Category Archives: New Year’s Resolutions

Goodbye 2016, Welcome 2017!

Posted in Goals, Inspiration, Manifestation, New Year's Resolutions by

Image courtesy of “Fireworks” by Noppasinw. From http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Happy New Year! A new year deserves a proper welcome and the old one warrants a proper goodbye. Aside from the usual resolutions and wild parties, have you given thought to new traditions you’d like to honor your new year by?

It’s important to set intentions on how you wish to bring forth a beautiful life in the days ahead and no time like the new year to do it.

There were some things about 2016 that I wanted to leave behind and some things I wanted to carry into my new year. I usually create or enhance an existing vision board each year, write my intentions, and spend time with family. I decided to do all of that AND round it off with a beautiful ritual at dusk to signify 2016’s sunset and the sunrise of 2017.

My sister and my three children got together to work on our intentions and visions for next year. We poured over magazines, ate food, sipped on sparkling apple cider as we created our vision boards.

While my family created boards, I continued to work on my existing “book of visions” and my new Bloom Vision Planner – which has a space for a vision board. The photos below will demonstrate what I worked on towards my life’s vision.

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My new Bloom Vision Planner!

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I added a planning pad with velcro to my Bloom Planner.

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I added velcro so I can attach/detach my planning pad. The planning pad allows more space for other aspects of my life – like blogging!

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I chose this planner because of the space to add a vision board. I had so much fun creating my vision board with my family. 

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I’ve been working on my “book of visions” for a year now. I purchased a sketch pad with thick pages to add cutouts to. I prefer a vision book to a board – it allows me to add many pages for all aspects of my life. 

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My vacation pursuits page of my book of visions. 

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My writing life vision page within my book of visions. 

As the day drew to a close, I asked my family to write on tiny slips of paper what it was they wished to gently release to 2016. My own personal release statements included releasing impatience and lack mentality. We burned each of the slips of the paper, as we said, “_________ I release you and gently leave you behind in 2016. Amen and so it is.” As the room became dark, I said, “The sun has died, the old year has passed.” I then had each of us light candles. Once the room was filled with candle light, I then said, “The sun has rose, the new year has come.”

We felt a sense of resolution to what we wanted to release and let go and an excitement for what’s to come in the new year. Our family needed this ceremony, after the hellish year we had nearly losing my son Daniel in a near fatal auto accident in the first part of 2016.

Three books I consulted on creating a ritual for my family to participate in were Spiritual Clearings by Diana Burney, Real Life Rituals by Karyl Huntley, and The Smudging and Blessings Book: Inspirational Rituals to Cleanse and Heal, by Jane Alexander.

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I now feel ready to embark on my new year with fervor and focused intention. There will be nothing tethering me to the old year.

I invite you to look at ways to release the old and to make room for the new.

I wish you a very blessed and prosperous New Year!

~Your Curator of All Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

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New Year…Now What? Effecting Total Transformation in 2016

Posted in Affirmations, Goals, Inspiration, Manifestation, New Year's Resolutions by
Image courtesy of 2015 2016 Inscription Written In The Wet Yellow Beach Sand Being, by Serge Bertasius Photography, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net?

Image courtesy of 2015 2016 Inscription Written In The Wet Yellow Beach Sand Being, by Serge Bertasius Photography, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Once again a new year is upon us. There’s the proverbial new year’s resolutions. The sincere promises to be better and stronger in the new year.

All the good intentions in the world will not bring one any closer to their new year’s desires, without some inner re-tooling and awareness.

New habits have to replace old ones. New thoughts have to be paved over old, non-serving ones. Patterns have to be reviewed and considered whether they need to come with on the 2016 journey, or be left behind in 2015.

In the creative process, there’s the affirmative thoughts/processes and there’s the action component.

May McCarthy of the awesome book The Path to Wealth (which I highly recommend) says “If people want to effect change, be healed of a disease, or attract something different they must ‘deny’ the condition or disease and follow it with a statement of what they want, called an ‘affirmation.'” She further points out “affirmations and denials are tools to support the change process. Using affirmations alone can bring you a long way on your journey toward your good. But adding denials, or a strong claim that anything that is not for your good is removed, is a powerful way to help eliminate negative beliefs, fears, or any other thoughts that arise and appear to be blocking your path.”

When you affirm what conditions you do want with affirmations, you are stamping the Universal energy. From that stamped desire, inspiration in the form of intuition will guide your next actions steps to take.

