5 Tips to Fly Like an Eagle in the New Year

2025 is now a page in the history book. How do you feel about the year gone by? Did you accomplish the goals and dreams you planned? Are you better off today than you were a year ago? Are you filled with excitement about the New Year? Or not so much?

No matter where you are or how you are feeling as the New Year starts, get ready! The good news is when we start feeling bored, joyless, or down and depressed, it is a sign we are on the brink of a transformation. 

The New Year is the perfect time to take a leap of faith into something NEW, EXCITING and maybe a little bit scary! This week I am sharing 5 actions we can take to get started on the right foot. Let's find out what they are. 

1. Leave the Old Behind.

You know what it is deep down. It could be a dead-end job or career decision,  a dead-beat boyfriend or relationship. Or maybe you just want to leave your old life behind and travel the world. After all, the world is your oyster!

If we want to make room for something NEW in our lives, we have to first let go of whatever is no longer bearing fruit it our lives. It's kind of like decluttering our closets. We only have so much time, energy, and money and it is important to be mindful of just how and where we spend these resources.

2. Forgive Yourself and Others 

This one is not always easy to do, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. We all make mistakes. We say or do things in the heat of the moment that we later regret. Mistakes are learning experiences, but don't just blame someone else. There are always two sides to every story, and two people in any disagreement or conflict. Accept responsibility for your part and make the necessary changes. Hopefully the other person will do the same. Then you can forgive yourself and them and move forward. 

3. Welcome in the Joy
Joy is fuel that moves us forward into the NEW. Consider the joy factor when making any big decision. If there is no joy in it, it probably is not the right decision, person, job, etc. Moving forward in life involves trading the old for something new AND something better. We leave behind people and activities that have become stale, unhealthy, or unfruitful to open the door for new opportunities, healthier people, and activities that will bring us joy and purpose. 

Sometimes letting go means making tough choices. This is where the rubber hits the road and we have to really dig deep to find out what matters most to us. Life's choices become more difficult the closer we get to what we truly want from life. If you want to take back your life this year, I hope you'll order a copy of my ebook "Take Back Your Life: 5 Keys to Reclaiming Your Personal Power". It is also available on Amazon and Apple Books and other online booksellers. 

4. Step Out in Faith 

If we want to transform our lives, we have to be willing to step out of the boat, in other words, our comfort level. 

Years ago, I took a leap of faith and left a dead-end job that was stressful and unfulfilling. I trusted God to provide and he did. I now live in freedom and abundance. I left an unhealthy marriage with two young sons and stepped out into peace. I left dysfunctional family members and stepped into harmony and connection. Folks, we have to let some things and people go if we want to move forward into the life Jesus died for us to have. 

Moving forward involves faith, courage and the willingness to step out into the unknown. If you'd like to learn more about strengthening your faith, check out my collection of books on spiritual growth here. 

5. Discover Your Destiny

I don't know about you, but I believe we each were put on this earth for a purpose. Not to just live a humdrum ordinary get-by life. You were meant for more than status quo! I love the way author Marianne Williamson puts it when she says, "You began as a thought in the mind of God". I recently heard it put like this, "You will only go as far as you can envision yourself going." or something like that. If we want to make a difference in this world, we have to have a vision for our lives. If we want to soar like the eagle, we must ignite the power within so we can discover our destiny. 

For Reflection
What is it that is no longer bringing you joy? Certain relationships? A nowhere job? A church or community? Unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns? Do a run through and see.

Are you pursuing your dreams and aspirations? Rising to new levels? Or are you content with the status quo? The same old same old? When boredom sets in and we lose our joy and zest for life, that is a sign it's time for something new. We were meant to fly like eagles and SOAR!

If you'd like to grow your faith, check out my true story "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony" available on Amazon and your favorite online bookseller. Or you can order the ebook through Zelle using my email address arielpaz08@gmail.com for only $3.99. The new audiobook is available on Google Play. So excited to finally have an audioformat. 

