What does "Happy New Year," mean for you? Does it mean you just celebrated an occasion that had you cheering and shouting the words, "Happy New Year," and now it’s over until next year? Or does it literally mean "Be Happy, it is a New Year?" What ever it may mean for you, it will only take on the meaning you choose to give it.

Consider some of our holidays and the similarities they have:

• Merry Christmas
• Happy New Year
• Happy Valentines Day (Love)
• Happy Easter
• Fourth of July (Celebration)
• Happy Halloween
• Happy Thanksgiving

Notice the words we combine with these holidays, Merry, Happy, Love and Celebration. What if we have created these holidays to remind us to take time out now and then to appreciate and acknowledge Joy that exists in our lives? Notice they are all a feeling of sort.

Why do you suppose so many people are down during the holidays? Could it be that they know it is a time to express and feel their emotions? Some people dread the holidays and feel discomfort upon them coming. This may be because others around them are usually optimistic, enthusiastic and happy. It makes perfect sense for them to feel what they are feeling. When people feel depressed, discouraged or worried, it is very hard to jump into feelings of enthusiasm and joy. It takes time to move up the emotional scale.

What ever you may be feeling, start recognizing your emotion and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t feel good. Instead, give yourself a "high five" that you have noticed how you are feeling in the first place. Then, reach for the next best feeling thought you can find to move yourself up to a better feeling place. This is your only job! No one can do this for you; you are the only one who can choose how you want to feel.

Feeling good should be the most important aspect of your desires. So, celebrate every day, not only on certain occasions, but every day of your life.

Leslie Bishop is a Certified Empowerment Life Coach and Author of the book "Congratulations, You Have Cancer!" Leslie will be holding a "Reclaim Your Natural State of Health 8-week workshop," beginning January 9th from 6-7:30pm at Heaven Sent Wellness Center, 4455 Pinewood Rd in Melbourne. For more information contact [email protected] or call 321-768-1028.