2017: New Year, New Focus. Let’s Shake it up!

Each New Year, we make new resolutions. We look forward to new beginnings. And we make promises to ourselves and others that often last a few days, weeks, a month. Our new year begins with a bang until the routines of life set in. Slowly we succumb to our familiar patterns. Soon, the year is half over and we do what we always do: promise that in the coming year we will start again. The circle of old habits continue.

I’ve decided that 2017 will be different!

What would happen THIS YEAR if we decide to shake things up by doing the hard work of healing within? What if this year, instead of resolutions, we focus on words that make us better than we were in 2016. I recently spoke with a dear friend that chose 5 words she will claim for herself and others in 2017. I decided to follow her lead and do the same. The words I choose to focus on in 2017 are Surrender, Heal, Forgive, Create, Build. 

Surrender

To live a life of surrender is to let go of all ego and pride. When we relinquish control of anything that keeps our heart, soul, mind, and life captive, we take the first step in getting free. Living in freedom is how we also glean joy and happiness. What do you need to surrender in order to have true peace, joy, and happiness in your life? In true surrender, we do not look to others for our happiness. We let go of all blame and release injustice done in the past. Most important, we do the deep heart work necessary to move forward and to grow forward in our own lives. Are you ready to surrender? I am!

Heal

People love to help others. It makes us feel good to be helpers and to assist those in need. However, to become authentic healers, we must first heal from our own pain. I believe that we become the best at helping others heal, when we have healed our own heart, mind, and soul. Where there have been deep wounds, much healing must be done. Once the healing is complete, we are able to end a cycle of blame and casting of stones. Finally, when all bitterness is gone- we can become healers of others who have endured similar pain. What do you need to heal from today? Are you ready to do the deep work within your own heart and mind to begin the process? Heal with me!

Forgive

Forgiveness falls in line with healing. In order to truly heal, we must forgive. In order to walk in peace, love, joy, happiness, and harmony, we must heal and forgive. In order to rid ourselves of bitterness towards others, we must forgive. In order to forgive, we must let go. What do you need to let go of in order to move forward in 2017? I’m making a list, keeping it between myself and God, and burning it as a sign of letting go.

Create

I believe that we have been created to create. I also believe that our creations can bring about healing to both our own hearts and to the world. Every one of us can create something. Some of us create businesses. Others create art, poetry, and novels. Some create music. Others create joy and happiness simply by shining a light everywhere they go. Do you consider yourself to be creative? What will you focus on creating in 2017? I can’t wait to start creating!

Build

I want to be a builder. I want to build rather than destroy. I want to build with my words and my actions. I want people to leave me feeling better about themselves rather than worse. Are you a builder? Builders are also creators. Often we learn the importance of building after having done life in the opposite way. But we are not alone. Most of us learn to build after feeling destroyed and having destroyed. Are you ready to build in 2017? What must change in your life in order to make you a builder? I’m ready to build. Join me!

I’m ready to do the work it takes to surrender, heal, forgive, create and build. What words will you focus on and claim for 2017? Are you ready to do the work it takes to be the best version of yourself that you can be? Let’s make 2017 OUR YEAR of awesome. We’ve got this! We are growing, moving forward, and being more than we were in 2016. This is how we win! Who’s winning with me?! Let’s go!