As you say Goodbye to 2016 and Hello to 2017, inspired by @NinoProdigio

I welcome ABUNDANCE into my life in 2017

As a Life and Career Coach and Human Interest Reporter the techniques I have adopted over time for preparing for the upcoming year are as follows:

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - Your birthday is actually your *PERSONAL* New Year - I like my year resetting here instead of New Year's Eve. I like to reflect on what worked or didn't work for me a bit before my birthday.

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - Pick a word - It is said you should pick a word that reflects what you wish to manifest in the new year.

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - Intention vs Resolution - If you pick a word that word will become an intention, you have more of a chance of being successful with an intention than you might with a resolution.

Look at the definitions:

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - res·o·lu·tion

[ˌrezəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n]

NOUN

a firm decision to do or not to do something:

"she kept her resolution not to see Anne any more"

synonyms: intention · resolve · decision · intent · aim · plan

the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter:

"the peaceful resolution of all disputes"

synonyms: solution to · answer to · end to · ending to · settlement of

chemistry

the process of reducing or separating something into its components.

the smallest interval measurable by a scientific (especially optical) instrument; the resolving power.

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - in·ten·tion

/inˈten(t)SH(ə)n/

noun

1.

a thing intended; an aim or plan:

"she was full of good intentions"

2.

the healing process of a wound.

My Take:

Instead of just focusing on an 'ending' wouldn't you rather focus on something 'healing'?

Oddly enough an astrologer (for my Latinos in the house, it was "El Nino Prodigio" - in case you are wondering this is NOT a sponsored post and I was not asked to link to him, he has no idea who I am) - suggested that for those born my under my zodiac sign (Aries if you are wondering) - the "intention" word I should select for this year is "Abundance".

Oddly my first name, Tracy - means "The Harvester".

Hmmm...The Harvester of Abundance - there is just something so right about that.

So while I may not set specific resolutions, I *LOVE* the idea of embracing 'Abundance' as my intention word for this upcoming year. Your intention word is something you wish to manifest and create more of  in your life. And since 'abundance' can apply to almost every area of your life, I am embracing this suggestion.

So while I focus on the things I want for the upcoming year I will visualize them coming in abundance.

Wishing all my butterflies out there a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous and Abundance filled New Year. May 2017 be your best year yet.

Please stay safe on New Year's Eve and do NOT get into any car if the driver has been drinking, whether it is someone you know or a taxi, if the driver appears inebriated, do NOT get in.

Readers Sound Off: Do you set resolutions for the New Year? If so, what are some of yours and why? If you don't set resolutions, will you consider an intention word for this upcoming year?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated/Sponsored Post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Today's Words of Inspiration: Good Bye 2012, Welcome 2013 Edition! #IDeclare

Suck it 2012. Suck it long and Suck it hard, I won't be sorry to see you go. I spent the last 3 months of 2011, and the majority of 2012 in the hospital, actually several hospitals over the course of the year. At this time last year I was in the E.R. fighting for my life. I got the worse news a Doctor could possibly give you. The prognosis this time last year on the cusp of New Year's Eve is that I wouldn't make it to see 2012 nevertheless actually be here days before it comes to an end.

The Doctors said I wouldn't be here today, yet here I stand.The first hospital's negligence almost killed me, yet here I stand.The Mayans calendar came to end in 2012, some thought the world would end, yet here I stand.

To say I can't wait for 2012 to come to an end so I can put it all behind me is an understatement. I spent a year and a half not knowing how much time I had left, and will approach this year as if I have NO time to spare.

I am declaring victory and favor and a 2013 filled not only with promise, not only with hope but with action. Definitive and focused action. I will concentrate on my intentions with laser beam focus because if a long year in the hospital did anything good, it gave me time to reflect, time to see myself for who I really am and time to decide exactly what I want for myself.

