Remembering where I was just a short year ago, it is hard to believe how far I have come, but I know how I got here. 2014 was hard, emotionally and physically for me {more on that here}, but when 2015 started, I was determined to turn that all around with the power of positive thinking. Sure, you may think that’s cheesy, but I was able to accomplish so much with something as simple as changing my mindset.

I’ve been following the really amazing and positive-thinking blogger, Gala Darling, for years now. She preaches about how you should love yourself and ways to make your life one you are proud of. One thing in particular that resonated with me was setting intentions for the new year (and throughout the year too), writing them down and meditating on them (with or without sage burning, tarot & crystals if that’s not your thing). I did just that one cool morning in January and also paired it with writing a list of toxic people/feelings/situations that I wanted to rid myself of for the upcoming year. I took this list and burned it. I can’t tell you how therapeutic and cathartic it was to watch all those people and things that cause me anxiety and negativity burn up until they were no more (full guide here).

For the rest of the year, I focused on these goals hard, and made myself and my happiness a priority. I got pregnant & had a beautiful daughter, I was asked to join the Fashionably Nerdy team, I won a Geekie Award, I was asked to write an ongoing column for an online publication, I became a chapter officer for Geek Girl Brunch South Florida. But more importantly, I was happy and I truly believe having that positive mindset helped me achieve all those things (with a bunch of drive and hard work, of course).

So if you feel yourself going down a negative path, or are unhappy with how things unraveled, write down how you would like things to change in the new year and participate in this little ritual. It can be so powerful! I know I can’t wait to go shopping for my supplies for my own (yes, more goals for me – bigger & better!!!!).

I’m aware that this post was a little different from the usual, but I’ve noticed a lot of friends are down in the dumps this holiday season. I thought maybe this simple little activity could spark some positivity, anticipation and love for the year to come!