Happy New Years! How to have "a good, good Twenty-Twelve"

It is the last day of 2011... so really, how was it for you?  We are so grateful for each of our fantastic Brides & Grooms, Clients, Colleagues, Friends, Fans and Followers.  I can't express what an honor it's been to share our work, accomplishments, thoughts, and creative spirit with you throughout the year.  


Of course it hasn't always been perfect... then again, that's the excitement and challenge of an intriguing life.  Every year has it's share of disappointments and loss but it also has opportunities, success, blessings, and oh so much to be thankful for especially if you really take the time to look and realize that no mater who you are there is always someone who will look at you and admire what you have.  We often look at what others have, what we desire, and take for granted the things that mean so much to us.  Sure, I'd love to have multi-million (or billion) dollar Clients calling all the time but I know I help to bring beauty, joy, wonder, fulfillment, magic, and highlight the most remarkable times in my Client's lives.  I take tremendous pride in our hard work and (not to sound immodest) do it stunningly well.


With that said it's time for our yearly list exercise.  Take out your notebooks (the paper kind) or some sheet of paper... yes, paper!  These exercises work best when written by hand.  Now, prepare yourself for a wonderful New Year by following these 5 steps:


1. Make your "Release List": 

This is a list of things you will NOT carry with you in the new year.  That baggage that has brought you loss, disappointment, and pain.  These are things you truly have (had) no control over and can not change.  Sure you may learn lessons from them; a mistake, bad decision, bad relationship, missed opportunity, etc.  Sit down and write a list of each thing that is weighing on you from this past year (and beyond) and be honest.  Even the things you say are "no big deal" but you feel guilt, fear, insecurity, hurt, or loss from. This pain has served it's purpose, take what ever lesson you can learn or good from the loss and become stronger from it but do not let it define who you are, who you can be, and your future.

2. Make your "Gratitude List": 

This is the one that people should do but take for granted.  Set aside a good chunk of time to sit down and write a "Gratitude List".  Sometimes when people think of what they lost, what they don't or didn't have and all the "coulda, shouldas" of life they really become blind to what they do have.  For everyone who said, "Oh I wish I could have those cute new shoes" there is someone who is saying, "I wish I could afford new shoes", and someone else saying, "I wish I had shoes" and even someone with blisters on their feet or even lost their feel and legs.  Gratitude Lists are easy, take a least 2 to 3 sheets of paper and begin to write what you are thankful for but start simple, really simple and begin to list everything you are thankful to have and can do because of the life you have right now.  "I'm thankful I can breath under my own power". "I'm thankful I have a warm bed to sleep in".  "I'm thankful I can stand and feel the grass under my feet," (I learned that one when I broke both my ankles in an accident a few years ago).  "I'm thankful..." and so on. Move on to your true friends and loved ones, movie night with your sweetheart, time with Grandparents, and maybe those things like a job, insurance, car (although they may not be the latest and greatest) that are yours.  Soon you realized just how blessed you are.  

3. Make your "Decision List":

Ok, slight change.  Instead of Resolutions lets calls these Decisions...a "Decision" is just more empowering.      Besides, it's that what you are doing?  Resolutions also seem to focus on the end result - "loose weight, get a new house, take a trip to..." and so on.  Ok, but how are you going to do it?  Decisions focus on the tasks and steps you'll take to make to enhance your life and do the things you want to do.  Don't just make a Resolution to loose 30 lbs, Decide to cut out Fast Foods and cook more at home at least 5-6 days a week.  Decide to go for a walk with your friends (or even spend some peaceful "me time" walking) every morning.  Decide to skip that $8 Coffee Shop Latte & Muffin each day during the week and make your own for $8 a week (by the way that's $32 per week, $128 per month - savings you over $1,500 a year) for that cruse you want to take.  You have the ability to make these things happen, you just have to choose to do them.  The key is to keep them simple and inline with what you'd like to accomplish.  

4. Make your "Week One To Do" List:

This is just a way to get the ball rolling!  If you're not in the habit of writing and checking off "To Do" lists I highly recommend them.  It's certainly something you don't have to do all the time but for many professionals in a number of industry (events included) having a "To Do" list is vital to getting things done.  On another piece of paper (yes, another I'll share why a little later) write down the things you've "decided" to do this year.  Then select one of those goals you'd like to accomplish and make it the one for this week (or even this month) and create a detailed lists of tasks you will have to do to make it happen.  Research and reading, phone calls, shopping list, appointments... what ever you need to do put it on your "To Do" list. 

5. Send them on their way:This is my favorite part!  Unless it's actually being used on a daily basis lists and letters mean nothing and that is what most New Years Resolutions do... sit on a desk or posted on a refrigerator doing nothing.  They turn into just a sign laying away and soon you pay as much attention to it as picture on a wall... a little entertaining but easily missed.  So here's what you should do with each of these list:

• Release List - Burn it!  Don't just throw it way or shred it but in a safe manner burn it.  There's something catharsis about watching that negativity and baggage go up in embers and smoke. 
• Gratitude & Decision List - Mail it!  Please both lists into envelopes, stamp, and mail them to yourself.  When you receive it the next day put it up somewhere safe.  In about 3 to 6 months (when you need a little reminder, encouragement or a push) you'll open, read and revisit why you are grateful and what you're goals are.
• You will keep the "2nd Decisions & To Do" List because you should be interacting with it (checking off items) on a daily (or weekly) basis.

Well, that's it!  I wish you all the hope, joy and happiness your heart desires in 2012.  I'm excited about all the wonder it will bring and know fantastic things await us all.  Yes, indeed... 


"I've gotta feel'n (wooo hooo), that twenty-twelves gonna be a good year...  twenty-twelves gonna be a good year...  twenty-twelves gonna be a good, good year."


Blessed wishes and cheers!!


Janel & Vivid Expressions