Inspiration for living a luxuriously and balanced life

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Going Solo This New Year? - Things to Do


The calendar will be turning to 2018 in just a couple of days ~ if you are going it solo, look at it as an opportunity to pamper yourself, explore new things and step outside of your comfort zone. There are plenty of things to do in Toronto (or in your city - check your city's website) when going New Year's Eve solo. Here are some suggestions for celebrating whether you choose to stay in or venture outside your door. 

Go Downtown:
The perks of living in a city like Toronto is that there is an array of things to do for any occasion. Use the transit system to get around - in Toronto the subway is complimentary starting 7 pm on December 31 until 4 am on January 1. If you don't live in a big city, consider checking yourself into a hotel downtown and celebrate to your hearts desire.

Check out:  Single in the City's one-of-a-kind Thai themed New Year's Party 
                   King Street Club Crawl - Why ring in the New Year at 1 club - when you can do 4 
                   Toronto's Largest Singles NYE Party at Rosewater - presented by Match.com
                   Nathan Phillips Square NYE Party (outdoors)

Make it an Impromptu NYE:

Host a Pot Luck:  We all know people who are going solo or couples that wait to the last minute to 
                             decide on what to do. Why not give them a call and suggest an impromptu Pot
                             Luck gathering. With all the to-go-meal options available at grocery stores these
                             days, no one has to cook - and a quick stop at the Dollar Store will provide some 
                             NYE trinkets.

Head for the Airport: On New Years Eve morning score a last minute ticket to somewhere you have
                                   been wanting to go (preferably a  hot spot) or let faith decide, go to the 
                                   airport and get on the next plane heading out. Think of the adventure!! Don't 
                                   forget your passport!

Consider it a Gift of Free Time:
Look at this as an opportunity to catch up on things you have been neglecting. Maybe reading, catching up on a project, watch your favourite movie, write a letter to a friend, do some decluttering, plan the year ahead! ~ look at as as just another day.

Pamper Yourself!
Whether you start NYE day with a trip to the spa or a massage, use this time to focus on you! Say good-bye to 2017 by cooking yourself an indulgent meal or ordering from your favourite restaurant. Get some bubbly (or if you are like me there is already a bottle chilling in the fridge); put on some soft music, light some candles, enjoy a luxurious bath , slip on your pjs and curl up on the sofa with a good book, watch movies. Watch the ball drop in NYC,  or fireworks from Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square, or Niagara Falls at midnight from the warmth and comfort of your sofa. Start the New Year taking care of you!!

Share in the comments how you are celebrating the arrival of 2018?

Happy New Year Lovelies,

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Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Most Important Thing I Learned in 2017: and 17 Other Things

The last six months of 2017 have been the most challenging of my life so far, and if you have been a long time reader of this blog - you would think, like I did, that nothing would top surviving what should have been a fatal pedestrian/car accident; or the death of a soul friend. When my life did a 180-degree turn in July, it numbed everything within me, even breathing seemed impossible. Surprisingly my body managed to carry on the motions of  day-to-day life. For weeks I kept reliving that moment, when my whole world collapsed beneath my feet, not able to process the pain, hurt, betrayal. It felt like a cloak of darkness pushing me down to the deep bowels of mother earth, where I would be buried, discarded and forgotten - like the plans that had been made at the beginning of  the year. 

I always say it is not what happens to us that defines us - It's whether we choose to let it keep us down or use it to spring board us towards the path we are meant to be on. I'll be honest lovelies, it was a lot of hard work to get to that point this go-round but, with the support, patience and caring from long time and new friends, along with lots of journaling, reflecting, self care, and yes copious amounts of bubbly may have been involved, at times. Here are 17 things and the most important thing I learned, which helped get me through to the end of 2017 in one piece. 

17. Love is not always enough.

16. Furbabies are affected by life changes as much as their human(s).

15. Sometimes you will never get the answers or know why; have faith the universe has your back.

14. Your thoughts really do create your reality. Think positive.

13. When you think you can't go on, Meditate, you will discover you can.

12. Your tribe of women friends will appear when you need them most. You know who you are!

11. Letting go is crucial to moving forward.

10. Another's actions are a reflection of  who they are, not you.
   
  9. If your libido goes dormant - don't assume you know why - get your hormones checked!

   8. Every Life Chapter comes with an ending, and not all characters will make it to the next.

   7. Your environment directly affects your productivity and state of mind.

   6. Some friends truly are extended family. 

   5. You become the average of the people you surround yourself with. Choose carefully!

   4. Time is the best healer.

   3. Have no regrets, each experience teaches you something. Learn the lesson.

   2. There is such a thing, as a hurt so great - that you literally can't breath when it hits you. 

   1. The importance of taking a solo break - to re-connect with yourself mind, body and spirit.
         
The most important thing I learned in 2017: It's not whether the glass is full or empty... it's that the glass is refillable! Sometimes, the best thing that happens is when the glass falls over, and it's contents are entirely spilled. Pick it up, rinse it out and REFILL IT with the best things in life.
Heidi Allen - Founder The Positive People Army

I had this AHA moment after listening to Heidi share it in a video, earlier this year. She mentioned it again in the above video. Lovelies this was truly a game changer for me. There will be times in life when no matter how positive, forgiving, understanding or optimistic you are (try to be), the best thing you can do is empty the glass, because it can be refilled - with confidence, self growth, self love, and everything you need to live the life you want to be living! AND with a POSITIVITY great than anything you could have imaged.

Learn more about the Positive People Army HERE and discover more inspirational videos by Heidi HERE.

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