As the New Year awakens and the summer months blossom; growth, happiness and fortune are within our focus. If 2016 didn’t present to you all the glories and opportunities you desired, be mindful that life could have other, greater plans for you and is steering you in that direction. You can choose to react either favourably or negatively towards your current and future pathways.
As someone who has not always had an easy path (I lost my mother to a very tragic and sudden death when I was 16 years old), today I remind myself: “the future is NOT my past.” This has become increasingly important as I adopt a new and permanent role of becoming a mother to my own daughter in 2017.
So how can you ensure you start the New Year shining and embracing a wonderful summer?
1. Reach out and connect with others.
Connect and engage with friends, family and loved ones this summer. Write a list of all the wonderful people in your life that you’ve been meaning to catch up with all year round and it hasn’t eventuated. Make it happen! Say ‘yes’ to the party, the beach day, afternoon tea, visit your grandparents, and allow yourself to cultivate community, support and love in your life.
2. Enjoy “cooling” foods when the weather heats up.
As we enter the warmer months, cooling and fresh foods are incredibly rewarding. Nourish your body with colourful salads and enjoy a refreshing smoothie. Get creative. I love adding seasonal fruit to salads. Try mango, grapes, nectarines, and even apple!
3. Create space for creativity.
Summer is a great time to reflect and focus on changes in your life, on growth, joy and personal awareness. Create space for creativity to flow in 2016. For me, simplicity and creativity go hand-in-hand. Like having a blank canvas full of possibilities. Don’t wait for spring to de-clutter – whether de-cluttering means physically or emotionally or both. Sometimes an emotional cleanse is actually what we need. Find a great psychologist, life coach, virtual assistant or mentor, whatever you need to reach new leaps and bounds in 2016.
4. Enjoy alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals sparingly.
As tempting as it can be to drink one too many alcoholic beverages this season, alcohol and caffeine are “hot-natured” substances. Ever felt that hot flush in your checks after a few alcoholic beverages? Also avoid heavy meals and go easy on the fried or greasy delights as these can make you feel sluggish. Opt for a lighter meal in the evening rich in vegetables and lean-meat. You should feel comfortable enough at the end of the meal to go for a short walk and enjoy the daylight savings.
5. Take time out for yourself.
“You-time” is as equally important as time spent with others. Taking time out to give back to yourself is one of the most effective and empowering ways to provide yourself with energy. It also presents a space, without distractions, to reflect and think about your true desires and strategies for reaching them in 2017.
Thank you all for your wonderful support this year. I wish you the greatest health and happiness in the New Year and look forward to bringing you more inspiration and insight into the world where science meets intuitive wellness.
