HOW TO SHINE BRIGHTER AND BE MORE YOU

If you're feeling a little bit lost and wanting to reclaim some of your mojo and a little more positivity - here's my A to Z of ways to shine your light and be all you were meant to be. #inspiration

AN ALTERNATIVE TO LESS

There's been a lot written over the last few years about minimalism and simplicity - and I'm a big fan of both concepts. But, after spending 2018 Rising from the ashes, now there's something in me that's calling for a different approach - something that's saying that it's okay to ask for MORE, that it's possible to be MORE, and that there's so much MORE out there for me to experience and learn. So, this year I feel like I want to open up my life and because of that, I've chosen MORE as my Word for the Year.

On face value it feels a little bit greedy picking a word like MORE, but there's something within me that is saying that now that I've learned to accept all that I am, I can begin to reach for MORE- to start replacing the areas that are "less" with "MORE" and to see where that takes me.

A COMMON THEME

When I looked back at my posts over the last few months, I noticed that there were a couple where I talked about Becoming More in Midlife and Being So Much More Than We Think We Are. I want Midlife to be about happiness, peace, and self-respect - rather than over-thinking, drama, and people pleasing. I want to start recognizing the qualities I have and seeing in myself what others see. If things need to be dealt with then I'm happy to do that, and then to move on to becoming the best version of myself. 

I found this quote online and I just loved it for defining what I mean by MORE:

I hope you live louder, I hope you sing at the top of your lungs

BECOMING MORE RATHER THAN FADING INTO LESS

I've noticed there are so many older women who have allowed themselves to slide into the background. They've faded away to the point of becoming part of the wallpaper at family gatherings or get togethers. Or, worse still, they've become grumpy and mean spirited and never have a good word to say about anybody or anything.

There is no way that I want to fade away and become a gray, invisible, background person who grumbles and groans and nobody has any time for. I don't want to become less and less until there's nothing left of the woman who had all those possibilities ahead of her. It would be such a shame to not become all I am capable of becoming.

HOW DO WE BECOME MORE?

Sometimes we limit ourselves by choosing to stay in the same place in life rather than reaching out and challenging ourselves to reach our full potential. I wonder how many of us are trapped by thought patterns that stem from childhood baggage? What potential would we have if we allowed ourselves to take risks and forgot to worry about what (we think) other people might say or judge about us? What if we just decided to actively pursue the things that make us happy? What if we wanted more and started looking for ways to be our best selves? I wonder what that would look like?

I look at my Mum - she's 77 years old and is living life large - she is a "Yes" person who is surrounded by friends, and who always has a hug and a laugh to share. She's such a wonderful example of being "more" - if there is something interesting happening, she's sure to be in the middle of it, not hanging back and watching from the sidelines. I'll never have her confidence or exhuberance, but I can use her as a shining example of how life can be twenty years from now.

WHERE TO BEGIN?

So to begin this journey of MORE, I thought I'd do a quick A to Z of what I'd like MORE of this year - so many things to launch into - I can't wait! I'll also be sharing a bit more about each letter every second Saturday throughout the year instead of participating in the April AtoZ Challenge. I really want to be proactive in growing and flourishing and becoming MORE this year!


























WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Do you have a word of the year? I'd love to know what you've chosen and feel free to leave a link to your post in my comments section. Or, alternatively, have you thought about what you'd like  to be more of in 2019?


If you're feeling a little bit lost and wanting to reclaim some of your mojo and a little more positivity - here's my A to Z of ways to shine your light and be all you were meant to be. #inspiration
If you're feeling a little bit lost and wanting to reclaim some of your mojo and a little more positivity - here's my A to Z of ways to shine your light and be all you were meant to be. #inspiration


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Cresting the Hill - a blog for Midlife (Middle Aged / 50+) women who want to thrive

77 comments

  1. More was my OLW last year. Had thought to continue with it this year but Focus nudged me and that's what I hope to do more this year.
    Lovely post!

