The Energy Diet For 2020

We have come not only to the end of a year but the end of a decade. If the 2010s were banner years for you with personal growth, increased economic security, and a slew of good hair days in high humidity, congratulations. If you are more on the “yeah, not so much” end of the spectrum, know that this is a fortuitous time for change. Do not listen to your rearview mirror with its caveat that objects may be closer than they appear. Put the past in the past, file those lessons learned, kick yourself just one more time for not buying Amazon stock at $18, and focus on what is in your control to make the future a brighter place.

It would be gratifying if good things happened to good people and bad things happened to bad people or if it were true that the wheels of justice turn slowly but grind exceedingly fine. Unfortunately, that is not often the case. The problem is that negative people are sometimes the last to realize that they are negative people. They may come from victim mode or narcissism. They are of lower vibrations, and the reason they can make kind people feel so bad is because this level of vibration feels inherently uncomfortable.

I believe that forgiveness for conscious wrongs is overrated but that resentment is an emotion which does not serve anyone well. I am not much of a turn-the-other-cheek sort of person, unless it is for kissing handsome Europeans. Engaging in even more negativity, however, is rarely satisfying. What you can do is hold up a metaphorical mirror to that person and simply wish their own energy right back at them.

Also, everyone can make an honest mistake. That is the definition of being human. An apology and offer to try to rectify the situation go a long way.

Absorbing energy is just like ingesting food. A positive energy diet is filled with kind people and spiritual awareness and inspiring books, movies, plays, and music. Its main food group is gratitude. Health always tops this list. Every time I leave a yoga class, I say I have made a deposit in my health bank account.

Mastering the art of small pleasures in life is key to being positive. A walk on the beach. A perfect café latte. Your love of “The Great British Baking Show” or Mary Oliver poetry or the way your lover tucks your hair behind your ear. A bath scented with lavender and ylang ylang. Perfecting your home-made chicken pot pie. Lighting a single white candle at the end of the day. Reading your favorite column in The Independent. Cuddling up with your child or dog or stuffed otter (don’t judge). Giving someone a genuine compliment. Throwing a dance party for yourself. Stopping and taking a deep breath. Just because you can.

Please do not let the bad guys get you down and make you shine less brightly. It’s worth the effort to discover your authentic self and express it every day. Be the person who makes the world a better place. Be the person who makes just the sidewalk you are strolling on a better place. Know that you have someone rooting for you, and that is me. Nice guys never finish last in my book. I wish you all the power and glory and high vibrations of a positive life with purpose well-lived. And if some jerk tries to block that, know you have me and a bad ass stuffed otter in your corner. Happy New Decade.

kissandtellhb@gmail.com