Renewed hope can be intoxicating

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The new year always seems to bring with it, a feeling of renewed hope. The symbolism of saying goodbye to the past and looking forward to the new year is intoxicating, especially when the last year brought experiences that were mentally and emotionally draining.

On New Year's Eve day, I met with a group of friends. This circle of friends hold a special place in my heart. They are uplifting, non judgmental, supportive and give unconditional love and encouragement. I feel so blessed to have crossed paths with them years ago.

Meeting on the last day of the year has become a tradition for us, reflecting on the last twelve months and looking forward to the new year with anticipation. We share our successes, no matter how insignificant they may seem. As each person shares, it ignites memories in each of us sparking eager anticipation of telling our stories. We feed off each others positive energy and by the time we're finished, we realize just how special all of our experiences were. 

One underlying feeling that seems to emerge from each story is the fact that we all had obstacles, failures or losses that became the catalyst for change. Had we not had the self awareness to realize that those negative experiences lead to the changes we needed,  our stories would have taken on a completely different tone. 

As a friend reflected on her an emotional hardship, she said she surprised herself during the process. She remembered telling herself she wasn't going to "unpack her bags there" which enabled her to move forward with ease and grace. Her reflection, her attitude and her general outlook on the future were inspirational and it set the tone for the rest of us.

As I awoke today, the first day of the new year, I knew that in order to move forward I would have to greet each day with a sense of renewed hope and embrace every obstacle that lay in my path this year as an emotional barometer, keeping me on course, keeping me in alignment with where I need to be.

So today, I challenge you to let go of what weighed you down last year and emotionally release everything that didn't serve your highest good. Let it go without guilt or regret. Cut all ties with anything or anyone that is toxic to your emotional or spiritual growth
I further challenge you to surround yourself with people that inspire, uplift and love you unconditionally.

Your world will change when you change how you look at the world. 

Showering you with renewed hope and inspiration in 2017!