Tag 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

Wisdom in Procrastination

Posted in Goals, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought, Spirituality by
Image, "Time To Run Smartphone Means Short On Time And Rushing," courtesy of Stuart Miles, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image, “Time To Run Smartphone Means Short On Time And Rushing,” courtesy of Stuart Miles, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

New Year’s resolutions motivates, yet it also reminds us what we haven’t accomplished yet. The failed resolutions, the false starts, the promises to change. This is not a post on the pros and cons of setting resolutions. This post is about how there are times when procrastination is stalling out because maybe what you thought you wanted to manifest is not really what you want.

Procrastination got a bad rep.

Many of us blame ourselves and are our worse critics as to why we’re “lazy.” It probably has more to do with a goal not being in alignment with what it is you truly desire. The procrastination is trying to tell you to look at the resolution to see what about it appealed to you and be honest as to why it hasn’t happened yet. This inner dialogue will allow you to root out limiting beliefs that are getting in the way of your receiving, allow the aligned desires to manifest and most importantly, it will allow you to let go of what is not really for you (now or ever).

A dream goes through a gestational period, so if you are actively working towards a resolution, it may not be the season just yet for what you want to reveal itself in the physical form. If what you want is a true heart’s desire, then it will come to pass in its due time. Check out https://abundantlifeinitiative.com/2014/04/05/gestation-of-a-dream/, for more information on how to nurture your dream’s gestational process..

The Universe is smarter than many of us give It credit for. Sometimes there are delays simply because you’re not meant to resolve that resolution just yet. Some argue you have to always take action steps towards a goal, and for the most part, I agree with that. However, there are times when you just have to take pause. These pauses come because God knows better than we do. We can’t even explain why we’ve paused, but it probably felt the most safe to do and that’s okay.

Follow your own divine internal guidance system and when you’re called to pause, pause. But pause and assess why there is a pause – if it’s simply so you can take a step back, so be it. If the goal is meant for you to manifest it, the desire will grow and you will be moved to take action when you’re ready. There are times when you do have to push through a pause – but don’t push until you’ve assessed why you’ve stalled. Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up for stalling, because again, the wisdom is found in the procrastination.

How to make procrastination work for you:

  • Do incorporate regular research sessions about how to reach your goal, but don’t stay in the research phase forever.
  • Be honest with yourself as to why you haven’t accomplished your goal yet.
  • Take a step towards your goal – how did you feel taking that step? Were you surprised on how good or bad you felt about it? What information can you glean from taking those first baby steps towards your goal?
  • Meditate, pray, and sit in stillness during times of procrastination – what may look like procrastination on the outside is really covering a brewing for something richer and more in alignment with your Spirit.
  • Most importantly, do not beat yourself up over something not happening – give yourself a break.
  • Remember that procrastination is trying to tell you something about three things: whether you really want the resolution (and it’s not a cookie cutter goal that everyone claims to want), whether you should stop for now, or maybe you should push on through. Divine Guidance will move you in the right direction.

Some people really do work well under pressure – and at times, I am that kind of person. Consider exploring what it feels like to not to procrastinate and see if that feeling resonates with you more. Oftentimes, we just need routine and someone to hold us accountable (such as a life, business, or wellness/fitness coach, even a loved one) for staying on track.

Here are some Law of Attraction/New Thought Podcasts on the subject to get you inspired to trust your internal guidance system:

  • Summer McStravick’s Flowdreaming Podcast November 12, 2014 – Manifesting vs. Intuition: How They’re Alike And How They’re Different. Great podcast on the subject of knowing the difference and metaphysical dance between intuition and manifestation. A must listen-to.
  • Summer McStravick’s Flowdreaming Podcast December 16, 2015 – What Did I Make And Why Did I Make It. This is probably the most relevant podcast to today’s blog post. She discusses the natural ebb and flow of why some things get accomplished, while others don’t.
  • Summer McStravick’s Flowdreaming Podcast January 6, 2015 – Going Big In My Fertile Direction! This podcast will get you inspired to look at your dreams and trajectory in a new and motivating way.

~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

Recommendations and Shout Outs

Posted in Fitness, Goals, New Year's Resolutions, Spirituality, Weight loss by

Friday, December 27, 2013 Recommendation(s):

A common New Year’s resolution has to do with weight loss and physical health. More gym memberships are purchased (and later neglected) in January than in any other time of the year. How about trying something different this time around?

Weight loss starts and ends with the mind. We can set up the best workout schedule and buy all the best fitness gear (I’m a sucker for fuschia workout clothes), but it will all be for naught if we do not get our mind and spirit wrapped around the new physique we are trying to embody and the improved health we aspire towards. We are destined to hold on to the weight and undesirable health issues until we first address the mind, body and spirit connection to getting into shape. Let 2014 be the year that we all celebrate renewed, healthy bodies that happens to look great too.

This week’s recommendation goes to Flowdreaming.com, for its programs and audio MP3s that help bridge the gap between fitness goals to success, and the mental mumbo jumbo in between. Flowdreaming is a Law of Attraction modality into emotionally daydreaming our way into manifesting the things we want in our lives. The founder of Flowdreaming, Summer McStravick, has several “flowdreams” on her website – 10 to 15 minute deep, emotional visualizations that carry you away for a moment and into the life and body you  want. In time, the Universe begins to provide experiences that match that which you are creating when you flowdream. She has amazing flowdreams on the subject of weight loss and improved body image, but also a whole cache of MPs on various life subjects. Here’s a list of some of the flowdreams related to improving the body:

  • Beautiful as I Am (Total Self-Acceptance)
  • My Ideal Body
  • Lose Weight Now Playlist
  • The Flowdreaming Weight Loss Support System

Do yourself a favor and begin to envision the body you want, so much so that when you look in the mirror, you don’t over analyze where you are physically at in the present moment, because all you can see is the body you’re becoming. There has to be acceptance of where you are physically, a loving appreciation of what works and looks good on and in your body now, visualization on what you wish to see, and then the steps towards getting there will follow – in that order.

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Friday, December 27, 2013 Shout Outs:

I’d like to give a special shout out to http://www.yourbeautifullife.org/. I first discovered this website through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Yourbeautifullife, and the images and messages there were life enriching and inspirational, which led to me creating my own life enrichment blog and website. Here are some of the beautiful posts created on this website:

Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/Yourbeautifullife

Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/Yourbeautifullife

Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/Yourbeautifullife

Support Yourbeautifullife.com by “liking” and following this page on Facebook – you will not regret seeing these inspirational messages everyday.

-Curator of all things life enriching, Kimberly Jo Cooley