2017 was a transitional year for me. It was not a bad year, just a year of change.

Each December I take time to reflect, throw-out stuff I no longer use and reach out to my family, friends and loved ones to socialize.

As I reflect on 2017, in January and February I was very ill for the first time in 20 years or more.  My job unbeknownst to me was going away and one of my oldest and dearest girlfriends left this world during that time too. I could do nothing but to roll with it all…

My priority became my health. I had no energy for anything else. No energy to deal with how my job moving to another state was handled. Plus, I was convinced that it was my job that had made me so ill.  Once my health was on the mend I started volunteering time to a grassroots organization making a positive difference in people’s lives regardless of who and what they are. This and young women empowerment mentoring keeps my passions ignited.  Bottom line, all this transformation allowed me to take a rewardingly different path from the day-to-day corporate work that I performed for almost 17 years at a Fortune 5 company. Rolling through it all was good, it made me stronger.

2017 gave me more appreciation for all those important in my personal life. It’s my family and longtime friends that are tried and true:  My 88 year old mother who walks tall so I am inspired to walk tall; my daughter who fiercely keeps paving new paths so I’m always excited for her accomplishments, she’s an inspiration; my life partner Don, who loves and supports me in every way so I try harder; my sisters who keep it real and keep me laughing; my brothers who are gallant and brave; my true-blue friends who are always there with brutal honesty. I love you all and thank you so much for your encouragement.

In 2018 live a life of more joy, loud laughter and have “big fun” no matter what. You cannot live boldly reviving bad situations over and over again. Leave the negatives, the bad behind, throw it all out with the old stuff. Start 2018 in a positive light. Do not give up on your dreams, don’t let anyone break your spirit or try to make you feel less than.

We continue to be exceptional, the best that we can be every day, in every way and at every age.  As Coco Chanel said: “Keep your heels, head, and standards high”.

Happy New Year!!
Be bold and Bloom. SuperSelf with Zalise.