If you feel motivated and encouraged by this post, enter your email in the box provided and you'll receive my weekly posts. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". Sometimes in life we have to change lanes and the new year is the perfect time to do so.  

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom.

Until next time, keep looking up and get ready to SOAR!

Ariel Paz 


All rights reserved. If you'd like to use this material, contact me at arielpaz08@gmail.com

Reflections to Help You Take Charge of the New Year

Time to say goodbye to 2025 and prepare for 2026. Can you believe it? This year flew by for me - again. And I'm sure for you too. Before we usher in the New Year, I am a firm believer in taking time to reflect on the year that is ending to bring closure and to revisit our priorities to see where we might need to make adjustments for the year ahead.

Every year does not go as planned and we have to be willing to deal with whatever comes our way. This is where a spiritual practice is vital. Life can throw us a curve ball and a strong spiritual practice can help us navigate life's unexpected challenges with more grace and faith. 

                

Here are some questions to ponder before we jump feet first into 2026.  I'll share my honest answers with you as well. 

1. What are some good things you accomplished this year? Here are a few of mine. 

My son moved back home in February after 12 years in Texas. Things haven't been as smooth as I would have liked but distance does affect connection and communication. 

Was able to visit sunny Florida again in the Spring. Love Siesta Key Beach. It was more crowded than usual due to the change in school vacation schedules this time. 

In September, went on a girls' retreat to Hilton Head, SC with a good friend. We had a great time, being relieved of all of our daily duties and responsibilities and had someone else cook for us. 

What fun positive events happened in your life in 2025?

2. Did you learn something new? Try something new? Buy something new? 

Replaced my entire HVAC system in June! A big deal but not as big as I had imagined. Mostly researching the various options, companies, and brands. It was 22 years old so it did well for many years. Lesson: when you start worrying about whether something is going to break down, it's time to buy new. That includes appliances, cars, etc. 

Learned a new calligraphy lettering style called Square Capitals and used it making Christmas cards this year. It is a fun and mindful activity as well as creative. 

Spent time practicing my Spanish for my upcoming trip to Spain in 2026. There is a lot to learn about the idiosyncrasies of a new language, that is for sure.  

Started a new exercise routine that I experienced at Hilton Head Health. TRX. Have you tried it? I am seeing results already and am excited about working out again. 

How about you? What new thing did you try, buy or do this year?

3. What lessons did you learn this year?

Relationships can be very draining, particularly family. If someone you love is draining you, it's time for firmer boundaries and a time out. Make self-care a top priority. 

My peace and my joy don't depend on other people's behavior. It depends on my behavior. It is a choice to make peace and joy a top priority. And remember, you can't have joy unless you first have peace. 

Some things only God can fix, try as I might. My own efforts are often futile. When you get frustrated, let go and let God. Works every time. 

What lessons did you learn this year?

4.  Who did you connect with this year? 

Online bloggers and social media personalities which has been fun. The world is connected via the Internet. 

My nephews and cousins who live out of state. Been having some good conversations so that is a blessing. 

5. How did you use your time this year?

We make our plans and our goals, but sometimes our time is not our own. When we are working we have a schedule and deadlines or quotas to meet. When we retire, other responsibilities like elderly relatives, health issues, and finances take our time. The key is to accept the will of God, do whatever is right in front of you, and trust God's timing. With a smile. 

Finally created an audiobook for my first book, "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony." Ebook available on Google Books and audiobook on Google Play So excited to have accomplished that. Am currently working on reformatting this ebook to get it onto other platforms. It is on Amazon Kindle already. 

Updated my Mediterranean cookbook, over 160 pages of deliciousness including several ethnicities. Order your digital copy today for only $24.99 using Zelle and my email address arielpaz08@gmail.com and I'll get it right out to you to start cooking fun!

For Reflection

As the New Year begins, what adjustments do you need to make? What can you let go of? Control? A relationship? What is it that you truly would like to accomplish or embrace in the New Year? 

