As 2015 is coming to a close I realize that there have been a lot of changes in my life this year, some good changes but not all of them. There are times that I felt like I was just going through the motions, not intentional in my life, not engaged and seeking opportunities to learn and to better myself.

Worldwide it has been a difficult year and media has helped to intensify our feelings of fear and anxiety and our beliefs and differences have been magnified to the point that everyone has a “side” or an “argument” and though I of course have my own feelings on all of the subjects I have tried to distance myself from the negativity for my own well-being.

I rarely make New Years Resolutions. I feel like you are just setting yourself up for failure. Instead I am starting the W.I.S.E. Project and I hope you will join me.

It will be a journey of self discovery and fulfillment. The only challenge will be the challenges you give to yourself to be present in the moment, accountable to your own happiness and engaged in your own life.

The W.I.S.E. Project can mean many things and though I will guide you I know that it will take you in the direction that you need to go.

For each month I will outline the guidelines of W.I.S.E. They will be different each month. Your interpretations may be different than mine and that is not only okay, it is encouraged.

To give you something to think about and decide if you want to join me I will tell you about January’s W.I.S.E. Project. If you decide not to join me, or not to post, you can follow along and be as involved as you want.

I will be keeping a journal and at the end of the month I will be posting what W.I.S.E. has meant to me and what I have learned by intentionally focusing on the monthly meaning of W.I.S.E. Again you may perceive the word differently and that is wonderful.

JANUARY

W.I.S.E.

Wonder– See the world around you with wonder, amazement and awe. I am a sucker for this stuff. I am as excited by the winter frost on the trees as much as colorful sunrise. I think if we take a moment a day to notice something that is beautiful it can definitely change the way we see the world.

Imagination–  Form new images and sensations in the mind that are not perceived through senses such as sight, hearing, or other senses. Use your imagination on a daily basis and find ways to put it to use.

Smile– Sometimes we go through the motions and we forget simple things and their impact, like smiling. Just Smile. Smile when something makes you happy, smile when someone is kind to you, serves you at a restaurant, makes eye contact with you on the bus. Smile at people you know and smile at strangers. Smile and hopefully the world will smile with you!

Energize– January is such a blah month. Sadly it is my birthday month. Everyone is inundated with Christmas bills and a Christmas hangover from all of the good food and drinks. You just want to curl up in front of the fire with a good book and forget the world. It’s also a good time to liven up, take a course or start a new hobby, exercise, get together with friends, get motivated! What ever it takes to energize your soul and start the new year off right!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and enjoy your family and friends. I am really look forward to connecting with you through the W.I.S.E. project and sharing our experiences.

Ask for a journal for Christmas.

xo Michelle