Ringing in a Positive, Happy, and Healthy New Year with a Little Help from My Cats
For 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wonderful advice Deb and quotes…just purrfect!
What I hope for in 2016 is more balance. As a result, I am making a concerted effort to blog LESS. On both blogs. There are some things I may do volunteer-wise (not involving animals, but children)…….and my artwork…….I might begin this week looking for a part-time job.
I lost far too much of my life and myself in 2015 and in 2016 I hope to spend much LESS time on the computer and more time out in the “real” world!
Happy Happy New Year! Love from all of us!
I can sure hear you THERE! Someone once said: “Blogging is a full time job!”
I love your approach Caren and totally agree! Time for balance and more “real world!” Ironically, writing is my true love, but I have found of late that I have less and less time to do it. I need to get back on track and some of that will involve less blogging on my part as well. Blogging is writing, yes, but in my case, I want to focus more on some book ideas I have.
Happy New Year to you, Lenny, Cody, and Dakota!
Great quotes and photos! Happy and healthy 2016!
Thanks Ellen!! Happy New Year!
I always love your photo quotes. Wise words to inspire us in the year ahead. Wishing much peace, love, success and good health to you Dan and the kitty crew.
Thank you Layla – I hope 2016 will be a year of kindness for you and yours…
We love your photos (always!), and those quotes are so positively inspirational! Thank you for them, and thank you for being our friends. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much meowmeowmans!! We are so grateful for your friendship as well!!
Such a beautiful message to start the new year, and so beautifully written. My intentions for the new year are to find balance and to take care of myself emotionally, physically and spiritually. I’m looking at 2016 as my “due season” and am looking forward to all of the blessings the universe has in store for me. I’m starting my day with a quote from one of my favorite people. Louise Hay: “I am open and receptive to all of the goodness and abundance the universe has to offer. Thank you, life.” Wishing you, Dan and the kitties the best year ever. May 2016 be your due season.
What a lovely quote Lola The Rescued Cat. We love your intentions and just know good things are in store for you. Blessings to you and yours.
Oh I love this post! When in doubt take the high road – I’m taking that one with me. I love your photos!!!!!
Yes indeed Lisa… often easier said than done, but I love that quote too!
Hi guys, I so love this post with the kitties, the captions and the beautiful thoughts! Especially love the first two where they are clearing the air by fighting and then catnapping together! Kindness wins! Kindnesss and Cats!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Peaches and Paprika! I love the picture of Kizmet and Jazmine too!
Great message for what we hope will be a great new year!
Have a super Sunday…
Noodle and crew
Thank you Noodle and crew – here’s to hoping for a great New Year!
happee 2016 guys N heerz two a flounder in everee fryin pan anda
perch in everee pot !! ♥♥♥
Thank you tabbies!! Same to you and yours!
Wonderful photos, quotes and inspiration for the New Year.
Happy New Year
Thank you Kelly!
Yup, all that stuff you mentioned is great. Peeps can learn tonnes of stuff from cats, for sure. Smacky paws? More peeps should do it. More smacky paws and shared naps would solve a few problems in this here world.
Purrs,
Seville
Hmmm, yes, Seville. When all else fails, smacky paws for sure!
I am a certified quote-aholic so this was a wonderful post. ☺ This is the year that I quit trying to please everyone. There are some people that will never like me so I am going to accept that fact and move on with life. It could be an age thing! LOL!
Sounds like a great plan, M.K. and I’m a quote-aholic too!
Great photos and quotes. Happy New Year!
Thank you Carleen!
Lovely photos and quotes for the New Year! Happy 2016!
Glad you enjoyed them Tenacious Little Terrier!
Deb, these are fabulous and I couldn’t agree with you more! You and your kitties are pure blessings!
Thank you MattieDog!! I appreciate it.
Those are great quotes for the new year! I tend to collect quotes that motivate me too. You’re right – they don’t fix any problems, but they can help you to change your perspective so you can make the changes. Kitties are very motivating too. Your cats are so gorgeous! I hope your new year is the best! 🙂
Yes Robin – you are right – perspective is the key.
These are wonderful quotes and a timely reminder about what’s really important. Wishing you every success and happiness in 2016. xx
Thank you Pawesome Cats – I wish all the best to you and yours as well.
Agreed! When in doubt – take the high road!
Yes! That’s why we have so many high places in our house, Christine!
It really is amazing how infectious positive energy is. The same can be said for negative energy. I’d like to surround myself with people who have less drama and complaints. As you know, I’ve recently gone through a situation that is probably going to do just that – and I’ve already looked to what seems to be a more positive place to devote my time and talents. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the year. I hope you have a most wonderful year, Deb. You certainly deserve it, and I’m blessed to call you my friend. <3
Yes, I know what you mean Fur Everywhere. I am not a big fan of drama, complaints, petty politics, etc. I am glad you are on the way to resolving your situation and heading down a more positive road. You deserve the happiness and I wish you all the best for this New Year!
Love these inspirational quotes. It is not easy to walk away from negativity but certainly the best idea. Keep positive. Happy 2016.
Talent Hounds – sometimes it’s nearly impossible to walk away, so you just have to do your best to try to reduce the negative energy as best as possible.