Hello!

I am popping into your mailbox because you subscribed to my list or downloaded one of my books. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I am about to get a little more honest. I know that might be a lot to those of you who know me and think I am plenty honest enough already. You can reply and tell me if you prefer the less spicy version. :)

You can't have spice without authenticity.

🌶️ So ... with my authentic heart, let's begin. I am going to add my inside voice to a few things here :) You will read my inside voice in green. This is yesterday's email with the SPICE 🌶️ added.

First off - My WORD for the first half of the year is ... LIGHTER! (It feels spacious, open, clean, minimalist, easy to carry, easy to speak about, and light. I am digging it! What is your word?) INSIDE VOICE: I would also like to say that this midlife, not-so-light weight accumulating around my midsection could also take a hike. Like, now. But I might also need to add that I have been pretty sedentary + extra snacky recently, so unless I change something, I can expect that to stay the same. It's on me. I spend lots of time forwarding TikTok suggestions about possible workout routines and very little time pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Sometimes, when I listen to people talk about how disappointed they are in their lives, I wonder if they can hear how much they complain. How much they blame. How much time and energy they spend focused on the wrong things. Then, I asked myself the same questions. Oh, Lordy!! It happens; we slip. But it is time to tighten things up. I remember when I signed a "non-complain contract" with my first coach and taped it up on my mirror, thinking that was the silliest activity to do ...ever! I was ABOVE THIS but decided to humour her anyway. Five minutes later, I was laughing after complaining nonstop and realizing I was the problem. It sucks when you are the problem, but it also means you have all the power to change things.

So, while I intend to use the word LIGHTER to direct my laser beam - I will also be lighter in blame, complaints, excuses and comfort. It is time to do the shitty, scary, hard stuff. My 🌶️ spicy friend, are you with me?

Secondly, I am pulling out a fan favourite... daily intention setting. I will be setting the intention for the next day the night prior. I am writing things down (yes, pencil planner people unite) and living by the book. If it is in the book, it is getting done. It makes it real. Non-negotiable. Boundaries. Keeping my promise to myself - FIRST. I must have firmer boundaries to protect myself from work creep as I get busier. INSIDE VOICE: I am so excited to get back to this habit. I have caved a few times on some serious boundaries, and that sh*t hurts. No more. I used to remind myself of this all of the time, "You do not need to be a disagreeable person (Okay, I said b*tch); you just need to be a little more assertive all of the time." Life changing and doing it.

Thirdly, I will be fine-tuning my gratitude practice. I am good with gratitude, but since it is a superpower, I am leaning in to ensure my gratitude response is sharp and ready. (The Gratitude Transformation might be what you need if you are struggling. Yes, it seems silly, but it packs a punch and is free!) INSIDE VOICE: As noted above, I was a bit too heavy on the complaints, blame and excuses so ALL of those are being replaced with gratitude. Yes, I will be saying, "I am so grateful that it snowed because I have the opportunity to move my body and get fresh air." :) Call me on it.

Lastly, I am updating my Vision Board. I do this because I need to open tabs in my brain to start looking for opportunities to make things happen while I sleep. I am declaring to the Universe what matters to me and letting it line up some magic. I do not even bother doing this until I am clear on what I truly desire. I don't want noise on my Vision Board.INSIDE VOICE: True story. I have some images and glossy mag pictures ready to go on the board, and I went to grab a few new magazines. Since I am no longer doing group vision boards and asking for magazine donations, I hit the store to buy some. THEY WANT $25 for a magazine! Umm no. And then I flipped through them, and it was ad after ad. Waste. I left the store and have still not completed it. Instead, I started my report cards. That shows you how annoyed I was. LOL. Human, we are all just human. I know I will get back to it, but I didn't want that lousy energy anywhere near 2025.

Okay, that is enough of my INSIDE VOICE for now (ha)! I would like to know if I should take the chance and be brave here. Should I lean into the spice and fun, and perhaps you will come with me? My 🌶️ spicy friend hit reply and let me know if you are with me. I am not afraid to walk the road alone, but I certainly believe in the power of a collective!

ARE YOU READY TO WRITE YOUR BOOK?

If you feel called to publish your book in 2025, we should chat! I have opened my January calendar for free 15-minute calls, but they fill quickly.

Current clients needing a consult call should email me directly so we can make it work outside of the times available on the calendar!

And for all the newly published or about to be published authors, I have started a new project ... a free newsletter JUST for writers and authors, called STOKED! We will dig in over there to keep this newsletter a bit lighter on the publishing info, so waddle over and sign up to get your first gift.

Until Next Time,

Jennifer Sparks, B.Ed., M.S., PGD

www.stokepublishing.com

www.jennifersparks.ca

My personal development books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Some are also in hardcover and audio format. If you love these kinds of books, I invite you to select your marketplace below and take a look!

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JENNIFER SPARKS, Life Strategist + Speaker

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