I hope you were encouraged by this post. If so, do pass this on to a friend who could use a bit of encouragement. I am looking to increase readership and I need your help. All they have to do is enter their email address in the box provided. They'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide, "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path. We're all on a spiritual journey and sometimes we have to take a different route. 

Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom on igniting the power within and discovering YOUR destiny!

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year and remember - 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

 

How to Make This Year Count

Happy New Year everybody! Can you believe it is 2025? What are your hopes and dreams for the new year? Lose those 10 extra pounds? Get your financial house in order? Finish that degree? 

I've found that the best way to see my hopes and dreams come true is to set smart goals and I've been setting and accomplishing goals since I was a child, believe it or not. Goals help us form a vision for our future. They help us to get clear on what we want. Nothing is more powerful than a goal that energizes us and spurs us to action. 

If you've ever been to a soccer game or a football game, you've seen how motivating scoring a goal is for the players. In the same way, achieving worthwhile goals builds our confidence and gives us a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment and also brings more joy into our lives and who doesn't want that? So here is how to set great goals you can achieve.

The first step is to define SMART goals. You’ve probably seen this criteria before, but in case you haven’t, here are the five keys to making SMART goals. A SMART goal must be:

S - specific - detailed and clearly stated 

M - measurable - must be quantifiable

A - achievable - must be realistic 

R - relevant - must be important to you, know the why

T- time bound - set a date/deadline to accomplish it by

The second major component to achieving our goals is we need to have a PLAN. It's not enough to state our goals out loud, publish them on Facebook, or note them in a journal. Without a plan to implement our goals we will fail miserably. I've heard it said "Failing to plan is planning to fail." 

I organize my life into 5 major areas and create a goal for each of those areas. Let's say, in the area of health & fitness, I want to lose 10 pounds(specific and measurable) by pool opening day(realistic & time-bound). The next thing I need to do is list 3 - 5 action steps I am going to start immediately to accomplish each goal. Action steps for losing the 10 pounds might be:

1. Take a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day. 
2. Ask myself if I am really feeling hunger before I eat something.
3. Reduce the amount of fats, sweets, and salt I consume by half. 
4. Keep a food diary and track how I feel when I eat something. 
5. Manage my stress levels better. 

Third, we need to understand the WHY of each of our goals. This is sometimes obvious, but as our goals get bigger and harder, it is important to be very clear on WHY we want to achieve a certain goal, or we may lose momentum and give up mid-way through. The why is our motivation. This takes some soul-searching but when we understand the why we gain clarity about our values. 

The last component of achieving goals is the most important. Without this component, we will surely fail. We must learn to develop the power of FAITH.  We must BELIEVE we can accomplish what we set out to do and that God is going to give us the grace to do it. Faith is KEY to accomplishing anything good in life but it must be backed up with action steps and of course, prayer. 

So, write and share one of your goals with me. If you need help defining your goals, write me and I'll help you out. Here’s to a fruitful and fun 2025.

If you'd like to join our community and receive my bi-weekly posts by email, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "How to Develop a Spiritual Practice".  If you struggle with balance in your life, check out my book "Take Back Your Life: 5 Keys to Reclaiming Your Personal Power",  available at your favorite online bookseller. 

Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR DESTINY in the New Year ! ©

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz
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Believe in the Promises of God and Discover Your Destiny

The holidays come with a lot of expectations, don't they? Receiving that much wanted gift, spending quality time with loved ones, & enjoying lots of laughter and fun. The reality is that things don't always turn out picture perfect; people don't get along, tensions are high, someone doesn't like the food, people don't show up. This list of things that can go wrong is endless. Why? Because we live in an imperfect world and people are imperfect. As the year draws to a close, today I'm sharing on what can we do to better handle these expectations so we can have more peace, more joy and less frustration in the New Year.

Tip #1. Realize we are all in process.
Everyone is at a different stage in their journey in life. We each have our lessons to learn for our personal and spiritual growth. We can't make anyone grow any faster, but we can work on our own growth. It is a choice we make. Some people are too busy to be concerned about personal growth and/or they don't think they need to change. News flash - we ALL need to change!

