Let the New Year Begin!!!

Forget about setting resolutions, instead commit to living on the edge of your comfort zone. You sure would be in good company considering Dianne Feinstein and a bevy of other iconic females I recently saw interviewed said the key to a happy and fulfilling life involves taking risks and stepping out of your safety zone.

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

As inspiring as that sounds you may be saying to yourself, “That seems kinda scary. My life may be a bit boring but routine suits me because I know what to expect and I like being in control…” 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?” Truth be told all it takes is an intention to make 2013 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 look back at your life with no regrets.

To get you started I want to share an exercise I read about and did over the holidays. These 3 tips given by self-love author, Christine Arylo, are very powerful and energizing.

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 2013 – items that take up space and keep you attached to the past. Next take action to clear it out. I just had a friend help me clean out my closet and got rid of 4 big hefty bags of clothes and a big box of shoes and purses. Wow did it feel good to ditch outfits and accessories that reminded me of jobs and people from my past, dates that went south, and old times I’d been subconsciously attached to. Move it out and move it 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 already released a friendship that no longer served me last year so I did the latter. Send love to those you are releasing and then 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 2013 – 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 anger which is all ego driven. I am aware that whenever I feel disempowered my unhealthy pattern is to become angry which fills me up with a false sense of power. 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 and 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.

To your sparkling edge,

xo