C.V. ESSENTIALS — NEW YEAR

In the past, the New Year was a very stressful event in my life filled with unrealistic and punitive resolutions. As I have grown, learned, and further developed my spiritual practice, my relationship with time has completely shifted and transformed. I have come to view the new year as just a constructed idea that helps society to process time in a psychologically digestible way. I now understand that there are many different energies constantly at play, and we can tap into these dynamics at any moment. We do not need to wait for the New Year to be the one time when we decide to take control, improve our lives, or initiate transformation. That time can be catalyzed at any second just by consciously committing to co-creating with the universe. We are empowered beings capable of so much. Breaking down constructs that keep us limited in scope is so freeing.

The new year can be a window of optimized energy that we engage with if we feel inspired to do so. I no longer place too much emphasis on it as a make-or-break moment, but I do enjoy using it to take inventory and realign with my intentions. Perhaps my favorite thing about welcoming a new year is that I can use it as an excuse to finally retire items that I have worn out and replace them with fresh versions, specifically the following:

Fig. 1 — P. le moult PYJAMAS
Fig. 2 — charvet slippers

In my drawers are pairs of pajamas and slippers that I have purchased but am resistant to using for various reasons. Instead of hoarding these nice things, a new year is the perfect reason to whip them out. Nothing feels more luxurious than fresh sleepwear, especially when they are made by classic French heritage brands P. Le Moult and Charvet.

Fig. 3 — smythson notebook

I once had a very bad habit of starting a new notebook every time I wanted to reinvent my life. I finally forced myself to commit to one notebook at a time, which I usually like to update when the year changes because it makes it easier to catalog and refer back to when needed. I don’t always love journaling, but since it is such an important part of self-healing work, a notebook that I actually want to use alleviates some of the resistance. This year I will be using Smythson’s Soho notebook in scarlet red. I enjoy writing with a Pilot Precise V5, but do not take these pens on planes as I have learned the hard way they will leak at high altitudes.

Fig. 4 — CLEAR QUARTZ

The absolute best crystal for setting intentions is clear quartz. It is the most versatile crystal (it works with any chakra or auric field/focus) that amplifies whatever it is programmed with for turbo-charged energetic immersion.

Fig. 5 — The ROw cable roll
Fig. 6 — L.L. Bean tote

There are two things one can never have enough of…totes and small pouches, especially if you are obsessed with organization through compartmentalization. If you need a specific carrier for your cables then there is nothing more chic than this one made by The Row. I would use it as a travel pouch for my crystals, although it is only capable of accommodating long, thin crystals. A goal for 2024 is to design a pouch as attractive as this one, but that can be used for crystals of all shapes and sizes. I treated myself to a brand new L.L. Bean tote for the Tucson Gem Show at the end of January. These bags are so economical and sturdy; they last forever and they get better with age the more you break them in. If you have to schlepp rocks, these bags are the way to do it.

Fig. 7 — vide poche

The French call their carryall dishes vide poche, which means empty pockets because these containers are meant to hold the miscellaneous items you remove from your pockets when you walk in the door. Add small dishes to items you can never have enough. The easiest way to spruce up a bedside table or console is by rotating out one vide poche for another. This doesn’t even require buying a new one, just scavenge around for something you haven’t seen in a while. Voila! Instant energetic spatial refresh! I like to change the energy around me just by repositioning or swapping out the items around me. Just like crystals, the objects we surround ourselves with subconsciously reinforce what we think about and are influenced by. Ask yourself: “What energy and messages do I want around me?” A vide poche with crystals keeps me in energetic resonance with beauty, inspiration, and purpose.

Fig. 8 — orchid

A new potted plant or flower, I go with orchids ala my idol Halston, is such a lovely way to begin a new year. I seem to be missing the green thumb gene based on my history with plants, so I would really like to keep mine alive in 2024.

Fig. 9 — Pineider stationery

One New Year’s resolution I support is writing more snail mail to keep in touch with those you care about. A beautiful box of stationery is a good way of encouraging this. I am fond of the Italian brand Pineider’s capri set. Less Instagram, more intentional communication. If you go through the effort of sending someone a card, it is a good indication they are someone worth having in your life. Use this as a filter for taking inventory.

Fig. 10 — AUTOMATIC MONTHLY DONATIONS FOR THE YEAR

I don’t have a picture for this but this is the most important essential on this list! At the beginning of the year, I set up my automatic monthly donations to a few different organizations that I care about. Most non-profits will ask if you would like to set them up in honor of another person, so I always put down one of my grandparents. Giving back is how I express gratitude for all that I have. Doing this on January 1st is a nice ritual for setting the tone of abundance and good fortune for the year ahead.

Jillian KasimowDecember 30, 2023