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    1. That's amazing Beverley - I'm going to pop over and see what you did with your word last year and where you intend going with "Focus" this year. I love the challenge that choosing a word brings with it :)

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  2. I think you explained this well - my previous doubts about your word "more" for the year have been erased 😂. As you say, it's not a greediness thing but a self improvement thing I guess. It's so easy to become less as you age but making a decision to conciously try to do the opposite is a great step in the right direction I think. Xox

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    1. I'm so glad that you get where I'm going with this Hannah. I spent a lot of time trying to come up with an alternative synonym but "More" just kept coming back as the best way to describe where I'm heading. And yes, self improvement is always a big driver for me these days - becoming the woman God sees me as is a great motivator! xx

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  3. I love how you've expressed your word of the year! And I hope this year brings you MORE becoming who you authentically are. I've chosen Journey as my word of the year. I had a chuckle with your line "To begin this journey of MORE". :-)

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    1. Yes - we'll be journeying together Pat - and I love that we all want to become better versions of ourselves and realize the potential we have within us. Sue has a similar focus this year - we're all going to be rocking 2019!! :)

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  4. Hi, Leanne - 'More' is a wonderful (and very refreshing) WOTY. As I've been following your posts for a while now, I agree that your Mom is an awesome example of living life to the fullest and getting MORE out of each and every day. I look forward to following your posts on this theme (and reading Faye's comments on them)!

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    1. I'm glad you liked it Donna - it was tricky coming up with a word that reflected what I was trying to achieve in the year ahead. And yes Mum is the living example of living vibrantly - on several different levels!

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  5. Leanne, I felt tears welling up and a lump in my throat when I read the bit about how you wanted to live your coming years MORE like I do. I am surprised to say the least, as I thought you may have been a bit taken a back with the way I live my life in my senior years. I think the Red Hat ladies have had quite a lot to do with my way of dressing colourfully and with matching bling. Yes, I hug and kiss more than I used to do and a feel that a comforting hug to a friend or family member can mean a lot to that person who is feeling a bit down and alone. As for my FWB, well it makes my heart glad to have him in my life. So enjoy your life to the fullest my darling daughter, as you get into your senior years you find friends popping off the perch unexpectedly. Life is short, so try to get MORE of the important things into your own life. Hug MORE and worry about yourself and your nearest and dearest and not about people who suck the light from your life. xxoo

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    1. Hi Mum - I think we all live life slightly differently, but at the same time if we don't give it our best shot then it seems to be a bit of a waste. I may never be a Red Hatter, but I can still be bright and colourful and sociable :) I may not have a FWB but I have a lovely husband who makes my heart glad too (not bad after 36 years!) I think living and loving more is the way to go and laughing more is definitely on the list too. Keep inspiring us and showing the way to bright "senior years" xxx

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  6. I LOVE your word. SO much that I'm using capitals & I'm sure an exclamation point is coming along soon! (There it is!) I'm not doing the word thing this year, but if I had been the word I was playing with was abundance...and YES...(also in capitals).

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    1. When I was playing around with synonyms (too scared to just go with my gut and pick More initially!) abundance was one of the almost-choices. In the end I just thought "stuff it" and went the whole hog - because I darn well want More! :)

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  7. I don't think "more" sounds greedy at all! In fact, if I had to choose a word, I think I'd choose "more" too. I love your A-Z and hope that 2019 is everything you want it to be and MORE!

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    1. Thanks so much Sam - I'm so glad that people are understanding my reasons behind choosing it for my WOTY - it has so much depth to it once you get past the surface meaning doesn't it?

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  8. I love the idea of being 'MORE' Leanne and it ties in nicely with my 'Evolve', one of my words for 2019. We are definitely on the same wavelength and look at you with your AtoZ Challenge already sorted!!! Way to go. Looking forward to learning MORE from you in 2019 and also can't wait until we catch up IRL. xx

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    1. Yes, I could see a lot of similarities in where we're both heading this year Sue (and I can't say I'm surprised at that). I really like the idea of spreading the AtoZ out over the year, rather than squashing it all into one month this time. It takes the pressure off big time :)

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    2. Hi Leanne, I'm so looking forward to sharing another year of blogging with you and co-hosting #MLSTL. I'll be sharing this on social media and looks like we have a strong start to the link up. Good times ahead! xx

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  9. a beautiful spin leanne - I love the way you have turned this word on its head - may you see More in all the qualities you already have and bring out More of divine Self.
    I feel rather slack as the new year is moving in, themes are making themselves known and I have yet to post or hear 'the word' ....

