December | 2017

Clearing Space for a New Year

With 2018 almost upon us, it is time to take stock of 2017 and think about clearing space for the new year. We want to hold on to the things that worked but let go of some of the things that no longer serve us.

Explore the best of 2017

What was outstanding? What experiences do you want more of?

I look back at 2017 and I realize that for me it was finding me again. Of course that sounds pretty cliche but honestly amongst the many negative and challenging things that the year brought me, I was reminded that I am fierce, pragmatic and tenacious. Adversity sometimes brings with it some distinct advantages. I embraced some new opportunities that have made me feel recharged, hopeful and excited.

What did you love about 2017? Was it the people who came into your life? The new opportunities?

Look at the things that worked and hang on to those. If you have created a new meal planning habit or maybe you have been making a lunch date with a friend once a month, keep doing it! These are the things that help relieve stress and make our lives better.

Explore the worst of 2017

What was soul sucking? What caused you sorrow, disappointment? What will you be happy to leave in 2017?

Be honest about this one. This is for you to let go and clear some space. I know for me that emotional and physical clutter always seem to rear their ugly head at this time of the year.

This may mean letting go of friends that aren’t authentic. It may mean letting go of a habit that once helped you cope but now you are strong enough to let it go. Clear out the clutter and say goodbye to the negative things that no longer serve you.

Focus on What You Want to See More Of For 2018

As you move into a new year, focus on abundance. What do you want to see more of in your life? More down time? More time with friends?

The focus can be on feelings too. How do you want to feel in 2018? We are great at identifying what we don’t want to feel or have in our lives but let’s turn it around and think about the positive things we want.

Start each day with the thought of……”What will I do today that will help me feel the way I want to feel?”

So clear the clutter, embrace the good and go into 2018 ready to create your best life!

Tips for Getting the Most out of the Holiday Season

Holiday Zen

Each year we start to see articles pop up everywhere about holiday stress and how to survive. This year we’d like to take an optimistic stance and set ourselves up for a wonderful experience.

Focus on the journey

What we really mean is let an experience be your gift. Childhood memories and adult memories are built on things we have done and people we have shared them with. A gift of snowshoeing, dance lessons, or maybe just an IOU for a home cooked meal when someone needs a break. Being kind and thoughtful is what really matters. An afternoon creating that terrarium with a friend will mean more than a scented candle. The laughs, the fun and the social connection builds a bond and it is a priceless gift.

Relax

The one thing most of us never have is time to relax and just be. Use the time during the holidays to have that much needed pajama day. Enjoy binge watching on Netflix or reading that book that has been sitting on the shelf waiting for you. Use those things you have been saving for a special occasion like that specialty soap, beautiful candle or a bottle of wine. This is your special occasion. Relax, rejoice and restore.

Meditate

Whether you are a veteran or a newbie, the holidays are the perfect time to meditate. You can try something new with a tapping meditation from Jessica Ortner for a stress-free family gathering.

Tapping is Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as EFT. A great website for more information and some tapping exercises is The Tapping Solution.

Tapping therapy is based on the combined principles of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology. Tapping with the fingertips on specific meridian endpoints of the body, while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations, helps to calm the nervous system, rewire the brain to respond in healthier ways, and restore the body’s balance of energy…..(The Tapping Solution)

Stay Positive

No need to anticipate what hasn’t happened or may not happen at all. Search out the happy moments and choose to focus on those. Giving less energy to the negative things can help you take you power back and see the holidays through a different lense. Staying positive leaves little room for the negative energy or others that can weigh us down. Stay in the moment and enjoy.