
Welcome 2019, 365 new chances, new opportunities, experiences, and adventures. 2018 was a blink and you miss it sort of year because I still feel like I am in summer somewhere on the beach listening to Kes singing Hello and pretending he made that song just for me. I have never been one to subscribe to the New year New me mantra; the process of self-improvement and development has never been a wave a magic wand type of thing.
The newness , the fresh start comes when you open your eyes each day; when you give thanks and hopefully navigate whatever challenges, issues or problems that particular day throws at you or NOT.
Let’s be honest some days you just aren’t feeling it we just don’t have it in us to kill it and really who says we have to? We were not created to be constantly seeking, doing, searching or forcing. There is no shame in wanting and needing a break. sometimes your soul absolutely deserves it.
Joy is the key to your life feeling good no matter what year it is -Sarah Prout

It took me quite a few years to grasp this concept. Life will be what it is. Golden, blah, messy what you really need to focus on is how you perceive it. Now I am not going to tell you to be positive all of the time. What I have learned is that you need to find bliss and liveliness even in the broken places.
There will always be a time when you feel like shit, when your energy will be depleted; when you will revel in feeling sorry for yourself ; when you literally may want to set your entire life on fire and watch it burn. Do you think having these moments or thoughts makes you a bad person? They sure as hell do not. There really is nothing sexy or appealing about perfection. Own your energy, revel in your mess. Do the very best with whatever you are given. The world does not need you
New beginnings I love
One of my major issues has always been more thinking than doing. You can analyze a situation to death but if you never take the first step. What are we really doing?

The Moment you accept that imperfect is more beautiful and full of joy than perfect is a good moment-Unknown
This is my tentative plan for the New Year –
Step One – let go of the picture of perfection
Step Two – Never let the circumstances and I repeat ever deter me from achieving my goals.
Step Three – Be grateful for every breath and find satisfaction in every moment.
As you get older you realize that even the shitiest of people and situations all have a grand purpose. Life would not be very

How about thinking about what worked in 2018 and build from that. Work on being more consistent with your actions. Accept that despite your best efforts life does always have a way of screaming plot twist. Fall down, get back up gracefully and keep pushing forward even if you have to crawl. Life is all about movement and evolution. Be patient with yourself. Fab does not become fabulous overnight. We all have to start somewhere; the key is not to forget why you started and keeping on going no matter what.
Here are a fewsimple reminders to help you stay on your path of growth and purpose.
You are responsible for your own energy
You are the gatekeeper of your thoughts, feelings, and energy. It is easier said than done but do not let the funky energy of others take a hold of your space. I am guilty and we have all been guilty of this at some point. We let the actions and words of others dictate our moods, our thoughts sometimes even our own self -worth. When you find yourself falling into this trap give yourself a big old slap
Repeat after
me : the thoughts and actions of others should never determine my direction. My energy is sacred and I choose to make space for what feels good and right forme .
Recognize your toxic traits . I mean we all have some qualities that can be downright annoying and sometimes self -destructive . Stop trying to bury your issues; as challenging as it can be you need to own those issues get to the root cause of your actions and do your very best not to be a shitty person. Give what you want to receive. At the end of the day, we all want that inner fire to be lit and to be happy. Unless of course, you find solace in misery.

Accept yourself completely
We all have flaws those seen and unseen. Things about ourselves that can cause issues in our daily lives . The key is to work on those bad habits each day. Spend time with yourself. Analyze your relationships, any problems, issues or scenarios that keep occurring. Accept responsibility for your actions. Sometimes pride gets in the way but you have to adult enough to say well I really
Learn to love your body I mean really appreciate it. The little things that we take for granted daily like being able to see, hear, and touch the ones you love.
Love the skin you are in. The lopsided boobs, the crooked nose, the melanin that they think is too rich all of it and I mean all of it makes up the masterpiece that you are. Do what makes your body feel good. Nourish it. Savor it. We are all so busy but really what are we busy doing? Are we doing the things that matter? Like taking care of ourselves and out=r own needs and not belittling our significance? Looks really only can get you that far because no one really wants to hand with a pretty face if it comes with a vexatious personality.
Don’t just focus on the outer beauty you have to ingest some soul food as well. I mean a perky butt does not hurt but a perky spirit is where it is at.
It is time to say yes to yourself, with no apologies to anyone. Be in the

Forgive and Let Go
Let me be honest forgiveness is my least fave f-word or it used to be. Being unforgiving honestly is not a pretty picture. Anger, frustration, and bitterness are the definite end result. Remember the last time you really got upset? I mean fuming ? I myself rarely get angry because it is an emotion I feel in my soul. I usually act and then think later.
At the moment when we feel wronged or offended; the ego just screams strike back, do them like they did you. Retaliate; that is the way to go. I have been petty. I have held grudges. I have been consumed with getting revenge. I have been the hell hath no fury chick. Where do you think it got me?
Tired, depleted, angry and bordering on obsessed. You harm no one but yourself when you seek to right the ones that did you wrong . You can not heal pain by inflicting hurt, Nothing healthy can be achieved from seeking revenge. It may bring a temporary moment of satisfaction but ultimately you will have to deal with the underlying issues. You have to find ways to navigate through the waves of hurt, betrayal and intense disappointment.
We all have had someone who has done us
It is indeed extremely difficult not to take the actions of others personally but ultimately what they do is their

Yesterday is heavy . Put it down
Every day make a conscious effort to let go of anything that makes you frown
Your soul is tired give her a rest
You are far from perfect but you did your best
Pain is never healthy to carry around
It will break your spirit leave you shattered
The past is heavy put it down
Don’t beat yourself up over should haves and could haves
You did your best
Grow through what you go through
No situation is ever permanent
This is just a test
The messes of today will lead to the triumphs of tomorrow . The past is not yours to carry . Lighten your load . Set yourself free .
Yesterday is heavy . Put it down .

