This year I am doing a switch on the usual ritual of letting go of people at this time of year.

Instead, I am thanking those individuals that left my life. The people who realized we were no longer a fit and they did what they needed to do by exiting.

See I am that person that will know deep down inside that it’s time to head on a new path, however I stay.

I stay because I worry what will they think?

I stay because everyone in our circle of friends seems to be okay with this person, so I try harder to make it work.

I stay because we live in a culture that promotes words like BFF and ride and die friendships.

Do I really need the Facebook or Instagram page that has 200+ friends that I don’t really know? Is my self-esteem tied to having an entourage? I know it’s not instead I worry about hurting someone’s feelings. Today a friend reminded me that the majority of people are lost in their own thoughts and world.

Thank you for leaving so I could be me and you could be you! It’s nothing personal, it’s a change of season and it’s healthy to move on.

May we all find the courage in 2018 to be like the people in our lives who moved on for their highest good, may we do the same for ourselves.

Cheers to 2018

That phrase is used often at this time of year and it’s usually accompanied with one of these phrases:

To be merry!
To be jolly!
To remember the less fortunate.

Every year during the Christmas holiday season, the question is posed, “why can’t this feeling last beyond the festivities?”

The season comes with the hustle and bustle of shopping, visiting loved ones and eating way more than planned. However, even in with all the rushed moments, there is a magical feeling of joy that is felt by many.

I believe the Christmas spirit demonstrates the importance of “being mindful of our thoughts” – it happens without thinking; we start to feel happy, and blissful during this time. Imagine what would happen if we consciously committed as a society to be mindful of our thoughts all year long, and connect to the feelings we experience at this time of year….the joyful ones.

It is important that we remember that feeling good starts internally and if we want to have the wonderful Christmas feeling all year round, it starts with us individually. This doesn’t mean that we won’t have sadness, or days that bring frustration and disappointment.

It’s a gentle reminder that we can choose how we want to interact with the world, smiling at someone, or saying hello creates a connection even if for a brief moment. That is what I feel is one of the magical aspects of Christmas, we talk to strangers, we wish each other a Happy Holiday and we smile more!

Let’s make 2018 a year of true connection, take the time to slow down and smile at someone during your day!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, let’s celebrate life all year long!

Who’s in your circle?

You make your first friends in preschool and at that time in your life the relationship is innocent. Your friends are the same age and usually at the same developmental age level.

As you move through life your friends are pulled from a broader area – school, sports, clubs, faith and community groups. You find commonality due to interests and activities.

Then adulthood creeps in and you find yourself with a variety of friends.

Have you ever stopped to take inventory to see who’s in your circle?

Are the people in your life motivating – do they cheer you on to do your best?

Do you have people in your circle that takes you out of your comfort zone?

It’s important to have people around you that are going to push you to try new things and go beyond where you are right now. Part of life is stretching yourself to reach new goals.

Take a moment to think about what you want to achieve in life, are there people in your life who are able to be role models or mentors to help you get there.

Create a list of the people in your circle and jot down what they bring to your life. If you find you are missing mentors or role models, seek them out and expand your circle.

Challenge yourself to create circles that serve different purposes so that you don’t find yourself in the same place in 3 months, 6 months or a year!