7 Ways to Own the New Year

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As we welcome the new year and new energies, we have a beautiful opportunity to reflect on all the soul growth and life mastery we have accomplished up to this point in our lives.  While some would say there is still much to master, I invite you to see things as they are, even amidst chaos and uncertainty, and start to look for the new.  New possibilities, a new angle, a new perspective, even a new version of you. 
 
A few years ago, I sat with the new year energies and connected deep into my heart and began to look at everything I desired to bring into my world.  Instead of looking at resolutions, I began to look at magical possibilities.  What would I like to have in every area of my life and what are the inspired action steps to get there?
 
What are your heart’s desires?  What are your passions, your fantasies?  Those are the essence of who you really are and when you connect with them, and begin to invite them into your world, the Universe will meet you each and every time.
 
7 Ways to Own the New year  
 
1.  Celebrate you
 
We often look for the struggle, the pain or the disappointment, instead of celebrating that we showed up in the first place.  Look for ways to celebrate who you are, in this moment, perfectly imperfect.  Instead of looking for what is right, skinny enough or acceptable, look at what makes you uniquely you.  That’s where the magic is and that’s what the world is waiting for.   
 
When you celebrate you, your energy field changes and then the world around you begins to change.  Knowing you are enough.  Always.
 
2.  Go after your passions

A wonderful teacher of mine once said, “If it doesn’t light you up - let it go.”  She was so right.  Yes, of course there are tasks that must be completed but what I’m asking you to ponder are those things that you’ve kept that are no longer in alignment with who you are.  They may be worn out beliefs, limitations, relationships, those bird statues that your mother gave you, ideas, stuff or anything else I haven’t mentioned.  When you get clear about what no longer serves you, you’ll make more room for your passions.
 
Does the idea of picking up a paint brush fill you with joy?  Do you dream of designing your own garden or line of furniture?  Are there places in the world you just know will be in your travel plans at some point? 

Not sure what your passions are?  Begin asking the Universe every day to show you what you’re passionate about and then watch for signs, synchronicities and magic.   
 
3.  Ask for what you desire. 
 
There are stirrings in your soul and when you begin to honour them and look for ways to embrace and unleash them, you must include asking in your magic.  Asking others, asking the Universe, asking YOU.  You cannot ask too much and only in asking can you keep an ongoing dialog with your guides, masters, angels and your inner knowing. 
 
Contrary to popular belief, other people are not always rooting for us, looking for ways to make our lives easier or asking us what we need.  That’s our job.  What do you desire?  Now, go ask for it and keeping looking for the possibilities.  
 
4.  Grab the learning and move on
 
Wayne Dyer used to say, “You didn’t fail, you just have a result.”  When we begin to see life from this perspective, we can look at what we learned or gained and then let it go and make another choice.  Life is all about choices.  Choosing to make that call, eat more vegetables, nourish our spirit OR sitting by the phone waiting for it to ring, choosing pizza for the 4th night this week or ignoring our spirit altogether. 

If your choice didn’t bring you the intended result you wanted, look for what worked and move on instead of marinating in what didn’t work or distracting yourself in all the ways it went sideways.  Learn to gather up what was a win and go back to the drawing board with a revised plan.   
 
5.  Nourish your body, mind and spirit
 
If we are running on fumes, putting everyone else before us, we get worn down, depleted and just plain cranky.  Just like putting the oxygen mask on you first in case of an emergency, you can’t give from an empty vessel.  When you make your needs a priority, you have more to give, your creative juices flow and you’re much happier. 
 
What does your body require?  What is your mind asking for?  Are you listening to the whispers of your soul? 
 
6.  Be kind to you and who you are becoming
 
Soul exploration and growth can be exhilarating, frustrating and downright impossible at times.  What I know for sure is this - you are exactly where you are meant to be in this moment.  All the trials, tribulations and triumphs have brought you to this exact place. 
 
Could you have done things differently?  Of course.  Could you have done it better, with more pizzazz, finesse, grammatically-correct flair?  Yup.  Instead of looking back at what you could have, would have done differently, be kind to you and your process.  What if this year is about becoming who you came to be?  What a gift.
 
7.  Be unapologetically YOU
 
As you explore more of you this year, you’ll find more of your non-negotiables.  What works for you?  What doesn’t?  Are there shortcuts you’re willing to take or are you prepared to get your hands dirty for as long as it takes? 
 
When you begin to really ask what your desires are, be willing to be 100% honest with yourself, you’ll begin to show up differently.  Some people will cheer you on while others will want you to go back to the version they knew yesterday.
 
Be unapologetically YOU.  There is no one on this planet like you, who can do what only you can do; swearing like a pirate, dancing until dawn, slamming back tequila like there’s no tomorrow – whatever your superpowers are – OWN THEM.  Unapologetically.

Shauna Chandler is a Spiritual Medium, Teacher and Guide, an avid women’s empowerment advocate, and a loyal coffee and chocolate lover.  Her passion is sharing insights and inspiration, assisting clients with clearing anything holding them back, creating room for magical possibilities to take root and grow.  Shauna lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her husband and daughter.