This really is not a New Year’s post this is a fresh start
Wishing you nothing but love and
Do you make New Years Resolutions ? What dreams and goals do you have for this year ?

This is so inspirational to me! I am always thankful for new beginnings, I am always thankful for my struggles because they teach me far more than I can ever imagine. I have learned to accept the what is…and sometimes the what is, can be shitty. I may pout or cry about it…but i keep pushing through.
I love the way you put that . I totally agree with everything you said . Thanks for commenting .
Such a wonderful post, you made so many really great points. There is always an opportunity for a new start & new growth, no matter the situation!
-Madi xo
http://everydaywithmadirae.com/
Thanks so much for commenting. I believe that every day is a fresh start.
This was wonderful to read thank you. Protecting my energy has been my way of life for a while now and it really makes a difference!
It totally does make a difference. Thanks for commenting.
This is such a motivating post. I am ready for a new 2019 start!
Happy New Year and Thanks for commenting.
I love the naming of this post as a fresh start post. This is such a refreshing post. In an effort to be more productive, I have been reading the gazillions of goal setting posts. But you’ve put everything down so well in this colorful post. I find this line to be really inspirational – No filter.No apologies. Dedicate and celebrate every part of yourself and your journey. Be. Do. Inspire and Grow. A post that encourages us to dream big and to go get them too.
I live to be colorful.LOL . I think I need to follow your lead and read some goal setting posts. I am having a bit of trouble focusing on mine. Thanks so much for commenting.
I couldn’t agree more with your three-step tentative plan. I would actually make it a definite plan, They are words to live by. Thanks.
I may have to make it a definite plan as well. Thanks for commenting.
I have so many things I want to accomplish this year. I completely agree with you on so many things. We have to give ourselves grace. No one is perfect, we just have to keep doing our best!
-Madi xo
http://everydaywithmadirae.com/
Yes ! to all of what you just said . Thanks for commenting.
I love the part you talk about being responsible for our own energy! Ain’t that the truth. My goal/theme for the year is to have focus and peace in my life. Sometimes I get to focused and lose peace, sometimes I’m too peaceful and lose focus. This year I’m striving to have a beautiful blend of both
As A Libra I totally get what you mean and crave the need for balance and truthfully I think what we mainly need in this life is peace and happiness. Thanks for commenting.
Forgiving and loving ourselves are the best way to begin this new year! Your post gives me so much energy and the motivation that I need in this moment!
Yayyy. I am glad the post leaves you motivated and inspired. Thanks so much for commenting.
Great post. Lots of things to think about. Thank you!
Thanks for commenting.
This is a very inspiring post! My new year’s resolution is to learn to say no more in 2019.
-shay
http://www.shayshaytries.com
I think that is a perfect resolution. Say no to the things that do not benefit you. Thanks for commenting.
I don’t make New Year Resolutions because being honest here they literally never happen. I do better starting things at any other time of year lol. I really want to focus on my blog and my health this year though.
I agree with you . We can begin at any time of the year. Choosing a general focus is a great idea. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for sharing these empowering messages. I really needed to read these today!
Thank you for commenting
I am sooo happy I read this. I love every word you said😍 I literally want to reread it again! So beautiful. I am a huge fan of starting over myself And I truly believe in the new beginnings❤️ I agree with everything you said, especially in forgiveness; what they do is their karma and what I have to decide is what mine will be… Yesss thank you! It’s soooo inspiring to read☺️💞
I sm so glad that you found this article so helpful and inspiring. Thanks so much for commenting. Fresh starts are a blessing.
Your posts are always so inspirational and a bright spot in my day, thank you so much for sharing my friend!
Thank you for reading all of them. I am so excited when I can inspire others. Wishing you love and blessings this year.
Love your tentative plan for this year tachi ! You are so right, don’t let circumstances ever stop you from achieving your goals. Yesterday was heavy but it has since been gone, in the least now so we can only look forward for tomorrow!
It is definitely tentative . Simply I just want to to do the best that I can every day. Thanks for commenting 🙂
Putting one of these quotes in my motivation journal thank you!
Thank you for reading . Glad you found something of value here .
I need to get rid of the picture of perfection for sure.
I think we all need to do. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Cheers to a fresh start and blessings right back at you my friend! I am not sure I would call my dreams for 2019 ‘resolutions’ but more of an evolving plan to seek and fulfill my higher purpose which I believe is to serve and truly be helpful to others.
Lisa recently posted…The Art of Right Thinking
I would define that as purpose not so much resolutions and I know you will be successful with any and everything you try this year .
“Losing a familiar face or space may be distressing but nothing cripples you more than stagnation.” This is SO TRUE! It’s so hard sometimes to let go of that we are familiar with or that’s precious to us… but sometimes losing that is the best thing that can happen to us. Even if it doesn’t seem that way at first..
I totally agree . Everything always works out for the best . Thanks for commenting .
I absolutely enjoyed reading this post! I completely agree with being in control of our own energy. Surrounding ourselves with people who support that is important as well. I love the idea of a “fresh start” this year. I have so many great goals for myself and can’t wait to see where this year takes me!
I hope this year takes you on a beautiful journey and that you slay all of your goals !
Such a inspiring post! Pinned ❤️
Thanks so much for reading and sharing.
This is so wonderful! As a mother, I absolutely need to work on being graceful with myself. After all, no one is perfect!
As a mother I sure can relate . So much pressure is put on us to be a certain way. We definitely have to be patient with ourselves.