While I'm sure like each year that I have been writing, (both on my own blog and several others) that my writing will grow, change and mutate based on what my interests are shifting to, I also know that on every level I will work to enact positive change in my  life. Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically and Professionally this year will bring transformation. That's what being an Ascending Butterfly is. It's being willing to flow forward and upward, it's awkward stages and growing pains that eventually lead you on the right path.

Dear friends reminded me this year that I wasn't being tested, that much like the Diamond that is my birthstone, I am being Polished. Becoming a newer version of myself and it's up to me to keep that polished surface beautiful.

I know that every single day I have had since my bleak prognosis has been a gift, one that I do treasure and cherish. There is a reason I am still standing. And while every single day of each year I've lived in Gratitude, I want to live this year more earnestly yet more purposefully. Actively working to discover what my mission on earth really is. As a life and career coach I've lived my life inspiring, encouraging and motivating others, but this year I find myself a bit more reflective. The only way to continue to motivate others is to motivate myself. And that dear butterflies is what I intend to do.

Utilizing and Sharing my affirmations regularly (I kind of miss retro butterfly, I miss butterfly 2009), I want to bring back the affirmations and Today's Words of Inspiration more consistently.

Because 2013 adds up to six: 2+0+1+3 = 6, I say that I'm working on version Butterfly 6.0.

Let's take that journey of transformation together for another year, shall we?

I'm not going to talk about resolutions, some people make them, others don't, but whether it's a vision board, goal setting, or a declaration, decide what you want 2013 to be and make a plan of attack on how you are going to achieve it.

Whether it's weight loss, getting yourself more organized, changing careers, finding love, moving somewhere new, you CAN have it. If you need an accountability partner or just someone to keep you motivated, let's tap into our collective empowerment community and find ways to help one another. I can tell you that if you can't do it daily, make it a point to go outside yourself for someone else this year at least once, you'll surprise just how much better your life will become when you do!

On the eve of New Year's Eve, have you thought about what YOU want for yourself in 2013 Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Happy New Year Butterfly!

My Dearest Butterflies,

While Ascending Butterfly is spending her holiday weekend in the Hospital, I certainly hope you all have way more exciting plans than mine.

I loved this picture the moment I layed eyes on it, while the Mayan Calendar ends in 2012, many astrologers take this to mean the end of an era of thinking, not the end of man.

While being in a hospital bed sending out my last butterfly update for 2011 was not exactly what I had planned, I am very much excited to see 2011 come to an end and ring in 2012 with an open heart and mind.

Despite my current circumstances, my spirit is very much filled with hope for what 2012 will bring and I hope yours is too!

Be safe. Don't drive under the influence or ride with anyone under the influence. Wishing each and every single one of you a very happy, healthy and safe New Year. May 2012 be your most fulfilling and empowering year yet!

Love,

Ascending Butterfly

Sunday Moment of Gratitude and Great Giveaways Too!

Photo Reads: 'I Beleive in Gratitude Big' Credit: @Bing

On Sunday's, 'Today's Moment of Inspiration' becomes the weekly 'Moment of Gratitude'. While I do still live in Gratitude each and everyday, I decided to change this feature to a weekly to allow a full week of Inspirational messages and focused breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ushering in a Brand New Year! Filled with new hopes, new dreams, and new promise! I hope you all had a safe New Year's Eve and I wish you all a very happy, healthy, productive and prosperous New Year! Yes we were off last Sunday, which was the first official Sunday of the New Year, so we added our wishes to this Sunday Moment of Gratitude instead! :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A new 2011 Attraction Board! I make a new board each year to reflect new goals! Did you make yours yet? Did it change greatly from 2010?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Leaving 2010 behind, FAR behind. I don't know about you, but I am super happy to put 2010 behind me!

