Kickstart Your New Year with Healthy Habits

The start of a new year is a perfect time to refresh your routines and embrace healthy habits that set the tone for the months ahead. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve your mindset, or bring more balance into your life, small, intentional changes can make a big difference. Here are a few simple yet powerful habits to kick off your new year on a positive note:

1. Prioritize Daily Movement Movement doesn’t have to mean a rigorous gym session. A brisk walk, stretching routine, or dancing to your favorite songs can invigorate your body and mind. Consistent daily movement helps improve mood, increase energy, and support overall health.

2. Create a Morning Routine You Love How you start your day can set the tone for everything that follows. Incorporate activities that energize and inspire you—whether it’s sipping a warm cup of tea while journaling, meditating, or reading a motivational quote to spark creativity and focus.

3. Hydrate More It’s simple but often overlooked: staying hydrated is vital for your health. Invest in a water bottle you love and make it a habit to drink water throughout the day. Adding a slice of lemon or a splash of fruit can make hydration more enjoyable.

4. Embrace Mindful Moments Practicing mindfulness doesn’t require hours of meditation. Pause for a few deep breaths during stressful moments, savor your meals without distractions, or spend time observing nature to center yourself in the present.

5. Declutter Your Space A fresh start feels even better in a tidy, organized space. Take time to declutter one room or even just one drawer. Creating a peaceful, clean environment can help clear mental space and boost productivity.

6. Celebrate Small Wins Instead of focusing solely on large, long-term goals, take time to acknowledge small victories. Did you complete a challenging task? Stick to your new habit for a week? Pause to celebrate these moments—they are steps toward bigger successes.

Starting the new year with healthy, sustainable habits can help you feel more balanced, focused, and energized. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Choose one or two habits to begin with and enjoy the positive ripple effects they bring into your life!

Hope this inspires you to embrace positive changes in your life. Thanks for stopping by, and here’s to a happy, healthy new year!

Share the Happy💖

“Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle.” ~Jules Robson

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Thoughtful Thursday Balanced Living: The Fusion of Organization and Feng Shui

In our fast-paced lives, maintaining a balance between work, home, and personal well-being is crucial. One effective way to achieve this balance is by staying organized and incorporating good Feng Shui principles into your environment. Here’s how you can blend these two powerful concepts for a harmonious and productive life.

The Power of Oganization

Organization is more than just tidying up; it’s about creating systems that enhance efficiency and reduce stress. Here are a few tips to help you stay organized:

  1. Declutter Regularly: Clutter is the enemy of productivity. Make it a habit to clear out unnecessary items from your space regularly. This not only makes your environment more pleasant but also helps in maintaining focus and clarity.
  2. Use Storage Solutions: Invest in storage solutions that suit your needs. Shelves, bins, and organizers can keep everything in its place, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
  3. Prioritize Tasks: Create a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines. This helps in managing time effectively and ensures that critical tasks are completed first.
  4. Maintain a Clean Workspace: A clean workspace can significantly impact your mood and productivity. Spend a few minutes each day tidying up your desk to keep it inviting and conducive to work.

Integrating Feng Shui

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice, focuses on harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment. By integrating Feng Shui principles, you can create a space that promotes positive energy and well-being. Here’s how:

  1. Optimize Furniture Placement: Arrange your furniture to face the door but avoid placing it directly in line with entrances. This placement, known as the “command position,” allows you to see opportunities coming your way and feel more in control in any room.
  2. Incorporate Natural Elements: Bring elements of nature into your home. Plants, water features, and natural light can enhance the flow of positive energy and create a soothing atmosphere.
  3. Balance the Five Elements: Feng Shui emphasizes the balance of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Ensure your space includes a harmonious blend of these elements to promote balance and stability in every room.
  4. Use Colors Wisely: Colors have a significant impact on mood and energy. Use colors that align with the type of energy you want to cultivate in each room. For instance, blue and green can be calming in the bedroom, while red and orange can boost energy in the living room.
  5. Personalize Your Space: Surround yourself with items that bring you joy and inspiration. Personal touches like photos, artwork, and meaningful objects can enhance your connection to the space and improve overall well-being.

The Synergy of Organization and Feng Shui

When you combine organization with Feng Shui principles throughout your entire home, you create a space that not only functions efficiently but also feels harmonious and balanced. An organized home reduces stress and distractions, while good Feng Shui fosters a positive and supportive atmosphere in every room. Together, they can transform your entire living space into a sanctuary of productivity and peace.

By staying organized and incorporating Feng Shui principles throughout your home, you pave the way for a more focused, balanced, and fulfilling life. Start making small changes today and experience the profound impact on your overall well-being and productivity.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

Thoughtful Thursday Childhood Wisdom

Artwork by Maria Vidaurre

John Lennon once shared a profound childhood memory: “When I was 5 years old, my mom always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

This simple yet powerful anecdote underscores a timeless truth often lost in the hustle of modern life. As children, we inherently grasp that happiness is the ultimate goal, unclouded by societal expectations and pressures. Lennon’s mother instilled in him a wisdom that many spend a lifetime seeking—valuing happiness above all else.

