Is your inbox and social media flooded with “must-do now” lists advising you how to be lighter, healthier, happier, and more successful for a good start to the new year? If all of these lists worked, why are we here again making big promises to ourselves? In this world we share, full of real life horrors, is this the way forward? I continue to struggle with how to be an active citizen these days when nothing seems effective or "enough" to make a difference or offer a solution.  

This email has no answers ... but perhaps a little sprinkle of magic for us to move forward. 

THIS is the magic:
There are NO magic bullets.
There is NO one right way.
There is YOUR way.
There is NO room for hate. 
There IS better, opportunity, possibility, and potential.

And, if the "only" thing you plan to do for yourself as we slide into a new calendar year is to show up authentically with kindness, that's brilliant. If you're looking for "more", then feel free to consider these life-altering "habits" that can feel like magic:

Learn how to SAY YES to things that fuel you.
(which automatically will make saying no to things that deplete you easier)
What practices/activities/people have the most positive impact on your daily life? Choose to prioritize them. What sources cause most of the stress and friction in your life? Choose to remove them.

Let go of the need to be liked by everyone.
I’m not for everyone and that’s ok.
Walking away and outgrowing people and situations is not easy. It’s important, but, so often, we don’t discuss/acknowledge the grief associated with the letting go. This process is absolutely necessary to honour who you are becoming/want to become. Your peace of mind is dependent on letting go of the idea that another’s actions are a reflection of your value.
Who are the people that have the most positive impact on your life? Choose to spend more time with them.

Care without carrying. 
I spent a lifetime (at least one) creating and holding space for others that took advantage. I own attracting that now! I believed that being generous and unconditional was a way forward. I mean ... I still believe this AND that it has to be with the "RIGHT" people who also show up (for themselves and others). Reciprocity wins. Give and take go together for a reason. I used to carry the weight of the world ... some of it was mine and a lot of it was my attempt to help others. I wanted to save people … time, money, from themselves … I wanted to support others the way I had craved support myself. I was robbing them of their own journey and it was affecting ALL dimensions of my own wellness. Thanks to many huge life lessons, I care, I carry compassion AND I will no longer carry what isn’t mine. I hope you will join me on this journey. 

Prioritize the people that prioritize you. 

Observe without absorbing.
The technique was influenced by a saying from George Bernard Shaw who said, “Never wrestle with a pig, you get dirty, and besides, the pigs like it.” This  can transform ordinary moments into opportunities for enlightenment. Who doesn't need a little more of that?! Amidst the chaos, the emotions, opinions, and judgments, you have the ability to filter out the noise to grasp the essence of what truly matters (and what might be toxic). In a world where everyone has something to say, where humans can be influenced or manipulative, where emotions can run wild, and judgments can cloud our minds, mastering this is an art and a life strategy … it’s about our nervous system and can offer us all a shield against the overwhelm of external influences. And, this practice is not about avoiding the complexities and challenges of life; it’s about navigating them with insight and grace.

Replace doom-scrolling with micro-learning.
If you’re going to scroll, make it worth it - let it fuel you, not deplete you! The internet can be a cesspool of hatred, propaganda, and fake crap or it can be interesting, nourishing, and constructive. Your choice. What are the few information sources you learn the most from? Focus on these. Want resources and suggestions? I am here for you. The people and practices that I share in The Wellness Intelligence Collective (TWIC) are fast and impactful … whether you want to eat better, shop for the “best stuff”, move more, heal, prevent, learn to breathe better, laugh more, practice real self-care that doesn’t cost money, cultivate a little more inner peace, and find likeminded friends and community, this is a good place to spend a little time online!

Reflect on what you've done well.
How much time do you spend being hard on yourself? What does this serve?
You can be accountable and reflective without being hurtful to yourself. Be kinder. It's a shit show "out there". Even acknowledging that you can improve is improvement!

Embody Peace.
If you want peace, if you post about peace, and if you pray for peace, don't participate in division and instead embody peace. 

If you are planning to make changes ahead, one of the most significant factors in finding success and ease will be your mindset. Instead of dreading what you want to “give up” or how challenging implementing the above (or your own ideas) might be, embrace it … lean in … all in. Committing to better isn’t a punishment, it’s an exciting opportunity.

Here's to showing up for ourselves and each other. 
Here's to right now. 
Here's to tomorrow.

Better together. 
LB

P.S. A friendly reminder to check in on the people around you ... things are "bumpy" in this world we share. 

BORDEN COMMUNICATIONS
Better Business + Wellness Intelligence

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