In late December, after all of the gifts were wrapped, the stockings hung, the meals prepped and the travel complete, I sat down with a dear friend and we discussed the major themes that flavored our lives in 2014. I loved doing this because it placed the entire year into a larger context for me. 2014 was a chapter, not the end-all be-all. Taking the time to recognize and honor the year for what it was felt really good.

There were so many gifts from 2014 that prepared me for a really beautiful 2015 (more on that in a future eZine, for certain!). And there were many things that I chose to do – differently – that helped pave the way for new possibilities, fresh perspectives and amazing opportunities for growth, beauty and pleasure.

Here are 10 things I did in 2014 that up-leveled my life in more ways than one:

1.  I failed miserably at something. Then I had a huge meltdown about said failure. It was messy, it was gut wrenching, and it was, looking back, completely inevitable. If I’m really honest with myself, I was never that enthused about the project to begin with, and that’s just not a tasty recipe for enjoyment, let alone success! I learned to only move forward with things that ignite something inside of me, and make me come more I learned to let go of things that leave me feeling like I’m carrying a 2-ton load of bricks on my back. As yucky as it was to go through at the time, it set a new standard in my life and in my business that was completely necessary.

2.  I started taking lunch breaks. I mean actual time away from my office and desk, a real “sit down and enjoy a meal” for a 30-minute to 1-hour period that is just for moi. Not only does my body love this because it’s getting actual nourishment and the added bonus of time to really enjoy and digest my gorgeous meal, but it gives me time to gain some perspective on my day, on my life, and on my priorities. This time is so valuable to me, and it’s such a simple concept. It feels a bit unreal. And added bonus? I’m actually more productive when I take a lunch break. Now that flies in the face of conventional wisdom, doesn’t it?

3.  I prioritized beauty in my life. What I mean by this is that I actually began to recognize the importance of infusing beauty into every day, week, month and year. I started with “little things”, like keeping fresh flowers in my office where I could see them while I worked. I made time to get my art supplies and glitter pens and paints out to doodle, play and beautify my environment. I bought tickets to see art exhibits at my local museum and botanical gardens. I made certain I dressed and did my hair and make-up daily (instead of hanging out in my yoga clothes all day…). All of these “little things have made a massive difference in so many areas of my life including: my marriage, my self-confidence, my prosperity levels, my ability to relax and receive, my energy levels, my creativity, my health and my well of inspiration.

4.  I let go of perfectionism. I’ve never been obsessively perfectionistic, but I have a tendency to set such high standards for myself that when I don’t hit that mark every time I can lean into not feeling very good about myself. This overly idealized and high level of achievement had actually starting to erode my self-confidence, which was leading to paralysis – something I’m not keen on inviting into any area of my life. This year I started to let things “slide” – as in, “Well, that’s just not going to get done today, and that’s okay” or “That fell through the cracks, and it’s not the end of the world”.

To be clear, this is not about setting my standards lower, or settling for mediocrity. I’m not interested in either. More to the point, it’s about recognizing that I’m human (!!!) and it may not be healthy to expect everything to turn out perfectly, or be a huge international success right off the bat. There is genuine beauty in being real with life, knowing that there will be times of brilliance and phenomenal heights, and there will also be deep valleys and failures that might bring me to my knees. Both are infinitely valuable, and neither define me.

5.  I gave myself more permission to enjoy life for enjoyments sake. I traveled to Paris to fulfill a deep desire to celebrate my 40^th birthday there. I had so many negative voices come into my mind to try to stop this trip from happening. I had to overcome so many fears and lies I’d been telling myself. And when I did I made this trip ALL about enjoyment without any attachment, apology or itinerary.

I traveled to Paris to drink in the beauty of the city and all she had to offer. I got lost on the side streets and enjoyed discovering little boutiques and cafés I would have otherwise missed completely. I wore bright lipstick and let my curly hair go wild because it felt good to do so. I sat in a park near le Tour Eiffel and ate apples and let the sun warm my skin. I spent time with a group of phenomenal women from around the world and giggled and cried (and every emotion in between). I watched the light change from rose to orange to purple and blue as it hit the buildings and changed throughout the day.

Most importantly, I brought the same appreciation of simply enjoying life in each moment as it is offered to my every day existence here in Colorado. I’ve come to fully believe that life is meant to be enjoyed. Otherwise, it’s not very fun, is it?

6.  I worked with a spiritual mentor for 7 months. The bi-weekly opportunity to bring my fears, hesitations, stuck places and shadowy parts to someone who could see me beyond the stories and self-sabotage that I was giving my energy to was completely I waded through some hefty stuff, cleared it from my psyche and have felt a lightness of being, a level of mental clarity, and a deeper love for myself than ever before. This was time so well spent.

7.  I worked with two high-level mentors that opened my eyes to what’s really possible in my life. I am pretty imaginative and I’ve been very blessed with many amazing opportunities and experiences that have opened my eyes up to the world around me. But to be consistently exposed to women who are living and working at very high levels in their lives, I immersed and marinated myself in an entirely new level and vibration of potential. My horizons were expanded to a new breadth and depth that I am forever grateful for.

If you know you’re ready for something more, but you’re not exactly clear on the what or the how, spend time around those who are living a next level of more, and prepare to accelerate your life and personal growth in infinite ways.

8.  I consciously closed 2014 by asking probing questions like, “What were the themes at play in my life in 2014? What were the things I enjoyed most in 2014? What were the most challenging things from 2014? What did I learn from those challenges? How did those challenges set me up for more growth and success in 2015?” Asking these questions has given me the opportunity to sift through the layers of 2014, give thanks and then release the things that no longer serve me, and more fully embrace the things that are positioning me for my next evolution in the New Year. This was time very well spent.

9.  I took the time to get externally organized for 2015. I organized my closet, my office, my schedule, my files, my jewelry drawer, and even my fridge! I pre-ordered a 2015 life planner and calendars in advance so I’m ready to rock when 2015 begins.

I always feel better when things are organized and they have their “place” – even if it’s my workout time. I know when things are happening and nothing gets left out or forgotten. I know where to find things and if I’m about to run out and need to purchase more I can clearly recognize the situation and take action. Being externally organized makes for a more streamlined and easy journey in every sense of the word, and I love me some streamlined and easy!

10.  I set an intention every day in 2014, and I discovered a more focused, more aligned with my heart and soul, and more successful me. My experience of setting intentions is a bit like getting a clear sense of direction via a roadmap from my soul. When I’m clear about what I’m intending for my day, for an important meeting, for a visit with family and friends, or for time with my husband, I’m honoring my desires and I’m asking God to co-create my desires with me. I’ve even set intentions for 2015…!

In what ways will you up-level your life in 2015?

Best wishes from my heart to yours for your most beautiful year ever!

xxoo