Fill in the Blank Friday on Ascending Butterfly, this weeks theme: "My focus word/phrase for 2018 is_______" Join us at @Ascending1 and share yours! #FillintheBlankFriday

I decided to bring back Fill in the Blank Friday! I was channeling my graphic designer roots and decided to create this feature a brand new branded graphic, what do you think?

This week's theme:

My focus word/phrase for  2018 is: SELF CARE

This is actually both my personal and blog theme this year. I am a Life Coach and Empowerment Writer, I expend a lot of my energy uplifting, motivating, empowering and encouraging others. I sometimes forget the airline theory of air bags: "Put the Bag on Yourself FIRST, then help others" - how else can you be of use to anyone if you can't breathe?

The airlines definitely have it right there.

I need to remember to be just as kind to myself as I am to others.

To recharge my own batteries, to apply a better level of self care to my own life.

And I plan to hold myself accountable and share with you once per month the ways I fulfilled my focus on self care/recharging my batteries in that month. I figure if I also make my focus phrase a blog challenge/writing prompt, I can't use any excuses for not doing it.

What is your focus word this year? or resolution? Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies and I can't wait to read your answers!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

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.

{#MotivationMonday} In this case you have BOTH! Make this the week YOU change your life! {Todays' #inspiration"}

Today you have BOTH! A Monday AND a Brand New Year to start those changes! Get working on those resolutions, it's never too late or too soon, just start! (Did you check out our new Facebook Cover Photo? It reads for a New Year to Bring You Something New, Make A Move Like A Butterfly Tearing Its Cocoon! Make A Move! - What do you think of it? What new move will YOU make this week?)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Today's Words of #Inspiration: Happy Monday! Try todays #affirmation on for size!

Day SEVEN of a brand new year butterflies! Are you excited? I am. I am feeling filled with anticipation of victory, blessings, new paths and new destinations! A new week has begun and I made sure to start it with affirmations! I say intstead of singing 'Manic Monday' think 'Magic Monday' instead!
I am definitely not telling you to cover the sky with one hand, but you can shape your day with your thoughts so why not make them positive ones?
Buried under a mountain of emails? STOP! Take a 5 minute break. Even if the most walking you can do in those five minutes is a quick trip to the water cooler, then take it.
Buried under an insane to-do list? You won't get as much accomplished if you are harried. Call someone right now who makes you happy. Stopping for just a moment will help you center yourself. And in the end you'll be able to accomplish more than if you just rush through that list like its a marathon.
How are you coming along with your resolutions? Don't give up on them. Break the main goals down into steps, and take yourself one step closer by the end of the week. You have 51 weeks left to make this your best year ever!
Todays affirmation: 'I deserve love, peace, prosperity and serenity.'  - When your day gets hectic, stop and say this. Say this when you get up, and again when you are headed to bed. Keep reminding yourself of this!
Happy Monday Butterfly! Because we all know a Happy Butterfly, is an Ascending Butterfly! :)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. But if anyone wants to sponsor a Daily Inspirational post, please contact us! :)

Today's Words of Inspiration: Be What You Believe! Inspired by my new #Pajamas Edition!

One of my Christmas gifts this year was a new pair of Pajamas, and they read 'Be What You Believe'. It's a super simple, yet very powerful message. How often do you catch yourself being something your not? I don't mean in a hypocritical way. Just conforming who you are to make someone else happy or comfortable? Trying not to be offensive, or walking on eggshells around a particular person or co-worker?

It's not fun is it?

In the long run, not being what you believe just fills you up with toxic energy. Be What You Believe at all times, that doesn't mean you have to be hurtful or blunt, just authentic, honest and truthful.

Whether you make resolutions or you don't, Be What You Believe in 2013.

I'm actively trying to open my mind to all sources of inspiration so I can make positive and forward moving changes in this year, I have a lot of lost time to make up for! But if a simple pair of Pajamas can inspire me to inspire YOU, what can you find to be inspired by today?

How will you be what you believe this year?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

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.

Monday, January 25, 2010 - Today's Words of Inspiration and Great Giveaways!

Mind Over Matter

The first month of not only a new year, but a new decade is quickly coming to an end. How are you doing with your New Year's Resolutions? Have you been keeping them?

Don't abandon ship! This year's resolutions/goals are the most important you've ever made! They will set the tone of not only this year, but this decade!

Keeping Them:

1) Identify WHY you have made this resolution. - Is it because you want to, or you feel you HAVE to? Is it to impress everyone else or to better yourself? - Once you have identified the true WHY, you can make the HOW happen!

2) Get a Buddy! - Enlisting the help of a friend will help you stay on track! That friend doesn't have to have the same resolution as you, they just need to support you and want you to achieve your best. Pick the most straight shooter you know, the friend who tells it like it is!

3) Break it down - Break your goal down into bits and give yourself a deadline to accomplish them. Tackling your goals in phases will make you way more likely to make it to the finish line!

Do you need help getting to the finish line with your goals? Don't let them disappear, share them. Post them here, or the NING group, or just like the popular T.V. Game show, 'phone a friend'.

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 today 'I will not lose sight of my goals/dreams/desires and resolutions for 2010, I know that if I can conceive it, I can AND will achieve it!'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, 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:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration and Great #Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Don't forget to enter the great giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page! It's just our way of saying Thank You for choosing to spend part of your day with us. We are really happy you landed HERE! Don't forget to use the share button below any inspiration to stumble, digg, tweet or share with your friends on facebook and twitter! And if you want to share inspiration with other members, Ascending Butterfly has a NING group with real time chat HERE

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

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