, hosting, eating, drinking, and for some, the inevitable family tension and drama which has, in itself, become part of the family tradition.
In my recent group session, I noticed a general feeling of fatigue – an 'I'm done with it' kind of feeling. The Year of the Snake hasn't been kind to some; it's been a year of shedding old skin and unravelling what needs attention the most, preparing us for the new cycle which demands authenticity and alignment for expansion and forward movement.
Since this void transitions us from the end of one cycle to the next, and for those who follow numerology, we're completing a 9-year cycle which marks the end of a significant chapter – it's important to make good use of it and reflect on the past year's setbacks, challenges, achievements (big or small), and joyfully unforgettable moments. The number 9 represents completion, release, and wisdom gained, making this transition even more potent for letting go and preparing for the fresh start of a new cycle beginning in 2026. Why not take it up a notch and reflect on what's happened from the start of this period in 2017 till now? Look at how much you've grown, what you've released, the patterns you've broken, and the person you've become over these nine years. When we consciously take note of what no longer serves, learn from our mistakes or failures, and feel grateful for how far we've come and the blessings we experience every day but take for granted, we're clearing space for new beginnings. This allows us to be in a neutral place to welcome what's in store for us – the unfolding. We often forget that we're most intuitively responsive when we're in a calm state, so before we set intentions for the new year, let's continue doing the inner work that's necessary to allow the purging and shedding before the clock strikes twelve on the 31st.
So often we set big goals at the start of the year that only encourage us to push forward, force things to happen, and obsess over how we reach them, when a more stress-free approach is to clean house, reflect, and appreciate all that we've experienced in the past year, then come back to a state of allowing and receiving. Keep in mind what it is you'd like to make space for and, at the same time, use the end of this cycle to truly let go of what no longer serves, what's holding you back, and what you don't want to bring over to 2026.
Here are a few things I'm practising during the void
Journalling – Reflect on the setbacks and challenges of the past year and the lessons learnt from them. Do this in a non-judgmental space and see how things could be done differently, perhaps with a different approach or mindset. If a limiting belief reveals itself, do the healing that's necessary to allow the emotions to be processed and released. Next, reflect on the wins and celebratory moments in 2025 – note when you might have planted the seed for this and how it manifested into reality. Give thanks and feel the emotions that are linked to these moments. For an even deeper practice, ask yourself: Who was I in 2017? What was I struggling with then that I've now overcome? What patterns have I finally released?
Ground and anchor – Meditate and engage in mindful movement to help you anchor your energy so you can come back to centre and be ready for the next phase of your life. Take a walk in nature, attend a yoga class – whatever helps you feel grounded.
Declutter your space – Our physical space is a reflection of our internal landscape and also provides a container for our healing and growth. Donate anything you no longer need or that has passed its season. Remove items that only bring sad memories or serve no clear purpose. Create a sanctuary for the new year where great things can enter with ease.
Forgiveness – If there's any resentment or disappointment lingering underneath, make yourself aware of it. Journal around the incident and see how you can choose a different narrative and forgive yourself and others for any negative feelings that are silently hindering your growth.
Sleep – This is the best time to recharge your system. Despite all the festivities, gatherings, and parties that might have filled up your calendar, use this time to recharge your battery. Have good quality sleep, which includes good sleep hygiene (no screen time before bed), a hot shower or bath to relax the body, and a self-care routine to help you unwind before bed.
And with all that said, we're only a few days away from a new cycle, a new year. Rather than feeling suspended in mid-air during this time of year – hanging in that strange space where we're not quite done with the old year but not quite in the new one either – we can embrace this transition with intention. This in-between place, uncomfortable as it may feel, is actually where the magic happens. As Nina Simone sang in "Feeling Good," a powerful anthem about emancipation and new beginnings, "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life" – and we're feeling ready. Use this void wisely – it's the sacred pause between who you've been and who you're becoming.