Well here we are, off and racing in what is proving to be yet another speedy year.
What? February already, I hear you gasp!

Yes, we are well and truly on our way to a year full of promise and new opportunities. So I thought it appropriate to provide a bit of inspiration to keep the fires of motivation burning as we embrace what the Chinese call the Year of the Red Fire Monkey.

"According to Susan Levitt, an astrologer, Feng Shui consultant and tarot card reader based in the San Francisco Bay area, 2016 is the perfect time to create change. With the Monkey's enthusiastic energy, anything can happen, plans can succeed and risks are minimal because they are rewarded." (source: http://www.ibtimes.com.au/2016-year-fire-monkey-10-things-know-1496374)

So what better time to get out there and try something NEW. Put off those feelings of uncertainty and go after your dreams - have no regrets!

Embark on a project or experience you've always dreamt of completing - you've got nothing to lose! The clip below is an excellent reminder that we really should pursue our dreams...watch it - you won't regret it.....

And if that isn't inspiring enough, perhaps these quotes will inspire you to rise up to meet your goals for 2016. Go get em....

"Stop wishing. Start doing." anon

"If opportunity doesn't knock. Build a door." Milton Berle

"In the end we only regret the chances we didn't take." anon

To some uncertainty is unsettling - to others it's an opportunity to reassess where they are in life and consider what's important.

Are we actually doing the things that make us happy? Are we spending enough time with the people we care about?

When life throws a curve ball, stop, breathe, relax and reflect. Things happen for a reason - even though we might not understand why immediately.

But giving change the space it needs in our minds will clear the path for what lies ahead.

Uncertainty is just another phase - it too will pass and something with more meaning, more purpose, more enjoyment, will present itself, probably when you least expect it.

Change is inevitable so we may as well learn to embrace it, with all its uncertainty.

Why not take the time now to consider what you would do tomorrow if things suddenly changed.

Here are a few questions to ask yourselves?

• If money were no object what would I do?
• If I could study anything, what would it be?
• When I'm 80 and I'm looking back on my life, what will really matter?
• What can I easily live without?
• What can I not live without?
• What do I love doing in my downtime?
• What do I crave more of in my life?
• What inspires and motivates me?
• What is my greatest success?
• Who do I admire?
• What makes me HAPPY?

Go on, have a go - take some time to stop, breathe, relax and reflect in preparation for the inevitable changes that will occur in your life.

Embrace them with confidence and always strive to be the best you can be!

Looking back on Anzac Day we reflect on the sacrifices made by others for our freedom.
Nothing compares to the bravery and ultimate sacrifice those people made!
And each year we rightly stand and honour their selfless commitment to liberty!

So too should we honour sacrifice in every day life...whether it is our own or that made by others!

In no way can there ever be a comparison between todays lifestyle and the atrocities experienced by the men and women of the first world war.

Yet there is still much in life that we all sacrifice at some stage or other, for the sake of those we love and the life we cherish.

Whether you are a parent, carer, employer, employee or devoted partner in a relationship, there are times when you set aside your own desires to nurture the needs of others. And this is something to be celebrated!

Take some time today to consider how you and those around you contribute to ensuring a better lifestyle for others. Celebrate the selflessness that comes from such motivation! Be grateful to those who offer their own sacrifices for your betterment and be proud of the achievements you make in regard to nurturing family and humanity.

Continuing on in the tradition of the Anzacs, stand proud and continue to fight for the freedom of all who live now and will continue to live into the future.

Honour the sacrifices made that make our lives great! We are the lucky ones!

What better way to acknowledge the actions of others than by honouring an every-day hero via the link below:
http://www.qpcu.com.au/everyday-heroes/

The dictionary definition of "sacrifice" includes:
"the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim"

Today's post is a simple jotting of pick-me-ups to raise the spirits of a dreary soul.

Because some days you just need "something"!

Many a study has been done suggesting we can improve our mood by changing tack, or simply taking a break and dedicating some well deserved time to relax doing what we enjoy.

Importantly, pick-me-ups should be things that resonate with you personally.

Here's my top 10:

• a solitary sunrise cup of tea
• a quiet moment outside soaking up nature
• a walk every day - no matter how short or long
• time with someone who really "gets me"
• a flick through a beautiful magazine
• a warm creamy coffee in a cosy "hide-away" cafe
• a rummage through an antique/vintage shop
• precious time alone to either ponder existence or "create"
• colouring in - yes you heard correctly
• a sunset wine on the patio

But wait there's more:

• a bushwalk
• watching a funny flick
• doing something I've never done before - challenging myself
• lazing in a hammock
• breakfast or a great night out with friends
• finding a bargain in an op shop
• lying on a picnic blanket in the backyard and watching the clouds drift by
• just sitting - with not a thing to do - pure blissful relaxation at it's best

For further inspiration search online. There are numerous articles offering great advice, including the following:

Today I had an epiphany!!! YES an epiphany.

A friend recently told me they needed another "Mary Blog" (yes it's been a while)!

With a new year almost upon us, many of us are taking time out to reflect on what was and what will BE in 2015.

It's a time when many will fill their heads and hearts with ideals and goals that are unachievable, unrealistic and insurmountable.

At the end of a busy year with noise and chaos all around, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish our own thoughts from the vociferous chatter and conjecture of others.

To calm and neutralise the cacophony, it helps to be mindful, not only of others but of OURSELVES. Separating ourselves from distractions, opinions, trends and gossip provides a good foundation to finding true meaning. 

So take the time to sit with yourself, be one with nature and reach into the depths of your soul. Mindfulness makes the complex seem simple, the noisy seem quiet, the confused seem clear! Wipe the slate clean, clear your mind and begin to create the future of your dreams...discover your BEST path for 2015!

When searching for my true path, I turn to some inspiring words from the The Native American Code of Ethics...

"Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you."

This might not be for everyone! 

But luckily there is an abundance of amazing self discovery resources available to all online. Below are some other precious pieces that might inspire you to find true meaning:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7474/10-ways-to-uncover-your-true-calling.htmlhttp://tinybuddha.com/blog/3-powerful-insights-about-finding-yourself-and-creating-change/http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Your-Best-Life-Is-Waiting-by-Martha-Beckhttp://theboldlife.com/2014/12/5-awesome-steps-to-chase-your-fears-and-live-your-dreams/

Here's hoping YOUR New Year brings YOU everything YOUR heart desires, including YOUR true path to betterment. Travel YOUR road with confidence!!!