I have been thinking a lot about how easy it can be to hold onto the past – especially in your business. Decisions you’ve made, things you “should have done differently,” and sometimes wishing you could turn back time and do it all again (with the knowledge you have now).
I find myself doing this so often, thinking about how I should have stuck with my intuition about helping people more holistically manage their time and energy instead of focusing on just one system like Dubsado and expecting it to be the magical remedy for why people feel so overwhelmed in business.
Or how I was always drawn to the spiritual world but stopped myself because it made the people closest to me uncomfortable. Or I thought I needed to be more logical in all of my business decisions, so I often ignored my intuitive responses. I wish I had discovered Human Design and made entirely different choices earlier in life.
But, I have realised that all of those little “mistakes,” detours, and things I would have done differently have led me to where I am now in my work and business. I wouldn’t have the understanding, wisdom, and skills if I hadn’t done all these things. Which is true for you, too 💕
That is why, just as we honour our ancestors during this time of year, I wanted to create a ritual where we could honour our past selves for all the wisdom, experiences, and values they have passed down to this version of ourselves.
To take what we need from the lessons of the past—the hurt, the struggle, and the growth—and really acknowledge how this has shaped and formed who we are now.
I think that holding onto the past can really start to hold you back in business. While these past versions of you have gotten you to where you are now, clinging to them might make it harder to embrace change or take a bold, courageous step forward and lean into your own inner knowing.
So, on the 31st of October, the day we honour our ancestors (and eat lots of candy—you might fall into one or both of these categories), it is a wonderful time to honour the past versions of yourself, too!
I plan to make this a regular ritual in my business because reflecting on my younger self feels so good. I see how brave she was and how proud she would be to know how far we have come in our business journey.
This ritual frees you from that old version of yourself and makes space to embrace the path ahead. To stop running back and instead move forward with clarity and courage, knowing that no matter what happens, you can figure it out as you go.
As always, feel free to take what you need from this ritual. Do what resonates with you, and adapt what doesn’t feel in alignment.
Preparing a space to honour your past self
Find a quiet space where you can be fully present. You can make this ritual as elaborate or as simple as you like. This year, I am experimenting with printing out pictures of my past self as a visual reminder of how far I have come.
Seeing a 24-year-old me, completely unaware of where I would end up, is a great reminder of what is possible in the next decade.
You can also light some candles (orange, black, or deep purple are perfect for this time of year) or bring in the elements of the season, like some autumn leaves or small pumpkins.
I will also bring a small bowl of water as a symbol of purification and to honour these past versions of myself.
Some other tools you may need are:
- A journal or some beautiful pieces of paper and two envelopes
- A tarot or oracle deck (this is entirely optional)
You can begin your ritual once you have prepared your space and feel calm and grounded.
Honouring your business journey – write a letter to your past self.
Writing a letter to your past self can be a form of healing as a business owner. This practice will allow you to acknowledge and accept the path that has brought you to where you are now, validating your experience and allowing you to let go of any regrets that can stop you from moving forward in your business.
It can also help boost your confidence, reframe some things you might have felt were failures, and be kinder to yourself.
Take a few moments to write down some memorable milestones in your business journey so far. Start at the very beginning and mark some of the most important ones that have really shaped you and your business into what it has become today.
What stands out? What do you wish you would have known then? You could spend some time thinking about what choices you would have made if you were there now and what they can teach you about moving forward in your business journey now?
Here are some journal prompts to help you reflect on how far you have come:
- What pivotal moments have shaped your business and who you are as a business owner today?
- How did you feel during those times? What emotions can you remember, and what influenced your decisions?
- What strengths did you show during these phases or moments in your business? And how did you overcome any challenges?
- What lessons did you learn? Which of those lessons or little nuggets of wisdom do you want to bring with you as you continue your journey in the business world?
- What qualities or experiences are you most grateful for in your past self (or business). How have they contributed to where you are now in your business?
- And in what ways can you forgive yourself for any mistakes or things you would do differently today?
- If you could give one piece of advice to that version of you, what would it be?
When you are ready, write a letter to your past self (or selves)
Acknowledging their strengths and how they have gotten you to where you are now, thanking them for all the lessons they have taught you, and how proud of them you are! When you are ready, gently release all of those past versions of you with love, knowing that you always carry a little piece of each of them (and their wisdom).
Sign your letter from your present self with love and gratitude, and if you feel called to do so, you can (safely and responsibly) burn the letter. Releasing the old versions of yourself as you watch the letter burn in the flames.
Now, think about how you can carry that wisdom forward with a letter to your future self.
After taking a moment to release the past, journal what wisdom, lessons, or strengths you would like to bring with you as you move into a new phase or year of your business. Think of what you want to change in your business, how you want to feel, and if there are any goals or desires you are working towards over the next year.
Here are some journal prompts – as always, take what you need (please don’t feel like you have to answer all of these):
If you are struggling to think of the future or answer these questions, tarot or oracle cards can be very helpful. They can help you dig deeper and discover some hidden wisdom.
- What are the three most important lessons you’ve learned, and how do you want these to influence how you move forward in your business
- What changes do you want to make in your business over the next year, and why are these changes significant to you?
- How do you want to feel in your business over the next year? And what specific actions or changes will help you cultivate these feelings?
- Take a moment to visualise yourself one year from now. What do you see? What feelings are present in your vision. (P.S. If you struggle with these types of things, I would encourage you to open up a Pinterest board and pin images that represent how you want to feel. Once you have gone down a rabbit hole for 30 minutes, look for some common threads/themes)
- As you think about yourself and your business in the future, what impact do you want to leave behind? What actions must you take to have this kind of impact in your business?
When you have more clarity about your vision for the future, It’s time to write a letter to your future self (one year from now).
Write a letter to yourself one year from today on the second piece of paper. If paper and pen aren’t your thing, you could write an email and “schedule send” it one year from now. Imagine a little letter written from your past self suddenly entering your inbox.
Imagine this future version of you who had embraced the lessons of the past and carved a new path forward in your business. This letter is to help guide and empower you for the year ahead, making sure you move forward with clarity, ease, and intention.
In your letter, describe your vision and intention for the next 12 months and how you want to stay aligned with what truly matters in your business. Share your hopes and wishes for your business and what you hope to have in abundance this time next year. Whether that is clients that light you up, time to spend with your family, a passion project outside your work, or anything that will leave you excited and inspired.
As you finish your letter, offer some words of encouragement to your future self, sharing the wisdom you have now.
And seal up your envelope (or press send on that email), knowing that whatever happens in the next 12 months, you will move forward with purpose and in alignment with your desires and values.
Ending your business journey ritual
Take a little bit of time for everything to sink in. As you gather up your supplies, blow out your candles, and give thanks to all of these versions of yourself, think about which ones you are ready to release and which ones you want to carry with you.
Personally, I will gather my little letter to the future me and the pictures of myself and bundle them together, finding a space in my office where they can remind me of where I have been and where I am heading.
I hope that this ritual helps you trust in your journey and embrace everything that is possible when you move forward in alignment with your energy, intentions, and desires.
If you enjoyed this ritual and would like more rituals delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for my email newsletter, Rituals and Remedies. I love to share my personal practice and rituals for running my business in alignment with the wheel of the year and the natural rhythms of life.
You can also learn more about working with me 1:1 – as I help you run your business more in tune with the seasons. So you can build a business that doesn’t leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Instead, run a cosy, seasonal business that supports you in harnessing your creativity and energy, making space for seasons of growth, reflection, action, AND REST!
