It's a new year and I'm declaring that it will be an outrageous one! In the interest of seeing the positive expand I thought, why not go for a big, positive word like "Outrageous"!  I can't wait to see that expand and what incredible things come from it. Personally, it's going to be exactly that… My grandmother turned 100, my son is turning 18 and going off to college and my daughter turned 13, my husband starts a new career with Amazon and we are so excited about it…lots of new chapters for sure! 

What does your year look like?  Wouldn't it be great to look at 2014 and see all of the new changes as positive, blessings a plenty and simply outrageous! I'm choosing to go into 2014 with a positive outlook, coming from a place of plenty,  rather than not enough. It feels so great! 

In fact one thing I've started is a "2014 Blessings Jar" or "Year in a Jar". It's very easy; simply get a a jar, any jar will do, slap a label on it that is colorful and inspiring, maybe add a ribbon and get to writing. Anytime you feel like it was a great moment, blessing, a gift, accomplishment, LOL moments, etc. write it on a slip of paper, fold it in half and stick it in the jar.  Won't it be fun to read them all next New Years Eve! It's a great way to remember even the smallest of things that brighten your day!  That's just one of many things you can do.

Blessings Jar

When I find myself feeling gloomy, usually around this time of year, I try and do things to bring a bit of light in and beat the blues.

-Go for a walk. Breathing in the fresh air and taking a moment to appreciate this beautiful Island really clears my head. Ask a friend to join you and it becomes a great way to catch up! Be active.

-Meet a friend for coffee/tea or a glass of wine. People need people and catching up with a friend is great therapy!

-Help or give to someone in need, this is my favorite.  It takes you completely out of "your stuff" and you gain so much from the give or help. It doesn't need to be anything grandios, it can be a simple smile to a stranger, pay if forward in the Starbucks line and treat the person behind you without them knowing, help someone to their car with groceries, tell someone they look beautiful, drop a family member a hand written note just to say "I'm thinking of you". There are so many ways to brighten someone elses day and you'll find that it brightens yours as well!

-Volunteer in some capacity; at the senior center, library, church, school.

-Create something; try a new recipe, draw, paint, scrap book…just be creative!

-Put a bouquet of bright fresh flowers on your kichen table.  I love having this in my home, especially on dreary rainy days.  When my nest is cheery I'm happy!

For me, being around other positive people energizes me! So get out there, get involved in your community and then sit back and feel the light come pouring in!