Hi Friends,

I cannot believe it is February already. Where has the first month of the year gone?

This year I admit, I have a long list of goals, hopes and dreams to realise. It sounds a little over the top, but why not. Last year I hosted my Annual Vision Boarding Luncheon at my home and had about 8 ladies in to do their own vision boards. Usually I collect magazines from year to year in order to have a batch of them ready to go. I decided to do my Board for TWO years as even then, I know I had a long list.

House Goals

This is the year we intend to purchase a home we are in love with. I have been obsessed with Pinterest of late, having created a very detailed Board about a light refurb once we purchase the home. The categories are kitchen, pantry (yes there is space for a Butler’s pantry); new sunroom windows and doors, A Potting Shed, Loft light refurb, attic light refurb (where my office is); and backyard where we intend to put in a small pool and completely redo the landscaping. It is a huge piece of land that can easily house components of a pool, herb garden, BBQ deck and fire-pit area. I cannot wait. I have pictures saved on Pinterest, but also on my Vision Board which I look at each and every day. Manifestation comes from holding those images and thoughts close to you and the energy you put out there with those images, eventually happens.

Building my Business and Fitness Brand

I have been thinking about my Brand. I launched a Company last year to do digital marketing and have a list of clients (luxury boutique hotels in the Caribbean) to pitch to. However, I am also passionate about fitness, wellness and health:

• How to live a balanced life, getting workouts in without extremes
• Using macro-nutrients to help with keeping meals healthy with the right amount of protein + carbs and fat.
• I love working out in the Gym but do not like boot camp type exercises. I started lifting in 2015 and never looked back. My Program will be based on lifting, whether lightly or heavier.
• My weight stays in a healthy range all year around. I know for sure that is from lifting that has caused my metabolism to increase ten fold.
• I intend to start coaching online this year, and taking clients. My Fitness certification now becomes me stepping up to become a personal trainer – that Course starts in March, woot woot!

My Mental Health

The year started out very strangely as I am sure many of you had the same experiences. The wildfires affected me terribly and I have not been able to sleep thinking about this, as well as all the other tragedies unfolding around the world. As a result my sleep has been seriously affected. It does not help that I am on strong meds to prevent estrogen production. This was due to the breast cancer in 2023 being hormone receptive. I must say it is a challenge from day to day having to deal with the symptoms emanating from being on this medication. I read up on Instagram about SO many women going through the same on this medication! Loss of sleep, and extreme joint pain are two of the hardest. I have been on it now for almost two years and just at the point of asking the Oncologist if I can come off of them now, and what is the risk factor for me at the age of 58? Mental health is so important for me. To wake up and feel happy and positive is something I have always been accustomed to until these meds came into my life. Sometimes I have to talk to myself and say God is looking after you, you are strong you can get through this! The ways I help alleviate the downside of the medication or any “blues”:

• I wake up early, always by 6:00 a.m. each day even on a weekend. I feel this is a great way to get ahold of the day and enjoy it to the fullest!
• I make the best cup of coffee (Nespresso or Blue Mountain Coffee) in the prettiest cup, and walk outside into the garden just to breathe in the cool air and be in my garden
• Looking at the flowers, plants and trees, I feel there is a bigger purpose out there, and that God wants me exactly where I am, to do what I put out there – I breath in and out knowing that my day ahead will be GREAT!
• I spend time with my precious dogs, putting them out in the garden with me and enjoying their company
• Writing. I go up to my attic and sit at a desk facing a window, with the breeze coming through and write down my goals, dreams, for the day and year – and also write pages for the book I am in the process of writing. This is also when I pray and meditate.
• Starting work early. I start working by 8:00 a.m. and work consistently through to about 12:30 p.m. when I break for a quick lunch and then head to the Gym for a great workout.
• By 3:00 p.m. after doing errands after my workout, I am back at my desk for my afternoon session, with fresh lavender or fresh herbs in a vase, and a lovely thermos of cold water….
• At 6:00 p.m. I go downstairs, put the TV on a nice cooking channel and start dinner awaiting hubby’s arrival with the dogs.
• We eat, watch tv and enjoy the peacefulness of the house with our candles burning, and the TV low volume. The curtains are drawn, but one window gives a glimpse of the pretty lights in the shrubs that we did (pink & white.)
• Lights out by 9:30 / 10:00 p.m. the latest!

Like Minded, Creative Souls

I am looking to grow my “tribe” to add on to my already lovely, amazing friends’ circle – like minded, driven but creative souls who are true to themselves and know who they are. I have prayed about it, and see changes with new people coming into my life for a reason. I really do not care how old the person is, as long as they are wise, happy, creative, supportive as I will be, not covetous or envious at anything I am doing or have acquired, as like I am not of what others do. As we all have our own paths and journey! And that means we might not be on the same timing of what we hope to achieve. After having breast cancer I am now on guard for these behaviors when anyone comes into my life. Whether at work or in my personal life. Material things for example, and the excessive want for them, does not and cannot make you happy. You see the amount of wealthy & famous persons who take their own life as they were so unhappy? My point exactly.

Happiness really comes from within…

If you are not happy from within, try finding joy helping others, or learning a new hobby, praying, meditating and doing things in & for your community. I know when I wake up in the morning, I am happy with my own self, and what I have. Most of all my health but the simple, beautiful joys of life. I am not thinking about what I do NOT have, I am grateful for what I have around me. It could be that the garden is blooming, or a hummingbird flew into a feeder, the dogs are nearby or a good cup of coffee. You get this gist ❤️

I hope for each and every one of you, that this year blossoms into something wonderful for you. I would love to hear in the comments what your plans, hopes and dreams are!

With love,

Neenie 🌸