Others don't want to change. I met a woman recently who I came to realize has the habit of cancelling at the last minute. I brought this to her attention and gave her grace multiple times. She just wouldn't change her behavior. She said to me "It's too hard to be your friend". What she really meant was "I don't want to change for you." And I didn't want to be continually stood up and stressed out by her behavior so we both agreed to part ways.

Tip #2. Accept people where they are but don't spend too much time with them
I guess since I am a growth person, I like to think others are open to growing as well, but that is not always the case. As in the situation above, the woman did not want to grow. Apparently she thinks repeatedly cancelling at the last minute is acceptable behavior. Maybe in her circle of friends, but not in mine.

If we want to get along with others, we have to overlook some things. The key is to figure out what we can overlook and what we can't.  If we want to live a peaceful joyful life, we want to hang around with people who want the same thing. Some people crave strife and drama. That is their way of getting attention or else they have a personality disorder. I choose not to associate with these types. Life is too short for strife and drama.

Tip #3. Lower your expectations of others. 
The expectations we put on ourselves and others can cause undue pressure, stress and conflict. The key is to realize that our values and priorities may not be the same as others. This takes understanding. I have another friend whom I've known for years. The problem is she is constantly late. I am an on time person and I think being late shows a lack of consideration for others. She apparently doesn't. Solution: don't do too much with her. Now that I know how she is, I can make different plans like tell her an event starts earlier than it does. My goal this year is to accept circumstances and people as imperfect as we all are, the same way Christ accepts me, with love and without judgement.

Tip #4. Do less. 
Over the years I have learned to put less and less effort into all the hoopla that surrounds Christmas. Yes, I still put up a tree and put out the Advent wreath. I still buy and wrap presents and I still bake. Why? Because these simple things are meaningful to me and remind me of the joy of the season. But Christmas cards have gone electronic. The house is simply decorated and I limit the number of parties and events I say yes to. Why? Because I want to enjoy the peace and the joy of the season without overextending myself, feeling rushed, or getting sick.

I've also learned not everyone is in to gift-giving, so I buy less. Saves me time, money, and effort as well as not being disappointed.

Tip #5. Remember the promises of God. 
One year, not too long ago, it was only my youngest son and myself together on Christmas Day.  As I settled down to open my gifts, my youngest son points to a large box under the tree.
"That one is for you," he says as he gets out the video camera.
"Now what could this possibly be?" I ask as I dig through the huge pile of styrofoam packing.

To my utter surprise and joy, there in the box were six cups and saucers from my Lenox china pattern I selected when I got married. Somehow when I moved to my new home years ago, the cups and saucers were lost in transit. These six cups and saucers would restore what I had lost and complete the set. As I gazed upon the beauty of a simple china cup, I noticed the name of the pattern -"Promise".

"You know, people may break their promises, but God never does," I said to my son with a quiet peace. "God promises to restore the years the locusts have eaten" (Joel 2:25).

In the same way my beautiful china collection was restored and made complete, know that God is still in the process of restoration and completion in each of us - to make us whole, complete, and like new. Whatever pains, losses and hurts we have endured, God knows about all of them and He is faithful to heal us and make us whole once again. But He doesn't stop there.

God wants you to go higher - to reach new levels, to do bigger and greater things. Jesus himself said, "Whoever believes in me, will do greater things than I" (John 14:12). Catch the key - "Whoever believes in me".  We have to believe - in God, in others, and in ourselves. You have been gifted in many ways; some gifts may not have even come to the surface yet. You are not meant to settle for a just-get-by life. You are meant to SOAR to new heights and fulfill the purpose you were created for!

Just as Christ came to earth as a little child, let us, too, become as little children filled with awe and wonder as we usher in the New Year. Let us let go of any hurts, unforgiveness, and mistakes we may have made and look forward to a new year filled with  healing, wholeness, and harmony. Let us use our gifts and talents to make this world a better place.

