Holiday Hangover

 I was recently speaking with a friend about getting back into the routine of things since the holidays.  I can't take credit for "Holiday Hangover", but I nodded my head and said, "That's exactly what it is."

If you are like me, you love the holidays.  It's magical, exciting, full of adventure and the unknown.  Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas.  Next thing you know, you're eating black eyed peas for luck and greens for prosperity.  If you're from Georgia, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  

So how do we create a "magical, exciting, full of adventure and the unknown", to use my own words, to shake off the Holiday Hangover and propel you into the new year?

1.  Verbally express your gratitude for what came before, whether good, bad or indifferent.  Granted, it's easy to be thankful for what you recognize as blessing in your life.  It's more difficult to believe that there may be anything positive in what you see has negative.  Maybe you can, if you try.

2.  Take some time and think about what you really want to see materialize in your life in 2024.  You'll need some alone time for this, but it's important that you know exactly what you want.  Declare it.  Write it down.  Find pictures and make a vision board.

3.  This is really important if you expect #2 to come to fruition.  Visualize everything.  Don't stop there.  See everything in motion.  Not static.  See it as a moving picture.  Create in your mind's eye what you want your life to be like.  For example, if you want a convertible, see and feel yourself behind the wheel, top down, and screaming, "Wooo hooo" as you speed down the road.

4.  Now.  Follow #3 up with EXPECTATION.  Expect that you will receive it.  If you think back on your life and remember any accomplishments you have made, you expected to receive it.  You know it's true.

5.  Live your life as if you already have it.  See yourself being that person, driving that car, travelling around the world, having dinner with friends.  No matter what "it" is, see yourself as that person.

6.  Be thankful and verbally give your gratitude for what you are receiving.

One other thing I would add.  Eliminate negative connotations altogether from your speech and thought process.  This is crucial.  What you verbalize will materialize.  It's true.

7.  Enough about you.  Champion other people.  See their beauty.  Express the good and positive things you see in them.  Everyone needs encouragement.  Be that person for someone else.

Whether you've done so already, pop open a bottle of Champagne and celebrate!  You are off to a great year!  I'm proud of you!