Happy New Year! What new experiences do you want to have in 2010?

Today is not only the start of a new year but also a new decade and one that fell on a full blue moon eclipse, so it seems like a particularly powerful and auspicious time to think about the life you want to create in the next one to 10 years.  One of the best ways to do this is by listing your goals – the one’s closest to your heart so I’ve provided some tips to help you do just that:

Goals work best when they are SMART.

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. You won’t be able to chart your achievement if your goal is too vague, too big for you to believe is possible, or has no timeline attached to it. For more information on setting SMART goals visit the online goal setting guide.

Goals can be more tangible when they are made visible.

Many people are visual learners and it is known that the most predominant sense used by humans is the sense of sight. It follows that when setting goals it can help to provide a visual representation of what you are hoping to accomplish. One very effective way is by creating a vision board, whereby you take cuttings from magazines, postcards, and other visual print, that correspond with specific goals you have (like a picture of a light airy kitchen that looks like the one you want to create in your renovation, or a picture of a person painting if you hope to take up the art). Visit selfgrowth.com for more information.

Goals and affirmations work hand in hand.

Affirmations are proven to assist in bringing about change when used consistently and with conviction. As you create your list of goals consider creating corresponding affirmations that you can say to yourself to help you move towards them as the year progresses. Or try creating a more general affirmation that can encompass several goals into one. In the case of the person with the vision board above they might say “I appreciate and love myself, my surrounding environment and my loved ones. I let my creativity shine. I love my life.” Whatever you decide on, repeat it to yourself daily at a prescribed time and anytime anxieties and doubts overshadow your belief momentarily.

Wishing you a healthy, joyous and prosperous 2010!

Jenica

My intention for this blog is for it to be a source of information and inspiration, so check back often for a dose of good energy and food for thought.  We’ll cover topics including but not limited to yoga, meditation, flower essences, reiki, spirituality, seasonal cycles, holistic health for people and animals, supplements, healthy eating, recipes and cooking, nature, gardening, conservation and more. If you’d like to be reminded when I post a blog, just subscribe in the upper right hand corner.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Summer Solstice.  The longest day of the year is an opportunity to give thanks to the Sun and all the warmth and sustenance it provides us with.

I also want to wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day and to thank fathers everywhere for the role they have in our lives.

Today is a fitting day for celebration in many ways.  As you enjoy family, friends, food, fun, music, nature, or any combination of these, think of the joy these simple pleasures give you.

The power of joy and gratitude is immense; powerful enough to move mountains (and create balance).  So enjoy your day to the fullest!