For Reflection

As the New Year begins, what do you need to let go of? A habit? A relationship? What is it that you truly would like to accomplish in the New Year? 

If you were encouraged by this post, and would like to join our community and receive my weekly posts, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide e, "7 Steps to Finding  Your Spiritual Path". We're all on a journey so we might as well travel together.

Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom on igniting the power within and discovering YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

6 Spiritual Tips to Welcome in the New Decade

Are you looking forward to the New Year with anticipation and excitement? Are you happy to close the chapter on 2019 and start reading the new decade ahead? The way our year goes has much to do with our expectations as well as our actions. What we anticipate or expect will eventually appear in our lives. What we put out into the world will come back to us manyfold. Since this is the last post of the decade, I want to leave you with some positive thoughts to contemplate and some actionable items to help us all see more blessing and abundance in our lives in 2020 and beyond.

1. What we dwell on is what will materialize in our lives.
Our thoughts have power. A LOT of power. We have the ability to create the most incredible destinies or not. This is why I emphasize the power of FAITH so much. If we dwell on negativity, doubt, and fear, that is what will manifest itself in our lives. If we want to see miracles, healings, and abundance we have to think on "things above". In other words, we have to envision what we want our life to look like even if we don't see it in the present and even if it seems impossible. This is the essence of faith - believing in things not yet seen. 

2. Be appreciative.  
Practice an attitude of gratitude. I can't stress this enough. When we are thankful, we open the door for more blessings. When we acknowledge and appreciate what we are given, same thing. When was the last time you said "Thank you" to someone? We should be saying it many times a day. And don't forget to say "thank you" to God too! For getting you home safe. For that parking space. For the raise or promotion. All good things come from God. 

Every kind gesture counts. Every acknowledgment is seen. I wave when someone lets me get in front of them in the lane. I say "thank you" for the little things someone does - like sending me a card or calling me to say hello. This shows appreciation. Don't take people for granted. Be appreciative and say thank you more often this year. You will feel so much more joy, I promise.

3. Be generous but wise
Coming from a single parent home and then being a single parent myself, it's taken me time to overcome the lack mentality I grew up with. Now when I tip, I give a little extra. I support numerous charities. I had two sponsor children. One I supported for over 20 years. I give gifts and send cards at holidays, Christmas, and birthdays. I smile. I help people in need. It's a good feeling to help others. 

Being generous is an attitude of the heart. It shows we realize where our blessings come from and that by being generous we keep the flow going. Don't be a Scrooge or a penny-pincher. Frugal yes. Cheap no. Spend on what really matters to you but resist so you can have something left over to be a blessing to others. Do we really have to have the latest and greatest whatever? Do we really need another.....?  Every time I buy something, I get rid of something to help prevent clutter and waste. How we spend our money, like our time, shows what we value. At the end of the year, it is good to ask ourselves "How will I spend my money this year?"

4. Do less, be more.
You've heard me say this before - slow down and do less. It takes a while to sink in, I know. I'm still working on it myself. More time to simply be, to reflect, to contemplate, to be still, to pray. As a single mom, with a demanding career and two growing boys, I was always on the go. Friends would be incredulous at how much I got done. No wasting away the day for me. As the seasons of my life have changed, I have learned the importance - no, the necessity - of slowing down and doing less. We are human beings, not human doings. When we are in such a frantic pace we don't have the patience to be kind, to be thoughtful, to care, to listen, to hear from God. It's all about us. What can you cut out this year to be more in tune with Spirit? 

5. Make peace a priority.
This may be the most important tip of all. Stress is a killer, and if we don't make peace a priority, stress will get the best of us over time and result in a myriad of physical and emotional problems. 

Peace doesn't just happen. We have to make it a priority and make conscious decisions that lead us toward peace. I ask myself "Will this decision, choice, or action bring me peace?" The key is "in the long run". Some actions - like setting boundaries and limits - might not bring us peace in the moment but in the long run they will. This doesn't mean being a door mat either. Peace comes from standing up for yourself and speaking your mind no matter who agrees or disagrees with you. We have to be at peace with ourselves and God before we can be at peace with others. 

