New Year, New Path

Don't you just love new beginnings? Like the beginning of a new book,

a new day, a new week...but my most favorite is a new year!

You have ALL of these possibilities laid out in front of you! There are 365 opportunities to make some really great things happen! It is a very magically time.

But then...this happens...

With the beginning of the new year, I find myself standing at the start of a new path. I'm a little nervous. Worry seeps in and brings about feelings of inadequacies. And, of course, that is when the anxiety rises. My pulse surges. Overthinking triggers doubt. Do I really even have a good plan on where I am thinking of going? Where is this little stroll taking me? What if it is too tough for me? Are those heart palpitations? Oh good grief...what was I thinking? AHHHHHHH!

Okay...wait a minute. Time to STOP...and just take a deep breath. Maybe two...or even three.

"The first step in a new direction, doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be a step."

What brought me to be standing and looking at this new journey in front of me? After my last doctor appointment, I was to increase the medicine I was taking for helping me control my sugar. I am pre-diabetic, and my family doctor is trying to be proactive with me. He has given me many chances to turn this diagnoses around on my own. But, I haven't been able to commit myself to making life long changes.

The medicine I was to increase did NOT agree with my body in the least. With an upset stomach for the next 3 out of 4 days...enough was enough!! I needed to take control of MY sugar MYself, and not count on a pill to do it for me. Hearing through friends that the nausea could go on for WEEKS before my body adjusted...well, that was NOT going to work for ME!! I stopped taking the pills.

I do take several other pills still. Six of them to be exact. Which I know could sound like a lot to some, and a drop in the bucket to others. But, to me, it is six more than I want to be taking on a daily basis. Some are trying to keep my blood pressure in check, and others are trying to help control my cholesterol. I also take one to keep migraines at bay. All of these things, I *KNOW* my body could be in charge of fixing & maintaining...if I would be willing to put in the work.

I want to mention here that I don’t think “being healthy” stops at just eating right & moving more. I believe it needs to be able to be implemented in all aspects of your life. Everything is connected. The stress you feel when you are paying bills impacts your physical health. Building strong bonds with your loved ones directly affects your heart health. Finding beauty & happiness in the little things of each and every day can bring about good soul health. Taking the time to breathe, time to do things you enjoy can provide good mental health.

I have my list of things I would like to work on...either cut out or add more of...into my year ahead.

*Beginning an exercise routine that I don’t hate!!

*More breathing & meditation in my day.

*Bring intentional gratitude to everything I do.

*Spend less, save more!!

*Deeper & more soulful connections with my Husband.

*Building unbreakable bonds with my children.

*Taking time to be with those I hold most dear to my heart.

*Diving into learning more about minimalism & how I can make it fit into my life.

*Becoming a successful blogger!!

I’m sure I will be adding to this list as the year progresses!! Do you have a list as well? Tell me about it in the comments section below!

It is time. Time to take a very deep & cleansing breath. Let go of all past failures...all doubts. Clear the slate. All that matters in this very moment is the journey in front of me. There will be much to see, to experience, and to learn along the way. And, of course, I would love some company, too, if you'd like to follow along! Maybe you are starting your own path to bigger, better, & greater things! I would love to travel with you!

Here is to our FIRST STEPS to get us moving...and for us to KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

Light, Love, & Harmony

Jenn <3