Your job is twofold – to affirm the “whats” in your life and to take inspired, action steps when you receive intuition to act. God works out the “hows” of getting your good to you. There’s no need to expend precious energy on how something will come about. If you are following your job tasks, the “how” will reveal itself.

I wish you blessings upon blessings in the new year and beyond. You do not have to believe in new year’s resolutions to effect real change in your life, but there’s no time like a new year to jumpstart your transformation. Remember – focus on the “what” and the “why” you want the “what” and God will tend to the “how.”

~Your Curator of All Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley 

Are Your Health Goals in Alignment with Your Values?

Posted in Fitness, Goals, Health, New Year's Resolutions, Weight loss by
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

I and many others are embarking on a health and wellbeing journey. It has not been easy, but it has already reaped rewards and it’s because my resolutions are in alignment with my values (finally!).

Weight Management: I am not particularly interested in calorie counting or counting pounds. In fact, I am not going to weigh myself until my biometric screening in June. Counting lost or gained pounds are counterproductive – especially when one is building muscle mass as they work out.

Others find solace in seeing lost pounds, whereas I find solace in feeling great, having tons of energy and sleeping well at night. I want overall wellbeing – few to no colds, a general sense of great health, and a knowing that my body is thriving.

There’s no right or wrong way to look at weight management. What’s most important is whether or not your weight management styles are in alignment with your true values.

Nutritious Diet: I value consuming lots of fruits and vegetables. My mother gifted me a NutriBullet for Christmas and I now I am cultishly juicing/extracting everyday. I’m hooked. Now I crave fruits and vegetables over chips and cookies. Juicing assists with my value of consuming a large amount of fruits, vegetables and nuts. I don’t beat myself up over having a meal at a diner or a dessert. I know I am in the land of the living and sometimes I want to indulge. I make all the conditions in my life to allow me to easily eat or drink when and what I want.

Moderation is key. Because I am on blood thinners, I can only consume a small amount of alcohol, so I save drinking for special occasions. I eat everything in moderation and never feel compelled to finish everything on my plate. I am a lifelong naturally slow eater, which I’m told is a good thing (a pain for my friends and family, but a good digestive/metabolic thing for me).

Exercise: I was the biggest gym rat ten years ago – going five to six times a week. Before that, I would rally up friends to take belly dancing classes with me. I do not have a gym membership presently, but I do have my beloved elliptical machine in my garage, some great 1980s ab workout videos and YouTube exercise How-tos. I also have my sneakers and long, suburban blocks to walk. There are several parks in walking distance that I can jog to. I may get a gym membership, but I have exercise at my fingertips right now, free of charge.

So many of us think we have to go to the gym and that there’s one way to fitness. Fortunately, there are many paths to great physical fitness that can be aligned to our personal values – not just what’s the latest fitness fad or what others are doing to stay fit.

Meditation: My relationship with meditation has strengthened over the last year. I carve out ten to fifteen minutes of my lunch break most work days to meditate. I book an empty conference room, turn down the lights, tune in to my YouTube meditation channels on my cellphone and I meditate. Sometimes, it feels like I’ve left my body, the building, the planet, only to become aware of reentry into my physical being when the music or chants stop. Meditation is what grounds us and at the same time releases us from the clutches of worry, anxiety, and earthly issues. I am most proud of myself for continuing to meditate on a regular basis, even at work.

Singing: I don’t sing for others, I sing for myself. I sing when I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m driving, and when I’m feeling silly or serious. Singing is a form of exercise and meditation for me, all mixed into one. After losing my breath during my pulmonary embolism episode, I value feeling good and breathing. I can breathe, damn it!

What makes us beautifully human is our ability to sing, dance and be merry. Love your body, this earthly vessel that carries you. When we forget to love ourselves, our body communicates to us what is needed to get back into alignment. Sometimes that communication is illness, injury, or depression.

When we start to recognize and honor our values, our goals naturally flow and align to and from them, effecting lasting, positive changes in our lives.

~Your Curator of All Things Abundant, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Law of Attraction Podcasts to Ignite Passion & Purpose

Posted in Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought, New Year's Resolutions by
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, 2012 - Video Play Sign On Mobile Phone

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

How’s your New Year treating you? Or, better yet, how are you treating your New Year? Does your New Year already feel like something you’re ready to put behind you? Are you struggling to find inspiration to push you into a New You and a New Way of Being? Well, look no further than my list of must-hear Law of Attraction Podcasts – they will blow your mind, and all of them are worthy of two listening sessions per show – guaranteed. Keep a notepad and pen handy, so you can catch all the enlightened jewels that will surely change your life’s trajectory.

