January 1st 2017... What's a NEW Year?

11:00pm 12-31-16... because I totally didn't make it to midnight :) 

What does a New Year actually mean? It seems to be an abstract concept which we have placed an extraordinary amount of symbolism and pressure upon, when really you can choose any of the 365 days in a calendar year to change habits, form new ideas, or alter the direction of one's ife. February 3, June 24th, October 5th.... all of these days could be just as impacting as January 1st, but yet we seem stuck on the idea that this is the only day that change can begin. When we have an alteration in the last digit. 

The third Monday of the January is called Blue Monday- the most depressing day of the year. It is due in large part to the pressure put upon starting over when the clock strikes midnight on 01-01. Its become so prevalent that psychologists have actually develop[ed a formula explayinign why we are at our most melancholy: 

It almost as if we have set ourselves up for this day of deep seeded regret and solemnity by assigning such impact to 01-01. I mean we are broke from the holidays, the decorations taking a drab house to a winter wonderland have been removed (because how we be the tacky person who leaves their christmas lights up a little too long.....) our monthly salary stays the same only now the credit card companies have found our address and are sending out the invoices from our gleeful holiday spending, and yet this... this is when we have said "yeah... seems like a good time to change everything about my life."?!? 

Either we have all lost our minds, have been duped as a society, or we just really like a challenge. But really it seems as if there is a simple solution to the treachery that is "Blue Monday". Each day we must commit to begin again. Now this doesn't mean to break out the last box of Peppermint JoJos you have hiding in the cupboard, or that its ok not to try, It means that each night we go to bed as if we have had our countdown to a new life, and each morning we arise with the mindset of today will be the best day ever! 

Essentially by doing this we can give ourselves an entire YEAR if not LIFETIME of fresh chances; beautiful and intentional experiences to grow upon. Now this isn't the only piece of the proverbial puzzle. We must also change the language we use to reflect what we wish to see altered in our lives. There is a big difference between "I need to lose 35 pounds" and "I strive for a healthier and more athletic life." If we pause for just a moment and think about the impact our words have on our own mental and emotional state of being, AND on those who are around us listening it makes perfect sense. Our daughters instead of hearing their mothers are unsatisfied who who they are based on their physical appearance dictated by a number on a sale that fluctuates at least 3x a day, will instead hear the root of what is desired: health. 

Our loved ones rather than absorbing the idea that we are terrible people for watching hours of TV each day will hear that we wish to expand and strengthen our minds through reading, art, and experiencing things outside. 

I have only been on this planet, living this existance for a brief time... really a blink of an eye.. but what I have learned is that often the smallest changes can have the most profound impact on our lives. That we can find great communal shifts with a single change from one individual. The universal ripple effect. 

So now, you might be wondering... what do I want for myself today? well... DIVE IN! As yourself: what idea or skill do I wish to grow? How can i adjust myself for this moment? Am I happy? And discover the unbounded power you have to facilitate this beautiful transition in your life... not just on 01-01-17... but each and every day. 

Toady: 

I will live more in the material and spiritual worlds than in the digital one. 

I will turn off over thinking, self-judgement, and the TV and TURN ON confidence, self-acceptance, and creativity. 

I commit to living a healthy and active life. 

I live my life in a positive manor. 

I practice ahimsa (non-harming) toward myself and others 

I apply saucha (cleanliness) and self care to my life, for when I take care of myself and have a clean space I can better help others. 

I am mindful in my actions, taking things one at a time, listening to my breath. 

I commit to love and spreading that message to those around me 

I fill my life with art and passion, nature and animals, joy and gratitude. This is the foundation I wish to build upon. 

I continue to live authentically in a RAW, organic manor and share than lesson through my actions. 

Namaste Everyone! May each day this year be your Happy New Year!