| The greatest thing about moving into the new year and resetting the clock for me is the new “mind set” that comes with it! I think there is something in my brain that actually gets triggered and suddenly I am imagining the list of projects I want to accomplish and the dreams I want to chase in this new year. Does this happen for you, too? Maybe it is just part of our human DNA that we flip the calendar to the next year and it sort of “cleans the slate” to begin with fresh energy and focus to pursue those things that are either yet unfinished in our lives or have never begun at all. Living our best lives requires intention, dedication, and drive. My first blog of 2025 will share some ideas and suggestions that can serve as a road map to making this your most meaningful and happiest year yet! Since the 2020 COVID pandemic we have learned that not being connected regularly to our friends and family is detrimental to our health and happiness. In the past few years I have been a keynote speaker to a large variety of organizations, groups, and professions on this topic in Texas and other states. There is a hunger that remains in our post-pandemic world for connection and community. Research continually shows that we live our happiest, healthiest, and longest lives when we regularly connect with our tribe. Our friendships provide so much support and they feed our souls when we are feeling tapped out. But, often times when we are feeling overwhelmed with our busy schedules, time with a friend is the first thing we erase off our calendars. In fact, that lunch date with your bestie is the one thing you should keep at all costs, as it is the refueling station for your emotional, mental and physical health. Here are some quick bullet points I recommend to foster your connections with your friends in the new year: ·Celebrate Your Tribe—take time to appreciate the friends in your life with a call, a heartfelt note, a text, or even better, a lunch date. ·Express Gratitude—let your peeps know how much they mean to you . Gratitude strengthens our relationships and helps everyone feel more connected. ·Be Present—when you are with your friends, it is essential to be invested in the conversation so put down phones, etc. and be an active listener. ·Create Traditions—rituals that are meaningful build a sense of togetherness, so starting some new traditions at the holidays and through the year are powerful ways to build belongingness. ·Be a Source of Positivity— Your energy can uplift others and inspire them to spread positivity, so be the friend that shares joy, kindness, and encouragement. ·Cultivate Strong Connections— Let go of toxic relationships that exhaust you and work on embracing and deepening the friendships that support and fuel you. One of the areas of life where most of us need some improvement is in finding a balance between giving to others and giving to ourselves. It is common for most of us to give and give to our family, friends, work or community until we are “tapped out.” What typically happens is we have not prioritized giving to ourselves in the mix of life. So, our ‘well has gone dry’ and we are no longer living a balanced life that is energized and fulfilling. The new year is a perfect time to begin new patterns and bringing the concept of “balance” into the equation is not optional if you want to live your best life. There are a few tips for setting yourself up for success to make this happen: ·Declutter Your Life—let go of what no longer serves you to create space for what are your priorities and enhance life. ·Make time for Joy—create time in an intentional way for what brings you happiness, such as time with friends, and indulging in a favorite pastime. ·Embrace Rest Without Shame—rest is not a luxury; it’s essential. Prioritize sleep and downtime to restore your energy. ·Explore New Passions—try a new hobby, take a class, or rediscover an old passion to bring joy and creativity into your life. ·Set clear Goals—define what you want to achieve this year—personally, professionally, and emotionally, and break those goals down into actionable steps. As we step into a new year, let’s commit to living with intention and grace. Strengthen the friendships that nourish your soul by investing time, love, and authenticity into those connections. Prioritize self-care, not as an indulgence, but as a necessity, so you can show up for others as your best self. And, remember, balance is not about doing it all—it’s about honoring what truly matters to you. By making space for what energizes and fulfills you, while letting go of what drains you, you can create a life that feels deeply gratifying and joyfully your own. Here’s to a year of meaningful connections, vibrant self-care, and a beautifully balanced life! CHEERS! Blessings Always, Deborah  |