Flowdreaming with Summer McStravick:

  • December 16, 2014 – What Did I Make, And Why Did I Make It?
  • January 6, 2015 – Going Big In My Fertile New Direction
  • January 13, 2015 – G0ing Big: Totally Scared of Success
  • January 20, 2015 – Flowdreaming: What Is My Next Step After the Basics?

Everyday Attraction with Rae Zander Heather McKay Novak:

  • December 19, 2014 – How to Feel Better Fast!
  • January 16, 2015 – How You Are Feeling Right Now Is Everything
  • January 23, 2015 – Sensual and Spiritual
  • January 30, 2015 – How to Push Your Reset Button Every Day
  • February 6, 2015 – The Path of Least Resistance

Receive Your Life with Janice Campbell:

  • December 18, 2014 – Expanding Your Giving and Receiving Flow
  • January 15, 2015 – The Blessing in Divine Discontent
  • January 22, 2015 – Enhancing Your Life One Thought at a Time
  • January 29, 2015 – Solving Problems Through Inspiration and Love
  • February 5, 2015 – Are You a Rebel or a Conformist?

Think, Believe and Manifest Show with Constance Arnold:

  • December 27, 2014 – Setting Intentions for an Extraordinary 2015
  • January 9, 2015 – Greg Kuhn – Intentionally Creating a GREAT Life
  • January 16, 2015 – David Gikandi, Happy Pocket Full of Money
  • January 25, 2015 – Cali Gilbert – 4 Steps to a Life of Bliss
  • January 31, 2015 – The Power of Thoughts, Attention and Words
  • February 6, 2015 – How to ASK, Believe and Receive – Peter Adams

~Your Curator of All Things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

6 Reasons why Affirmations don’t Work

Posted in Affirmations, Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, New Year's Resolutions, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of phanlop88, published on 25 November 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of phanlop88, published on 25 November 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Affirmations are a great spiritual and mental modality that help center your intentions and speak to Higher Source on what you have and what you are bringing into your physical reality. It is a bridge from the sub-conscious to the conscious. When your affirmations are in alignment with what you want – which is to feel great in all areas of your life – they help to shape your thoughts  and shift the “now you” into the “new you.” Here’s a list of ways to sabotage the effectiveness of affirmations and three quick tips to overcome these roadblocks.

6 Reasons why affirmations don’t work:

  1. Setting unrealistic or highly ambitious affirmations.
  2. Limiting beliefs that need to be rooted out so new belief systems can planted. An example of a limiting belief is “you have to work hard in order to deserve more money.”
  3. Listening to others on why affirmations don’t work. Many people will say they do not work, but it could be the naysayers were too ambitious, or perhaps they rarely said or believed them, resulting in failed results.
  4. Failure to say them on a regular basis.
  5. Failure to adjust your affirmations as your life changes (for the better!).
  6. Failing to believe what it is you are affirming.

2 Tips to Ensure Success with your Affirmations:

  1. Have your affirmations represent being in that which you are affirming. Use words, such as “I AM” “I HAVE” and if necessary, “I WILL.” This is not a hard and fast rule, as there are some that do not start with those beginnings, such as my favorite affirmation, “I BEGIN and END my jobs on my own terms.”
  2. Give yourself room to grow in your affirmations.” For example, saying “I am a millionaire” will likely not resonate with you as much as “I am EVOLVING into a millionaire” or “I am evolving into a CEO of a successful company”. The subtle difference is the word “evolving.” It denotes you are moving toward millionaire status, but acknowledges you’re not there yet. The other example is “I work out everyday.” That sets a person who is just starting a workout regimen up for failure. Instead, say “I am healthy, fit and find ways to incorporate health and wellbeing in my day.” No matter what, believe your affirmation as fact, even if you may not be experiencing it yet.
  3. Be patient. It is important to  be patient with yourself as you play with the affirmations modality. If you don’t see results right away, that’s okay. Oftentimes, we are unable to see what has already started manifesting in our life, hidden amongst all the things we do and don’t desire. Allow the blessings to come in their own time and trust they will.  

~Your Curator of All things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Leaving Life on the Table

Posted in Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, New Year's Resolutions by
Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane, published on 10 February 2013 Stock Photo - image ID: 100139008, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane, published on 10 February 2013
Stock Photo – image ID: 100139008, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Here’s the familiar expression – “leaving money on the table” and its definition: leave (something) on the table v. phr. to refrain from taking the utmost advantage of something; to not address every aspect of a situation; in the form leave money on the table, to negotiate a deal that is less financially beneficial than is expected or possible. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary).

