A New Year -- A New Outlook, a fresh start. I love January!

For those of you that don't know, I'm one of those people that loves January for its time of reflection, closure andall the possibilities looking forward brings.

I'm also a bit of a  motivational quote addict.  They really do inspire me. Often, I google whatever it is I want to focus on for the day -- and find a cute little quote graphic and download it to my phone, (I share the really good ones on Facebook) and I just re-read it when I start to drag. 
It really does help me focus my day to have something positive a swipe away to refresh my mind when I get bogged down.  I feel like some days, our community could use a little pick me up, just to remind it that we're heading the right direction, and change is coming.

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!!Warning!! 

*WE'RE GOING DOWN A BEAUTIFULLY OPTIMISTIC, INSPIRING MOTIVATIONAL RABBIT HOLE TODAY -- SO BRACE YOURSELF...  BECAUSE HERE. WE. GO!*

Nelson Mandela Once SAid...

First to acknowledge where I've been; this perspective helped carry me through 2017.  It was a year full of learning and just putting myself out there. I wasn't really looking at things in a win/lose mentality, but there were times where I felt incredibly defeated, uneasy about what felt necessary *like start a grassroot community project* in order to move positive changes forward. I learned so much last year!  I intend to learn exactly as much, hopefully more, this year!

So Let me Tell you about what Is currently Inspiring me...

The residents of our town!!  You Guys (and Ladies) -- Seriously, you're amazing! 129 responses to the Post Card Home Survey - I'm humbled and grateful!  I'm really looking forward to sharing the themes you've shared in each response, to ensure I'm hearing you correctly.  In reading your responses, I've learned so much about things that use to be here, things that I never even thought were issues, and that maybe I'm not crazy to work towards the changes I want, because other people want them, too. I'm so stoked to start working toward ensuring these themes are heard by our decision makers, connecting your ideas and wants with the correct agencies and organizations, and using what you've said to help  facilitate the change you're looking for.

I've been so inspired by local and regional entrepreneurs.  They are motivated people, and they have big plans to crush their goals this year! I can't wait to see how their businesses develop and contribute to our community in the positive ways they have planned.  Their eagerness to throw themselves at the things they enjoy -- is contagious when you spend time with them!  I think this is an added benefit of #shoplocal movements -- you get to brush up against their excitement, and you leave feeling pretty inspired yourself!  Each day they succeed a little bit in progressing towards their goals, and it's really starting to show.  I think 2018 is going to be a big year for small business in our community -- and that's SO exciting!

I'm so proud to be a part of community where neighbors take care of each other. Seeing the love our community has poured into families and individuals that were hit hard this past year with unexpected diagnoses, tragedies, or just bad luck -- that is how I know the love is here and that love is what will always connect use as neighbors in only positive ways. 
We also have resources and organizations, many I had no idea existed until last year, doing such positive things.  For example -- I was really lucky to be able to share the Christmas Card Project cards with Friends Serving Friends -- so that the art students' cards were delivered with the delivered Christmas Meals-- just to share some Christmas Cheer with their donated artwork.  I'm really excited to see how these organizations grow this year.

To everyone that stepped up last year to be kind, fill a void, lend a hand... You inspire me! ​

To the new faces, New Ideas and new activities in our community -- You Inspire Me, too!

I'd like to welcome the "transplants." I'm thrilled your here!  Now be this perception or reality, believe it or not, our community has not always been the most welcoming to new-comers. Its a stigma that's out there.  Let's acknowledge it and move past it because we have new artists, new businesses, new motivated individuals sparking change and inspiring their new neighbors to jump on board. This is Awesome!!  I'm just as excited to tap into their fresh perspective and learn something from what they bring to the table this year, as I am to hearing more from our current residents. I know we can reconcile between all of our ideas, to promote and continue to grow a community we are proud of!

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So With optimistic outstretched arms, I'm READY TO embracE the progress, good will, and opportunities to be had in our community this year... And I'm hoping to bring each of you along for the ride!

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Everything I'm excited about and inspired by, has been applied to the goals I have for this year, but that's for another blog post. 
​ So tell me, I'm dying to hear -- What's inspiring you as you begin this New Year? Share your favorite inspirational quotes to the Facebook wall or comment below. 

In case you aren't inspired enough -- you can check out some of my favorite motivational musings.

Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor Jess*