5 Ways to Stay Focused and Fearless in the New Year

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Happy New Year Friends!

I hope you had an amazing holiday season, and that you are feeling inspired with all you want to accomplish this year! January is the month for optimists. It's time when everyone makes resolutions to become a better version of themselves. The headlines "A New Year,  A New You" are everywhere, and sometimes driving us nuts! 


Resolutions are so easy to make, and of course so much harder to keep!  So, I am not making any ha ha! I do resolve to keep working towards my goals. My words for this year are "fearless and focused."  The past year I let fear, negative thoughts, and a lack of clear direction derail me from accomplishing everything.

I think in everything we do, wellness should be our guiding light.  Wellness involves mental and physical diligence, and our ability to endure hardships.

From a style point of view: it's much easier!  Choose clothes and lifestyle experiences, that move with you no matter how far or fast you move- and most of all , ones that make you smile!  I wanted to start the New year by sharing inspiration to help you look and feel fabulous in midlife, or at any age!

1) Find Clothes That Suit You

Finding a style that suits you just right, is like finding a friend! In midlife our bodies are constantly changing, hat an understatement, ha!  Embrace your size ,body shape, and celebrate your uniqueness. The key is finding clothes to flatter your best features. Leopard as always, is my go to. It always makes me feel like a million bucks! Thanks to Chico's Boutiques , for gifting me with this lovely wrap for Christmas. It was a pleasure working with them this past year.

2) Don't Dress for Other People

Of course we all like to impress with our dress.  It's important to feel approved by others, but it's more important to accept yourself for who you are. Dress to please yourself, and what makes you feel the most comfortable, and confident!

3) Celebrate Your Natural Features

I have my daddy's big blue eyes, and love it or not- I inherited the little bump he had on his nose. I used to have a huge complex over it, but decided to let that go and embrace the features I have. Learning to accept and celebrate your unique features is not always an easy place to arrive at. Keep believing in yourself, and you will get there!

4) Maintain an Attitude of Thanks and Gratitude

" I would maintain that Thanks are the highest form of thought; and that Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." - G.K. Chesterton.  This is one of my favorite quotes.  I hope it inspires you as much as it has me!

5) Awaken your Spirit of Wanderlust

All in all, it was a great year and I have much to be grateful for! I was able to travel more the past year, then I ever have. In addition, I attended several fashion events and explored lots in the Seattle area. Travel is so good for the soul, and helps you experience life in ways you never imagined!

• In January, I visited my home city of Vancouver and spent time with an elementary school pal
• In February I attended a fashion trade show in Las Vegas
• In May I went to Pullman, & attended mom's weekend & fashion with my daughter at WSU
• In June our family visited my mother in Calgary, Alberta for her 87th bday
• In June, I also visited Banff National Park, and soaked in the mountain hot springs, amazing!
• In July I traveled to L.A to my first blogging event, with stops in Monterey, Sacramento, San Jose, and Santa Cruz
• In October back to Vegas I went, for an amazing girl's weekend for my bestie's 53rd birthday 
• After Christmas, we spent 2 nights downtown Seattle, first time for that!

I have the summers off which allows for more time to travel. I do always travel on a budget, and look hard to find the deals. In the next few months, I hope to share a post with tips to help you travel more, with out breaking the bank!

This is a collage of photos I shared on Instagram- called the "best nine." The app automatically selects them for you. All these moments were a blessing, and I hope you had many blessed experiences as well. Thanks for being part of my community here on Maple Leopard, I wish you all the best for 2018!  One of my goals is to make it to Europe this year.

What is goal you are hoping to accomplish this year? Perhaps it's more travel, or a fitness goal: whatever it is, I would love to hear it!

Blessings,

BLOG HOP & LINK UPS 

Monday: Shoe & Tell (Style Nudge)/ #IWillWearWhatILike/ Hello Monday / How I Spring / Mix It Mondays / Bloggers Who Budget / Not Dead Yet Style / Sincerely Jenna Marie/ 

Tuesday: J Petite / Walking in Memphis / Style Sessions / Confident Tuesday/ Turning Heads/ Trend Spin / Style with a Smile 

Wednesday:  / Get Your Pretty On  / Shopping My Closet / Oh, Hey  / The Blended Blog Style/Midweek Inspo Linkup | Rosy Outlook and Seeking Sunshine | Get Your Pretty On | Classy Yet Trendy | Jersey Girl Texan Heart| The Mummy Chronicles | Color and Grace | 

Thursday: Celebrating Style (Vanity and Me)  / Trend Spin // Thursday Fashion Files /  / Elegance and mommyhood/ Spotlight Weekly  / Top Of The World Style  / Living in Color / East Coast Chic/The Red Closet Diary/ Lindsay's Sweet World/

Friday: Fashion Friday (Jo Lynne Shane) / Fab Favorites / Passion for Fashion / Lizzie in Lace / / Fashion Should be Fun/  Flashback Friday / Nancy's Fashion Style / Weekend Wear / Welcome To The Weekend /Northwest Mountain Living| Jodie's Touch of Style|

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