You’ve probably seen this phenomenon occur when negotiating a settlement, a new car deal, buying or renting a new home, or a new job offer.

Well, how about leaving life on the table? That’s what we do when we play small, don’t take chances, allow fear to take over, try to keep up with the Jones and live our lives the way others feel is best…we leave life on the table, when there’s so much more we can juice from our life experience.

Here’s a short list of how to juice all you can from life, leaving nothing on the table:

  1. Spend some time each day pondering what it is you want for the following day, week, year and even the rest of your life. This is not a long endeavor – a couple of minutes can truly change your life experience from blah to amazing. Some people journal what they want, while others just daydream away. Envision the life you want and take steps towards moving towards it. It is your imagination that you draw your goals and dreams from…imagine, daydream, manifest.
  2. Life’s full of choices – how do we choose? Especially in “real time” with all the advents of technology? Take a moment to feel how a particular choice resonates with you. Do you feel peace with one over the other choice? Are you doing something out “keeping up with the Jones” syndrome or out of obligation? Is there a choice that allows you to embrace it wholeheartedly? If not, why? Take a moment to think about the choices you’re making to make sure it is in alignment with your dreams and goals. Do not compromise on taking a moment – that is definitely one way to leave life on the table by making hasty decisions. Successful attorneys know how to do this step well – they will walk out of negotiations and come back to the table when they’ve had a chance to consider an offer. Begin to exercise this in your life. You’re worth it!
  3. What’s life without a little risk? Take a chance! Yes, we all have responsibilities, but what is a life without a bigger-than-ourselves dream to run towards? Please take a moment to think about what makes you happy and see how you can bring even five minutes of that joy into your life. For me, it’s writing and I’ve found ways to slide it into my hectic schedule. Take the time for your dreams, otherwise, you are definitely leaving life on the table.
  4. Plan a vacation. Get away and enjoy yourself. Just the act of planning a vacation is a joyous occasion. Each paycheck, I set aside $25.00 towards my vacation fund and I’ve already funded a science camp trip for my son. Next trip? A girls’ road trip from Northern California to Oregon, to attend the annual tulip festival – there will be laughs and lots of memories created, and I manifested it by taking a moment to focus in on what I truly want out of life.

This list is not exhaustive, but it is a start to taking steps on owning your earthly experience and leaving nothing in this life on the table.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Be Bold and Steadfast in Your Dreams 2014 and Beyond

Posted in Inspiration, New Year's Resolutions, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong, published on 12 April 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong, published on 12 April 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Definitions

Bold: adjective \ˈbōld\                                               

  • not afraid of danger or difficult situations
  • showing or needing confidence or lack of fear
  • very confident in a way that may seem rude or foolish

Steadfast:  adjective \ˈsted-ˌfast also -fəst\                                               

  • resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering
  • very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause
  • not changing

It’s never too late to pursue a life-long dream. I don’t care if you’re 80 years old. If you are reading this, then you’re breathing and of sound mind, so it’s not too late. Every moment you’re here is a chance to create and play in this life. You do not have to take a huge, big leap towards goals and dreams, although if you did, that would be awesome. To reach your dreams, you’re not required to take giant leaps. Taking a deliberate step every day, for 365 days towards your goal, will build up your dream in an amazing and powerful way.

See how it’s a win-win? You could take slow deliberate steps, or high flying leaps, but you’ll get there with ACTION. Big or small, take the next step towards your goal today.

The Universe will provide the “how” of getting you to your dream. You just have to dream it, have faith by seeing it real, and taking small or big action steps towards your dream. Think about other successes in your life. Chances are, it wasn’t dumb luck that got you in a winning position. There was an embryotic vision, a belief in its existence in your life, taking small action steps to getting it, and allowing your desired outcome to enter your life.

What is your dream? It can be anything. What is/are your action step(s) or goals for getting there? Dare to dream. Always.

