The Snake’s Secret - Shed Skin For a Better Life

A new year invites self-reflection and the promise of a fresh start. It’s a time to reflect on successes, challenges, and areas for growth. In Chinese culture, 2025 also ushers in the Year of the Snake, a time to embrace transformation and growth by shedding the old to make space for the new.

This new year, I’ve been reflecting on the persistent pressure to excel in every aspect of our lives. I’ve come to understand a crucial truth: sometimes, allowing things to fall can pave the way for new beginnings that resonate more deeply with our true selves and what we need most. The snake offers a powerful metaphor for this process. Just as it sheds its old skin to transition into one that fits, we must let go of what no longer serves us to step into an improved version of ourselves.

Shedding the Weight of the Past

Imagine that as you walk through life, you’re carrying a backpack filled with memories, skills, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. Over time, that backpack becomes full, leaving little room for new possibilities. Some things need to be removed for new things to go in that better align with where you are now and where you want to go in the future. This may look like stepping out of a role, ending a commitment or a relationship you’ve been engaged in, or making a lifestyle shift. Evaluating what you’ve allowed to take up space in your life, deciding if they still serve you at present, and letting go of the things that don’t are crucial to achieving the life you want.?

Thanking the Past

Letting go can be challenging, as the things we carry often hold value and meaning. Yet, just like a snake sheds its old skin, these elements may have served their purpose and now need to be released to facilitate growth.

As I navigate the process of letting go, I’ve come to recognize the importance of acknowledging the emotions tied to what I carry. Letting something go can be a bittersweet process that causes a variety of emotions to rise to the surface: grief, fear, sadness, or nostalgia. It's not enough to simply discard something; we must take time to express gratitude for its presence. Thank the memories, the emotions, the lessons learned, and even the fears that may have arisen. By acknowledging these emotions, we complete the closure cycle, allowing us to step forward into new opportunities with freedom, confidence, and clarity.

Choosing Faith

Sometimes, we cling to things out of fear of the unknown. There may be comfort in saying, “But what if the future doesn’t work out? At least I’ll still have this thing.” Fear paralyzes us and keeps us holding onto things that no longer serve us.

A quote from Bob Proctor resonates deeply with me: "Faith and fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see—you choose.” I’ve spent time meditating on this truth and decided - I choose faith. Faith and fear take the same energy; I’d rather channel that energy into creating something positive than anticipating something going wrong. My dear friend and coach, Vered Kogan, once told me: “When you choose faith, you are co-creating your future.” Even when the path ahead feels uncertain, we have the power to create what we want. Instead of investing energy into imagining what could go wrong, we can invest it into envisioning what could go right.?

Realigning Priorities

Learning to let things go clarifies what truly deserves our energy and attention. Sometimes, we hold onto things out of habit or obligation, but by shedding what doesn’t align with our journey, we free ourselves to focus on what truly matters.

This year, as we step into the transformative energy of the Year of the Snake, ask yourself:?

• What am I ready to let go of to make room for something new?
• What can I thank for its lessons and release with love??

Mindfulness and Acceptance

Letting go is never easy, but practices like meditation and journaling can help. These tools create space for us to process our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to reframe change or setbacks as learning opportunities.

The end of one thing isn’t the end of the journey—it’s a bridge to something better. When we choose faith over fear, we’re co-creating a future filled with possibilities.?

Let’s take time to celebrate the beauty in our journey, honor the lessons of the past, and welcome the new beginnings ahead with gratitude and faith.?