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    1. Thanks Sandra - I'm really hoping it inspires me to delve deeper and find out what really engages my mind and my heart this year. I hope you find a word that speaks to you before much longer - I think you'd do wonders with whatever you choose :)

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  10. You're the first person I know to choose the word more. It makes so much sense.

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    1. I second guessed myself several times over it Liz - it seemed like a bit of a weird choice, but I kept coming back to it and I'm glad I stuck with it (and I'm glad you liked my choice!)

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  11. Thanks, Leanne, for explaining the intention behind your focus word for 2019. I've chosen a focus word for the first time: GROUNDED. A week in, and I already see how a focus word works better for me than a resolution. All my best to you as you strive to enrich your life with your focus word MORE. Hugs and high fives!

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    1. Hi Karen - you've chosen a really interesting word - one I never would have thought of. I guess it ties in with authenticity and living within your core values. It makes a lot of sense to me and it's something I try to live by too.

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  12. I look forward to reading MORE and MORE about your year of MORE, Leanne! My word is RECORD - I want to get in the habit of journalling, daily. So far, my 2019 journal is a sad record of each day living with the flu...LOL! Onward and upwards...Happy 2019!

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    1. Journalling every day is a big undertaking Deb - I try for once a week in my handwritten journal and still don't always make it! I think my life needs to be a bit more exciting to give me more to write about! Hope you recover from the dreaded flu quickly x

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  13. "More "is a great word, good for you! Your alphabet challenge looks terrific! I don't think someone reflecting on their life while terminal would ever say "I wish I blended into the wallpaper"! No need to wait for the end!!

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    1. I LOVE your "I wish I blended into the wallpaper" comment Haralee - I might even quote it somewhere down the track when I'm reflecting back on "More" during the year - because you are SO right!

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  14. Oooh, interesting, MORE is a great word. My two words for this year are CURIOSITY and DISCIPLINE. Curiosity is about exploring further the things that interest me the most at any given time. Discipline is a recognition that to achieve any of my goals - running, reading and theatre - I have to monitor my progress and keep going. Good luck for 2019. Pen x #AnythingGoes

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    1. I love that your words are polar opposites but still work well together to give you a fuller life. I think you need both to balance each other out - it'll be interesting to see where you go with them throughout the year.

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  15. Absolutely LOVE this post (and your mum's comment) - I think it is a great word for the year. I've been pondering what mine will be and like you, I questioned my choice at first. But then I questioned last year's too (breathe) and it was magnificent!!! What is my word for 2019? Ah, you'll just have to wait for the blog post!!!

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    1. I'll be popping over to check out your WOTY Janet - it will be interesting to see what you choose because I think 2019 holds lots of adventures for you x

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  16. Hi Leanne, I love your WOTY, it says so much and covers lots of areas. It’s not selfish to consider the need for more and you’ve explained it all so well. I love the quote you included, it’s perfect!! And your comment about your mum’s life and her response is just beautiful. I just love reading your posts 😊

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    1. Thanks Deb - it was a funny word to choose because it has a lot of connotations that I don't like - which is why I wanted to explain it well. I really do want to rock the socks of Midlife and the only way to do that is to find what I love and do MORE of it!

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  17. I am loving your word of the year! You have some great expectations and plans. My work of the year is growth

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    1. I think Growth and More have a lot in common - they both reflect our desire to become more of who we are capable of being - what a great aim for the year!

