One of our annual rituals at Life Class is to ring in the New Year by reflecting and sharing our lists of accomplishments and letdowns for the past year. Letting go of the past, celebrating all that we’ve done, and embracing new challenges for the future is so liberating. After we all had a chance to share, cry and inspire, we burned our coveted lists as a symbol of shedding the past and looking forward to what’s to come in 2014. 

Although we don’t know what will happen for sure (especially as many of us take on new adventures in amazing new places) we do know one thing, and that's that we’re all grateful for what we have and what we’ve done over the past 12 months. Therefore we will pull from that energy and look forward to what comes next. To be honest, all we really can hope for is peace and happiness, which is what I wish for you!

Happy Holidays and All the Best for 2014!

Kerrie-Lee 
xo

You want to know what's liberating? What will make you feel good, relieved, and less stressed? 

Every once in a while, go through your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin profiles) and get rid of any unnecessary news feeds, connections, or friends that are adding additional stress to your day. Some examples may be ex-flames (unless you have an OK relationship with him/her and you want to stay in touch for some reason); ex-husbands (unless there are children involved, so that's up to you); ex-mother-in-laws (self-explanatory); annoying friends you weren't even friends with in high school; and old colleagues that you "liked" because you thought at the time they may be good connections for future jobs or you felt obligated when you worked with them. I know all too well how cumbersome news feeds can get when they are littered with stuff you're not interested in. Who has the time?

So stick with motivational sites (like this one!), inspirational people, products and services that you want to learn more about, causes or organizations you support, and of course, close friends and family. Also, a word of advice: Set up a separate business page if you want to spare friends and family from your self-promotion etc. Oh, and never feel obligated. The goal is to relax when you're checking your feeds because social media shouldn't be something you have to do — it's a place to connect with friends and family, or network with professionals in your field. Just be aware of what sites you're on and why you're there. And lastly, remember to support those people you like; and that those you're connected with respect what you have to say. So pay it forward: Be informative (when necessary), stay current, and, above all, have fun! 

Reflection Work:
What do you do to clean out the clutter in your loves?

Your cyber-friend, 
Kerrie-Lee
xo

No matter how much we want to deny it, as we get older, our bodies change. You may find your muscles are not responding to your usual sets and reps anymore, or you’re out of breath a lot faster after cardio workouts, or you don’t have as much get-up-and-go as you used to after long days at the office or playing with the kids. And then you notice the women in the gym are getting younger and younger... Ouch! Well I can relate. 

Ever since I entered my thirties (ahem), I’ve had the undeniable urge to re-think my daily physical activity regimen and eating habits as well. Despite the fact that I still feel alright and think I still look alright – it doesn’t mean that my overall health and energy levels are the same as they used to be in my teens or early 20s. So what does this mean? It means the way we look after ourselves has to be updated too.

Let's face it, there’s so much more to life than dwelling on the fact that we’ve gotten another year older, or we don’t have the body we once used to. So raise your head up high and embrace what you have! Yes, things change, but it’s not all downhill from here. You just have to adapt to what life throws at you. Solution? Perhaps you should update your training logbook, or start one! Talk to a personal trainer to find out which exercises and how many pounds you should now be incorporating into your workout, or if you don’t already have one, get a gym membership – or go for a run! 

Reflection Work:
Take a good look at yourself and evaluate where you think you need improvement: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or even sexually. Make a list and tackle each one in your time. But never rush. Your results will last longer. Remember, it’s never too late to adjust your lifestyle toward a healthier, happier you.

Kerrie-Lee
xo

I've been thinking a lot about life lately and how we deal with so much unhappiness in the world. The problem is that we don't deal. No wonder we're all stressed. We're constantly bombarded with news stories that tug at our heart strings and we feel we can't do anything to change it. It eats at us and we fall victim within our own society. A society in which we've created. It's hard to believe there's any goodness in the world anymore. BUT THERE IS... 

I've met some fabulous people lately through social media circles that have truly made a difference in my life. From women who have opened up their hearts to strangers and shared their personal, transformational stories to help young girls with self-esteem issues — to caring, compassionate professionals who realize their next step in life is mentoring and befriending others during a friendly chat over coffee. To people who are so determined to raise awareness for a meaningful cause that they live, sleep and breathe their selfless acts of kindness, literally. They are to be honoured for their effort and praised for their patience, love and humility. Yes, there is SO MUCH goodness in the world, but we need to be reminded every once in a while.

Sometimes when I feel like a pick-me-up, I change my hair. This may seem menial, but it's something I know I can control. And it changes my perspective on life (at least for a little while). This time I decided to add some colour to my life to break out of this desolate state we (society) has found itself in. With so much crime, terror, and natural disasters at every corner — we can only hope that human kindness will prevail in the end. It's the only way to think. To survive. So in honour of positive thinking, I've added a touch of purple to my newly cropped lid. 

It's interesting to see how people react to my out-of-the-box hair choice, especially when some people may think I'm the last person on earth who would do something crazy. Little do they know. But the truth is, we should all be proud to live in a place where freedom of expression is celebrated. I know first-hand that showing your true colours can be liberating no matter how you do it — so I urge you, don't let anyone tell you how to think, feel, look or love — because it's you who has to live with the outcome, not them. Stay positive and add some colour to your life. Because it feels good and no one in this world can tell you otherwise.

Reflection Work:
How do you show your true colours? How do you celebrate your uniqueness? Take a moment to write down what makes you different and how beautiful you are. 

Showing my true colours today and always,
Kerrie Lee xo
P.S. By the way, you can take my hair post as literal or metaphorical as you want. I just want you to live it up and smile.

I've been doing a lot of soul searching over the past few months and have come to realize that figuring out your purpose in life is, well, what life is all about. Danielle Laporte, creator of The Desire Map, says that in order to bring the best out in someone – you should ask them how they want to feel and help them achieve that feeling. You have to play to their strengths. This is something I believe in too. 

I know that what I’ve experienced during my personal journey has led me to where I am today – and the biggest learning I’ve come to accept is that every trip, fall or risk taken was meant to be part of the process. Whether we want to believe it or not, our life’s experiences are planned for us and as we move through life with a lot of effort or not much at all, our experiences and the opportunities that present themselves are what we need to realize our own sense of purpose. In other words, success can be measured – but the value of what one believes is successful is what’s most valuable. 
Namaste.

Reflection Work:
What do you believe your purpose is? Do you need help finding out? 
Contact me and let's chat.

Kerrie-Lee
xo

Dr. Wayne Dyer says it best: 

“Writing is not what I do – it’s what I am.”

Reflection Work: If you're inspired by anything you read in this blog or in the articles, I urge you to get a pen and paper (yes, the old fashioned way!) and start writing your own manifesto. What are your goals today? What do you hope to accomplish tomorrow? What have you already accomplished that you'd love others to know? Share with a friend. 


Kerrie-Lee
xo