What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Great giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Active Giveaways:

1) Ends 01/-10 - Win the Basket of YOUR choice with 1800Baskets.com! 2 Winners! Enter HERE

2) Ends 01/-13 - Dear Mr. Patridge Limited Edition Gift Set from Mor Cosmetics Giveaway! Enter HERE

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For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it:

Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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Today's Words of Inspiration - Let more than just old acquaintance be forgot!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Happy New Year Butterflies! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

I just wanted to take another opportunity to sincerely Thank each and every one of you for sharing in what has been amazing journey! 2009 was fun, but 2010 was even better! I spent some time this weekend re-reading the lovely emails and messages I have received regarding Ascending Butterfly and our daily 'Today's Words of Inspiration' feature. While I greatly enjoyed our Holiday Buying Guide, I am super happy to bring back my favorite feature!

For all of our new members who joined during the holiday buying guide, (WELCOME!) our annual review and giveaways buying guide is our way of saying thanks to our readers, but we are not a 'giveaways' blog, our focus is and always will be 'Getting and STAYING inspired' - We are a Body, Mind and Soul blog first!

How was your New Years Eve Weekend and your New Years Day? Mine was filled with family, great food, lots of laughs and a champagne toast (or two, or maybe three) at Midnight.

I know this is everyone's favorite time of year to set resolutions. As for me, I try not to make resolutions on New Year's Eve. I happened upon an article once that said to set your resolutions on the eve of your birthday instead of New Year's Eve, and that really resonated with me. I feel much more motivated once Spring rolls around which is when my birthday falls instead of New Year's Eve. Maybe it's all the holiday stress! I do however make a 10 item 'Life List' it gets re-visited annually, usually on New Year's Eve, I cross off all the things that have been accomplished, and then analyze the ones that haven't. Some don't resonate anymore and get deleted, some get adjusted slightly and make it back on, and then for the spots where something was accomplished, there is room for new goals. Did you make resolutions, what are they?

 Let more than just old acquaintance be forgot!

The healthiest thing you can do for yourself this week is PURGE. Rid your life of items that no longer hold value to you. Anything in great shape, donate to goodwill. Do you have a ton of recent magazines you haven't gotten around to and know honestly that you won't? Bring them to a Senior Center, or a local Hospital on the way to work. The more you can clutter proof your space and your life, the easier the new can reach you!

And as you already know, change will find it's way to your door whether you are ready for it or not. This year, let change find you prepared for it's visit!

I have given this year a nickname, a theme of sorts, this year, is my year of 'walking in knowing' and I mean that in many more ways than one. What's your 2011 theme for yourself?

It's a good day to forget, and not just 'old acquaintance'. Forget the OLD. The old way you have been doing something that has never really worked for you. Forget the bad habit you are trying to get rid of by replacing it, 'over-riding' it with the new behavior you want to cultivate. Most importanly resolve to forget 2010 today. That doesn't mean throw all the lessons you learned from the mistakes you made away, KEEP the lessons, PURGE the behaviors!

I strongly recommend starting your day in meditation, in daily affirmational messages and ending it in gratitude with a gratitude journal if at all possible, it helps to re-focus your perspective. That moment of centering helps you start your day off great and end it in tranquility and harmony.

Today's Challenge: Pretend your a Soprano and just 'Fuhgetaboutit'

You can do anything you set your mind to. You can bend this year to your will. Forget the old, and get with the new! Plan, plot, organize, strategize, and most importantly, breathe and affirm your way daily through this year with Ascending Butterfly!

Today's Words of Inspiration'

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud 'I affirm today that the past year is now behind me and I open my heart to the wonderful year of change ahead!'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here! Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field:

@Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

Our Holidays Buying Guide is running Overtime! There are still open giveaways from our Holidays Buying Guide on the upper right hand side of the page! And stay tuned this week for the launch of our 'New Year, New YOU!' themed giveaways to help you start your new year right!

 

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For the month of January only, you can purchase ONE month of  homepage advertising on Ascending Butterfly for only $20.11, send all inquiries to us via our online contact form here:

http://www.contactify.com/2ee21

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