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  18. What an inspirational post. I think 'more' is a fantastic word. And I definitely want more of a lot this year - happiness, health, peace, positivity, blog success. What a great way to focus x #AnythingGoes

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    1. Thanks Rosie - I'm with you on all the things on that list - it's so full of positives and that's what I want More of too - and blog success would be the icing on the cake :)

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  19. Hi Leanne - You've chosen a wonderful word and a great list of AtoZ topics. I look forward to reading your upcoming posts. Happy 2019! #MLSTL

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    1. Thanks Natalie - I didn't think I could do the April AtoZ for a fourth year - I'm just not up for the Challenge, but I loved the idea of taking those words and writing about them to motivate myself to put them into practice.

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  20. Hi Leanne. Sounds the me like MORE is the perfect word for you in 2019. I love the quote. Looking forward to following your A-Z list during the year. But will miss you on the A-Z challenge in April. #MLSTL Shared on SM

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    1. I think I'm all AtoZ'ed out Jennifer - three years in a row has been fun, but the thought of it just makes me feel tired this year. Still, I get to have the Challenge but in a way that I can cope with - what's not to love about that?

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  21. I have big goals for this year and I LOVE your word of the year choice. Yes, I want MORE for myself, too! My word of the year is "Believe". I haven't always believed in my abilities even though everyone around me has-it's high time I started listening to them! Thanks, Leanne!! #MLSTL

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    1. Self-doubt is a killer isn't it Kim? I think it's something we Midlifers are really prone to and we miss out on so much by second guessing ourselves and our ability. I think we can do a heck of a lot more than we give ourselves credit for - it's just about being brave enough to step out and give it a shot!

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  22. Wowsers! Love this. You go, girl!

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    1. Thanks Christine - I'm hoping I haven't set the bar too high, but I really want to get to the end of the year and see that I've opened my life up more - let's see where I end up :)

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  23. I love that word. Very cool. Thanks for sharing it. Such a great idea and concept. #MLSTL

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    1. Thanks Patrick - it's my motivating word for getting myself to be braver and step up and grow a bit this year :)

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  24. What a great word to choose for 2019! On first glance it's a word that suggests indulgence, but as you say, it doesn't have to be at all partnered with largesse in any way and I love the ideas you've teamed it up with. I hope you find a slice of each of your More words in your life in 2019, and that 2019 is your best year ever. Sharing on SM :) x

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    1. I'm so glad you understood where I was heading with choosing More as my WOTY Jo - it's one of those funny words that can represent all the stuff that I try to avoid, but in this context it's about all the stuff I want to take on and embrace - it's such a positive motivation for me for the year ahead :)

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  25. It sounds like you have hit the sweet spot with more. Good on you. I know it takes time with this notion of a guiding word or phrase...which is why I am not posting about mine till next week. I love that your mum was so complimentary to you too. Nice one!

    Thank you for linking up to the first week of 51 for #lifethisweek in 2019. Next week, the optional prompt is “Word, Intention,Nothing” …I have all three (joke!) and will blog over the weekend about why. Denyse

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    1. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with as your WOTY Denyse - I'm sure you'll have given it a lot of thought and with all sorts of things opening up for you now that you're well again, I think 2019 is going to be your year x

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  26. A great choice of a word with lots of great reasons for choosing it. Here's to More in the coming year!

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    1. Thanks Cheried - and YES let's have More of all the good stuff and just flourish this year xx

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  27. I love your word choice, Leanne, and this post. Your description of your mom reminded me of my MIL, who is the most social person know at the age of 92! I don't have an official word of the year, but I think "discovery" describes what I hope to do in 2019. I want to discover more about myself and how I want to spend the first part of my retirement. It's only a couple of years away, and I want to be prepared to jump in with both feet. Happy 2019!

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    1. I'm just starting to think seriously about retirement Christie - and how much money we'll need, what I'd do with the extra time, and how to live the best life possible leading up to it - and during it. So much to think about isn't there - and a new stage of life to embark on soon (especially if you're planning for 2 years' time!)

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  28. I love all that you have written. I feel like I have always been more because that is the kind of person I am. But since husbands diagnosis I am in a holding pattern always waiting on the next rock to fall.

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    1. You're certainly in a bit of a void right now Victoria - where all you can do is hold steady and be a support to him. This will pass eventually and you can jump back into being an advocate for living large :)

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  29. I love your 'word' for the year, Leanne, and the quote in particular. I know from life experience that we need to enjoy every moment, every day, and say what needs to be said now, not later. Wonderful post!