I've realized many people don't even realize they are anxious, talk too much or too loudly, or gossip, but they make my blood pressure rise. I've let them go. Eliminate drama queens, energy suckers, and anxiety provoking people and situations. Leave a stress-filled job or relationship. 

Calm is our birthright. Anxiety and stress are not. Choose your friends wisely. If all they want to do is talk about all their problems, suggest they see a counselor. Being a good listener is one thing, but being a dumping bag is another. Practice prayer and meditation. I am practicing mindfulness so I realize sooner when my thoughts start going down the rabbit hole. There are many techniques out there today to help us stay in peace. One of my current favorites is EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique - otherwise known as tapping. Check out the Tapping Solution. I find it very helpful and effective. 

6. Follow the joy.
This lesson was a bit less obvious for me to learn, but I got it finally. Joy is a guide in our lives. When we are making a decision, follow the joy. When we need wisdom on what to do, follow the joy. When we don't have joy, ask ourselves "Why not?" It is usually due to a lack of peace. Joy gives us the strength to pursue our destinies and leads us in the path that is best for us. 

Now, don't confuse joy with happiness. (Check out my posts on the difference). Joy is that bubbling up of inner delight and energy. It's when your gut, your intuition, and your Spirit all say "YES"! Scripture confirms this "The joy of the Lord is my Strength" (Neh 8:10). Joy is from being connected to God and His Holy Spirit thru Jesus Christ. It comes when we are at peace with ourselves, others, and God. 

Well, those are my 6 tips to implement this new year and to develop this decade. We all want more peace, more joy, less stress, and more blessings in our lives and these 6 keys will help us achieve all of these as we continue to ignite the power within and discover OUR DESTINY! 

If this post was helpful, join our community by entering your email address in the box provided. You'll also receive my free eguide "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

Until next time, have a wonderful, happy, and healthy New Year and as always, 

Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz

Take Time to Reflect as the New Year Begins

As the door to 2015 closes and the door to 2016 is opening wide, we can choose to look back, to look forward, or to do both. Some are already thinking of new goals, plans, and projects to accomplish and usually I'm right there with them. As I pondered what I would like to say to you on this last post of 2015, I realized I'm not yet ready to jump full-speed ahead into the New Year. Perhaps you, too, may not be quite ready for 2016.

A lot happens in the course of a year and it is important to take some time to reflect back on all of it. A lot of lessons came my way and I want to make sure I not only remember them, but continue to implement them in 2016. I want to ensure I align my activities with what my priorities are today. I don't want to drift back into the same old patterns out of habit.

Here are some of the lessons I've been shown this year:


Live in  the present moment. 

Honor what I'm feeling first.

Let myself off the hook.

I don't have to understand everything.

It's time to slow down. 

Balance activity with rest. 

I don't have to keep up with the world.  

God's got my back. 

Meditation is important. 

Accept people where they're at. 
 

In this world of over-achievers and perfectionism (myself included), our fast-paced lifestyle and urgent work ethic can take a huge toll on our health, our relationships, and our energy. Sometimes I think about retiring to Brazil where the national motto is "Relax!" They take time to enjoy the beaches, the sultry rhythms of the samba and the bossa nova, and having drinks with friends along the strip. No one is in a rush. 

If you're not ready to usher in the New Year, it's okay. Take your time. Reflect back on what made you smile and brought you joy in 2015. How can you bring more joy into your life in 2016? What made you stressed, upset, pressured? What can you change to be more resilient and have more peace? When we make time to reflect on our lives, we bring more awareness into the present moment and awareness is the first step to transforming our tomorrows. 

If you related to this post and would like to stay in touch, please enter your email address in the box provided. 

Until next time, I wish you a well-chosen New Year. May you soar on wings like eagles and shine like the noon day sun!

Ariel Paz