As we settle into a new year, a new decade, a new day, what is it that it will take to be a new you. Laura Neft posed these questions on her site at the beginning of last year and I think that they are just as valuable now as they were then.

I'm sure we all aspire to be or do something different than we have in our past. I'm resolutions, vision boards, goals, etc have been thought about a lot over the last 30-45 days. Even if you have done these things or something similiar, make note of these questions and when you have some quiet time ponder on them.

1. How is where you are in life today different from where you were last January?

2. How are you different today, internally, thatn you were a year ago?

3. Of all you've eperienced in the past year, what are most proud of?

4. What did you shy away from in 2009 that you wish you'd gone for?

5. What did you learn about yourself last year?

6. Who impacted your life the most this past year?

7. What are the most important lessons you learned in 2009 that you want to be conscious of in 2010?

8. What are you being called to next in your personal growth?

9. If you could create three things in your life the coming year, what would they be?

10. What parts of yourself will you need to call upon to create those three things with wild success in 2010?

Sensual Tuesday is pleased to introduce Courtney Alexander.
Courtney Alexander came to life a few years ago when I began to write erotic literature (poems/short stories). Now making her way to the cyberworld, she will inspire an atmosphere of exploration of the senses through her adventures.

Stay tuned....

Layin low, rest and pause
Sleeping long, slow motion
Gonna do, shoulda, coulda
Woulda done, excuses

Chorus
What are you afraid of?
Don't you know what you are made of/
One of God's greatest creations
Take this invitation now

Get up, 'cause you can't stop
Get up, got a lot to do
24 hours, almost gone

Get up, don't sit back
Get up. if you wanna get there
Clocks don't stop and time won't wait

He said, she said
They said, what do you say
It's your dreams, your choice
Your time and your life
So don't you, don't you miss it

"Chorus"

Welcome to the rest of your life
From now on, just try
To live more, want more, work a little harder
Dance more, laugh more, be a little smarter
Hug a little longer, love a little stronger
You've been down but now it's time to

"Chorus"

Today marks the day of another 365 day cycle. Make the best of each and every day. Do something you were afraid to do in the past, pursue your dreams unlike you ever have before. Simply make it a great year!!!

The End of the Beginning....with every ending there is a new beginning!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful 2009 and wishing many blessings of a fantastic 2010!!!

Photo Courtesy of the Food Network

Ingredients:

1 oz Organic Green Tea
1 1/2 oz Mango Puree
1 oz Jose Cuervo Tequila
1/2 oz Cointreau
Dash of Habenero
Splash of Lime Juice

Our lives can be filled with laughter and joy, but as demands on our time increase and unrealistic expectations begin to build, they often become anxiety ridden. Here are a few simple things you can do to deal with stress.

1. Welcome Your Day With Gratitude 
    When you awake to a new day before you let your mind slip into all
    the daily task, be still. Lay still for a few moments, take a few deep  
    breaths- in in through your nose and out through your mouth- welcome
    the gift of another day of life into your body. Place your hand over
    your heart and feel the rhythm, embrance that moment of being, hear
    your unique rhythm, connect to your spirit and energy- center yourself.
    When you place your feet to the floor and take your first steps of the
    say "Thank You". Be thankful for another day.

2. Love Your Body
    Before you leave your bedroom in the morning, do some stretches,  
    yoga, or calisthenics. Get your body active and maintain your basic 
    movements by keeping them strong and limber. Give your body the 
    a little love before starting your day. 

3. Laugh and Be A Kid Again
    Get outside to play with the kids. Play a game of tag. Ride your bike.
    Hola hoop. Just step outside open your arms and spin around, catch the 
    wind. Laugh- laughing is a great tension reliever, it reduces stress and 
    makes you feel better all around.

4. Listen to Music
    Keep a  play list on your ipod, your phone, MP3, or whatever device
    you use of some uptempo music that makes you feel good. Music is 
    good for the soul.

5. Peace & Quiet
    Take time for yourself. Our jobs and spending time with friends/family
    are a part of life, but it's also important to have atleast five minutes 
    to yourself to relax throughout the day.  Incorporate these moments in 
    your daily activity. Prayer and meditation are great practices for peace
    and quiet time. Also, if stressful moments creep in during your day
    do deep breathing exercises to realign yourself.

Bonus item and my personal favorite:
    Sex/Sexercise
    Releasing of endorphins is a great way of feeling fabulous inside and
    out.

Today is the 3rd day of Kwanzaa
The Purpose of Kwanzaa

According to the official website, Kwanzaa, which is celebrated each year between December 26 and January 1, was established to reinforce basic principles in African culture.  The principles include and emphasis on family and a respect for community culture. Recently the scope of Kwanzaa has expanded to include people of all backgrounds who feel these principles are important.

Kwanzaa invites participants to meditate on and interpret its values in ways that are relevant to our individual and collective goals. It is my belief that these principles should be applied to our lives throughout the year.

The Seven Principles

1. Umoja - stands for Unity
2. Kujichagulia - stands for Self-Determination
3. Ujima - stands for Collective Work and Responsibility
4. Ujamaa - stands for Cooperative Economics
5. Nia - stands for Purpose
6. Kuumba - stands for Creativity
7. Imani - stands for Faith
   
   

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!!!