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    1. Thanks so much Candi - you're right about enjoying the moment and speaking up - waiting can be too late at this age and stage can't it? I really want to squeeze more out of this life I've been given and really live it to the full - we'll see how I go in 2019!

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  30. Wow! I love this post! I've never liked the phrase "Less Is More". I agree with every word you said. I don't have a word of the year.

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    1. Yes, More is definitely going to be More for me this year - I'd like to challenge myself to see where I can go and what I'm capable of becoming in 2019 - we'll see how I go!

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  31. What wonderful thoughts about how MORE can bring you a richer, fuller life as you embrace every moment. I loved the A-Z that you have to accompany your MORE theme. Excellent!
    Sharing for MLSTL

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    1. Thanks Trisha - and I love your "richer, fuller life" comment because that's exactly what I'm aiming for this year. Hopefully tackling the AtoZ each fortnight will spur me onwards and upwards!

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  32. Oh, Leanne, I love this post! When I read the word MORE the first time, I thought of MORE stuff. Buying more stuff, keeping more stuff. But then I read further and your post really resonated with me. Bless your mama to be living life LARGE. Yay for MORE laughter, love, experiences, more YES and less NO. Looking forward to following along in your journey. Last year was the first year I attempted a word of the year...chose PEACE because it is something that has been elusive in much of my adult life. And last year was no exception. Peace fell be the wayside. Going to recycle the word again for this year and pray that I see more of it in 2019! Happy new year.

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    1. I think Peace is an excellent word to aspire to Leslie - we all need as much of it as we can get - peace + kindness are high on my list of focus words and goals for the year too. I liked "More" because I want more of all the good things - and to become a better person as a result. Accumulating stuff doesn't do that, but being a positive light in this world is definitely high on my list :)

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  33. I love the word and the reasoning behind it! It makes so much sense. I especially love how you've broken it down from A to Z! Have a wonderful year Leanne!

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    1. Thanks Sanch! I'm hoping to be able to inspire people to want to be better and to know that it's okay to want to be all we're capable of being - we have so much and we often don't make the most of it - this year I'm claiming all I can :)

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  34. Leanne ~ You're all set for AtoZ Challenge with your word MORE! I've found that minimalism frees you up for more of what you've spoken of here. Thank you for such a thoughtful post. I'm going to think on what my word would be this year.

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    1. Sharing on FB and Twitter for #MLSTL. <3

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    2. Hi Mary Lou - I'm skipping the April 26 day Challenge this year. I've done it for the last 3 years and I think I need a break. I'm going to spread myself out a bit and do things on my own terms (and timeline) this year.

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  35. I love this post, Leanne, and great word for the new year. The part that really resonated with me, and the part I had to re-read again, was when you talked about people who become grumpy or mean-spirited. I never want to be like that, and I don't want to fade into the background either. You inspired me to want to be more, too. I will be sharing on FB.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Christina - I SO dread becoming a grey old woman with a sour expression. Staying positive and happy and engaged just lights people up and keeps us young. I'm all for being a light and not a lemon!

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  36. I love ALL of this, Leanne, and can hardly wait for your weekly A-Z posts!

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    1. Thanks Molly - I started my first last Saturday and will be doing them fortnightly - I'm pretty pleased about it all.

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  37. Wonderful to see you back and at it in 2019. I can't wait to see where MORE takes you this year. When I think of more I think of abundance and blessing - Our first feature of the year goes to MORE.
    Kathleen
    Blogger's Pit Stop
    Blogger's Pit Stop

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    1. Kathleen that is just fabulous! Thanks so much for featuring me - I love the Pit Stop and always feel honoured to be featured. Yes it's all about growth, abundance, blessing and flourishing for me this year :)

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  38. Sounds like you're going to have a fantastic year, Leanne, can't wait to hear 'more' about it. ;)
    Dropped by from #BloggersPitStop today but always glad to be here. :)
    Hope the week ahead treats you well. :)

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.