When young Lennon responded with “happy” to the question of future aspirations, it highlighted a profound understanding that fulfillment isn’t about titles or achievements but about joy and contentment. His teachers’ reaction exemplifies a common misconception: equating success with external accomplishments rather than inner well-being.

Lennon’s words remind us to realign our priorities, to seek joy in our everyday lives rather than in the relentless pursuit of societal standards of success. In essence, understanding life truly means cherishing happiness as our ultimate aim.

Hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

Thoughtful Thursday Gratitude Words of Wisdom

I am passionate about self improvement and feel there is always room to grow. This is a heartfelt quote I wrote which resonates deeply with me and is displayed on my art journaling page:

“Life is precious and if you’re not careful will pass you by if you don’t stop to smell the roses.”

These words serve as a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life. Even though there may be days filled with chaos, it’s important to remember special moments, no matter how small and reflect upon them with gratitude.

As we journey through life, let’s cherish each moment and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. May we find solace and inspiration in the simple joys of everyday life.

Hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

Thoughtful Thursday Words of Wisdom

I’m an avid collector of inspiring quotes and found these beautiful words by Maya Angelou and thought I’d share them with you. They’re featured on one of my abstract watercolor paintings:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

A gentle reminder to treat others with simple gestures of kindness and touch their heart.

Hope you enjoyed this today, thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy 💖

Thoughtful Thursday Words of Wisdom

As you know I’m a collector of inspiring quotes and came across this quote by Marilyn Monroe which is featured on one of my watercolor art journaling pages. It’s a gentle reminder to be true to yourself and be uniquely you as only you can be!

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” ~Marilyn Monroe

Don’t forget there’s still time to take advantage of the Exclusive Sale going on now my Etsy Shop, just enter code MERRY25 at checkout to receive 25% Off Original Paintings and Christmas Ornaments (Sale ends 12/15 at midnight).

Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy 💖

Photo by Egor Kamelev on Pexels.com

Thoughtful Thursday Words of Wisdom

I’m a collector of inspiring quotes and came across this one which I wanted to share with you. I added it to one of my abstract paintings with bold autumn colors. It’s a motivating quote that rings so true:

“Your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way.” ~Unknown

You can set all the goals you want but if your heart’s desire isn’t in it, if you can’t envision your dream or get discouraged after a few bumps in the road you can bet your bippy, you won’t be successful at it.

Hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

Thoughtful Thursday Poem by George Cooper

I painted this Autumn abstract a while ago but thought this beautiful poem by George Cooper fit it perfectly:

“Come, little leaves” said the Wind one day, “Come to the meadows with me and play. Put on your dresses of red and gold; for summer is past, and the days grow cold.”

Hope you enjoyed this today, thanks for stopping by!

Share the Happy💖

Thoughtful Thursday Words of Wisdom by Tom Ziglar

As you may know I’m a collector of quotes. These “Words of Wisdom” have the power to lift your spirit when you need it most. I thought it would be fun to create a collection of inspiring quotes on a deck of 3.5×4.5 inch watercolor cards with art. So this is the first one in the deck by Tom Ziglar:

“Never put the key to your Happiness in somebody else’s pocket.”

These words are simple yet so true. Sometimes I think it’s just easier to put your happiness in some else’s pocket. But the truth is happiness comes from within and we all have the ability to create our own happiness. Some days can be a struggle but but it’s well worth the effort.

On days when I’m feeling off, I’ll meditate, go for a walk or create some art to get that happiness powerplant inside of me a kick start. When your day goes sideways, what do you do to create happiness?

Hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

Thoughtful Thursday The Motivation Manifesto Book Review

Have you ever been in a tough spot and found you didn’t react to the situation as your best self? You let your feelings and emotions get the better of you. I know it’s happened to me many times during my life and I’m sure you’ve had some moments too.

Learning about personal growth helps us to become a better person and teaches us not to react so harshly and negatively in certain situations. It helps us to better understand ourselves and those around us so that we may live happier and more meaningful lives.

Brendon Burchard is one of New York Times best selling authors and he’s also one of the leading Life Coach and High Performance Trainers in the industry. Brendon wrote “The Motivation Manifesto,” to help the reader with personal growth by reclaiming personal power and freedom.

This is a well written book and Brendon does an excellent job explaining the nine declarations of motivation and personal power so the reader is equipped with the knowledge needed to unleash their inner strength. In addition, he also includes strategies and exercises to help apply these principles to life. Plus Brendon gives insights from his own personal journey and from some of the greatest leaders in history.

I highly recommend Brendon Burchard’s book, “The Motivation Manifesto.” It’s a game changer!

Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy 💖