-Curator of all things  Abundant, Inspirational and Spiritual, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Definitions courtesy of http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

Top 10 Podcasts for Law of Attraction, New Thought and Life Enrichment

Posted in Goals, Inspiration, New Year's Resolutions, Spirituality, Uncategorized by
Image courtesy of Iamnee, published on 19 May 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Iamnee, published on 19 May 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Podcasts are just as plentiful and fun to indulge in as blogs, only you can listen to them in your car, at work, or just about anywhere for a quick dose of inspiration. The following Podcasts can be located on iTunes and I strongly recommend them for improving all areas of your life. My life has been truly transformed by the following hosts:

  1. Constance Arnold’s Think Believe and Manifest Show. This is the hardest working life coach in the Podcastophere. While others were vacationing during the holiday break, Constance hosted a show during the week leading into New Year’s. She has a deep, southern drawl that draws you in and the guests she has are the leaders in New Thought and the Law of Attraction movement. This week’s show titled, “New Year Mindset for 2014,” provides life changing principles that are easy to implement. Check her out on iTunes or at her website at http://fulfillingyourpurpose.com/blog/tag/constance-arnold/.
  2. Rae Zander of Everyday Attraction. I love Rae. She has an amazing grasp on all things Law of Attraction, New Thought, and the Unity Principles and an ability to break down the high flying concepts to bite sizeable portions for “everyday” folks. Join her as she sits on her “metaphysical porch” and discuss a variety of topics with her co-host. You can find Rae’s blog, as well as other providers of her Podcast, such as Stitcher and Unity Radio at http://everydayattraction.com/.
  3. Janice Campbell of Receive Your Life. Janice used to be a co-host on Everyday Attraction, which is how I found her wonderful show. She invites guests on her show and they discuss an issue in their life, and she gives them loads of food for thought with a New Thought spin. She has recently changed the format of her show, inviting guests on to discuss all topics pertaining to Law of Attraction, New Thought, and Unity principles or she provides an entire hour on teaching on a topic. All in all, she’s a great resource for gaining a better understanding of how to remove the layers of ill-fitting beliefs and replacing them with powerful thoughts. Check out her website at http://www.receiveyourlife.com/.
  4. Summer McStravick of Flowdreaming. In my Recommendations and Shout Out page, I discussed Summer’s Flowdreaming MP3s on weight loss and self love, but she also hosts a weekly Podcast, on a variety of subjects and guides us into an on air Flowdream on the day’s topic each show. She takes calls from callers who have a plethora of questions on life, love, work and money. Summer has the ability to empathetically feel what another person is experiencing, and for that alone, her show is gold. Summer has built a comprehensive website that is a must see, please check her out at https://flowdreaming.com/.
  5. Reverend Kevin Ross of Design Your Life. A local legend of Sacramento, Rev Kev, as he’s affectionately known, is a minister of a Sacramento Unity Church and he has great guests on his show, from spiritual leaders, to life coaches, to experts who discusses everyday issues with a Spiritual and New Thought foundation. He is funny and his show is one of the best quality Podcasts I’ve listened to. Check out his show times at http://www.unity.fm/program/DesignYourLife.
  6. Matt and Phil Show (LOA Radio). A refreshingly funny show hosted by two great guys who knows a thing or two about the Law of Attraction and Metaphysics. They tackle subjects honestly and I find their discussions and guests they host life affirming and enjoyable to listen to. They have a long roster of past shows that you can tap into to hear anything Law of Attraction and say, sex, or relationships, money, career, and so forth. A must listen to Podcast for those who want to learn how to apply it practically and meaningfully in their lives. Their website is http://mattandphilshow.com/.
  7. Lynn Crocker of Create Your Reality. A Northern Californian native and life coach, Lynn Crocker has recently captured my attention for having thirty minute Podcasts with some of the most enlightening guests on her show. One of my favorite shows was on the topic of using powerful thoughts to create your reality. Lynn’s website is http://lynncrockercoaching.com/.
  8. JJ, Terry and Belki of Live Out Loud Monday’s. This is a great show with a lot of energy and perfect for Monday mornings. I recently stumbled onto this Podcast, and very glad I did. Check out JJ’s blog, which also discusses the Podcast show at http://jjthelifecoach.com/live-out-loud-mondays.
  9. Reverend Heidi Alfrey of Let’s Get Naked. I love her tagline on her website, “Transparent Living Ministries,” and her show really delves into living an authentic life. To get to know Rev. Heidi better (aside from listening to her Podcast) check her out at http://heidialfrey.com/.
  10. Carla McClellan of Vibrant Living: Life Coaching With Carla. I enjoyed Coach Carla’s most recent Podcast, “Beginning the New Year!” Anything to get me amped up over the new year is a wonderful kick in the butt. I am always a fan of experts being guests on shows, and Carla has us covered. For a schedule of times to tune in, go to http://www.unity.fm/program/vibrantliving.

Podcasts have really helped me in my spiritual journey. I am sure you will find a go-to Podcast that will inspire you to live and be your absolute best. I’d love to hear from you on which Podcasts are the best.

-Curator of all things inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

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