As 2015 gets underway there’s a gnawing theme taking shape within me– EXPANSION. Giving more, growing more, living more into my souls desires and purpose.

How about you?

What do you want to create, bring in, live into?

Wherever you are with your plans for the New Year, I want to shake things up for you. Just as I realized in order to expand I’ll have to live on the edge of my comfort zone, so will you if you want to live your best life.

Scary? You bet.

But wow – garnering your gumption to step outside the box can also be exhilarating and create the confidence you crave to be the leading lady of your life.

You see, living your BEST year involves a commitment to a way of being. It’s realizing that life is full of choices and that we are each empowered to make choices that bring us the most joy, the most growth and the most fulfillment.

For me that means overcoming the fear of being judged, being seen. Not caring what others think, staying true to my inner guidance even when it’s in conflict with those I love.

What does it mean for you?

Last year I learned a powerful lesson from listening to a group of iconic women. They shared their secrets to a happy and fulfilling life. What do you think they said?

If you guessed taking risks and stepping out of your safety zone you are right on the money.

According to these inspiring women, that’s when life becomes magical and you are truly living into your genius and greatness.

As motivating as that sounds you may be saying to yourself, “That seems rather terrifying, I’m getting anxious just thinking about it. My life may be a bit boring and routine but that’s not so bad – at least I know what to expect and I like being in control…”

Does this sound familiar?

In the spirit of this theme I am committed to speaking my truth – even if it’s a little risky -because I want to shake things up for people and nudge them in the direction of their bliss.

So here goes…living a routine life will suck your spirit dry! You’ll be parched, wilted, lifeless, dreamless with about as much energy as a sloth on a hot summer day. It’s time to follow your dreams and drink deeply from the well of the unknown. The excitement of the risk will make you feel vibrant and alive!

Now you might be thinking, “How does one do that?”

Fortunately all it takes is an intention to make 2015 the year you live fully, a willingness to be open to new experiences, and a commitment to bring forth consistent courage.

This means reflecting, identifying and overcoming those things that keep you in your rut. Then coming up with new behaviors and structures that are in alignment with who you want to become; the you that embraces life and all it’s opportunities; the you that is determined to live your best life one choice at a time.

To get you started I want to share an exercise I adopted from self-love author, Christine Arylo. If you’ve been in the SPARKLE community more than a year you might remember these 3 tips I suggested you take action on at the beginning of 2014. They are so powerful and energizing I suggest you do them now for 2015 and then rinse and repeat every January of your life.

You’ll need three pieces of paper and a pen – go ahead and get that now.

1 ) On one page write down all the physical stuff you don’t want to bring into 2015 – items that take up space and keep you attached to the past. Next take action to clear it out. Get rid of old clothes or trinkets that remind you of unhappy times or unhealthy people. Bag it up and throw it out. Or even better, donate it to a charity. Clearing out the physical stuff that keeps you attached to negative memories will free you from both the physical and emotional baggage. Move it out and move forward sister!

2 ) On the second page write down all the relationships you want to release and/or set the intention you only want to have joyful and happy relationships. I had to release a relationship that was toxic as well as release the expectation that the relationship could change. If you are releasing unhealthy connections, send love to those you are releasing and then let go. To physically symbolize this release, you can burn the list in a safe place like your fireplace.

3 ) On the third page list the emotional things you don’t want to bring into 2015 – this can be old limiting patterns that don’t serve you anymore like guilt, shame, blame, avoidance, anger, sadness. It might be obligations, or unhealthy habits. I’m giving up the fear of being judged – letting others determine my worth. That creates a contracted state (hiding, self-doubt, second guessing, self-criticism, scarcity, not enough) and does not align with my 2015 theme of expansion. I’m choosing to master my mind and empower myself with healthy thoughts and behaviors.

Doing this exercise will make you feel lighter and as you feel lighter you’ll begin to feel more energized and open. As you feel more energized and open, you’ll begin to feel more confident and as you feel more confident you’ll be more willing to take risks.

Voila! You are now living on the edge of your comfort zone totally empowered to have your best year ever!