Ringing in a Positive, Happy, and Healthy New Year with a Little Help from My Cats

NewYear1For the past couple of years I’ve started New Year’s off by sharing some quotes that feel particularly relevant to where I am at my life and where I’d like to be moving forward. They’re not meant to be resolutions per se, but rather a roadmap to help guide my inner self down a road of personal growth, peace, and happiness (please click any of the images to enlarge). This year is no different and I found the overwhelming theme to what I want is to rid myself of as much as possible is negativity.

Whether it’s from people around me or the world at large as I see it on the television or social venues, negative energy can hit you with rapid fire succession on a daily basis and unless you can diffuse it, it can be toxic to the soul and counterproductive to a happy and fulfilling life.

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I’m certainly practical enough to know that an inspirational quote or two (or nine as in the case of today’s post) is not the magic button to making it all go away, and I’m also practical enough to know that you just can’t eliminate certain people or the world out of your life if they bring you down. But negativity can be managed. Walk away. Change the channel. Shut it off and remain true to the good that is in yourself. Set the bar for optimism – you’d be surprised just how contagious the power of positive energy is to those around you.

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As always, these are the lessons I’ve learned through the example of my wise cats. If something adversely bothers them, they typically react in two possible ways: One – a quick fight that is resolved nearly seconds later as witnessed in a shared catnap. In other words, don’t harbor the negative energy – redirect it to something positive and move on.

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Or two – by deciding if it’s worth exerting the energy for a battle or if it’s just better to let it go and seek high ground rather than get involved in a negative altercation that will only serve to bring you down. If it’s worth the battle, their claws will come out full force to defend what they feel is unjust.

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I think this past year more so than ever, just like a mother cat protecting her babies, I have gone to battle for what I believe in. And moving forward, I will continue protecting what I believe in rather than letting circumstances dictate me like I might have years ago. The other stuff – very rarely do I let it get to me. Life is just too short to carry grudges, anger, or resentments that do nothing to enhance the quality of my life.

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Perspective. That’s always the key. Looking at life half-full, rather than half-empty. Looking for solutions to problems, rather than complaining about what is wrong. If it’s broke, go ahead and try to fix it. So that’s my goal for this year – to just try and be a stronger and mentally happier person. I have a few good things in store that I will share in the weeks to come and as always, I have you, my friends and family, my beautiful cats, and the freedom to be the very best me I chose to be.

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Happy New Year to you all – if nothing else be kind. Be kind to yourself and be kind to others. That simple mindset alone can change the world. Have a great day everyone and if you feel like sharing, let me know in the comments what kinds of dreams, goals, resolutions, or visions you have for 2016.

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  1. Amanda says:

    That first quote is my favorite! I absolutely love them all, and I love that you are spreading the positivity and inspiration!

    • Deb says:

      I love the first quote too, Amanda. So many people would rather complain about something than be a part of the solution. If you don’t want to be a part of the solution, then at the very least, stop spreading negative energy complaining about it!!

  2. Such good thoughts, mom believes in staying away from negative people, that’s a must. Love the photos too. Love Dolly

  3. Love the quotes and photographs! May you have a safe, healthy, and happy 2016

  4. Suzanne Dean says:

    Thanks for sharing such beautiful messages. I love the quotes and pictures. I recently began a similar journey myself. By doing just one simple thing every morning when I wake up. Say “thank you”. It starts your day with a smile and things just seem to go better, and even when they don’t go quite so well, I find myself being able to laugh at a situation. You have some great inspirational messages here. Thanks your sharing!

  5. Ryan says:

    Great quotes! I have a folder that I collect good quotes in. These are being added. 🙂

  6. Those are all wonderful quotes!

  7. Rachel says:

    I really like the quotes about optimism. I truly think it can change everything about your day!

  8. Lindsay says:

    Happy new year! I love your philosophy, and your photos are really beautiful.