The empty cup – how letting go makes room for something greater
Only an empty cup can be filled with something new
Hey there,
I hope you had a joyful holiday season and a fantastic start to the New Year!
That's my first newsletter of 2025. And I'm happy to welcome you into a fresh chapter of growth, self-discovery, and new opportunities!
As we close the chapter of 2024, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the lessons of the past year and embrace the future with optimism and excitement.
For many, the end of the year is a natural time for reflection. For me, November is when I begin to slow down, easing into the season. And December is reserved for the holidays—a chance to spend time with family and soak up the joy and warmth of the Christmas spirit.
But even though the new year has started, I like to think of my real beginning as Chinese New Year. That’s why I use January as my time to reflect, get organised, and prepare so I can kick off the year with a solid foundation.
And if you also have a wife who’s into Chinese astrology, you know it’s going to be an interesting and important year.
That's why today, I want to invite you to empty your cup and make room for something greater.
In Chinese philosophy, the concept of an empty cup is often used to describe a state of openness and receptivity. It's the idea that when we let go of what no longer serves us, we create space for new experiences and growth in our lives.
Usually, we hold onto things that we believe define us or make us feel safe and secure. But sometimes, these attachments can also hold us back from reaching our full potential.
The empty cup is a powerful reminder to release any attachments or expectations and trust that something even better will flow into our lives. And this can apply to both tangible things like material possessions and intangible things like relationships, beliefs, and habits.
Letting go is not always easy.
We may fear the unknown.
Feel a sense of loss and grief.
Or worry about losing a sense of control.
But when we loosen our grip and allow things to flow, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities.
So, instead of making a long list of resolutions or goals for the year, why not focus on letting go—on emptying your cup?
As we start this new year together, let's take a moment to think about what you may be holding onto that is keeping you from reaching your full potential.
It could be old grudges, limiting beliefs, or simply clutter in your physical space.
Take some time to reflect and identify what no longer serves you. And then, make a conscious effort to let those things go. Trust that when you release them, you make space for something even better to come into your life.
Because only an empty cup can be filled with something new.
With an open mind and an empty cup, let's welcome all that this new year has to offer. I have a feeling it's going to be something truly special.
Thank you for being a part of my journey and for allowing me to be a part of yours!
Here’s to growth, learning, and new beginnings.
Weekly Reflection
What is one expectation or attachment I’m clinging to that could be holding back my growth?
🍵 Thank you for reading!
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you! I hope they bring you a moment of reflection and a touch of peace.
Until next time, stay empty.
– Zhenya
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