It’s Your Life, Babe. Be Extra, Be The Terrific You.

Sipping tea at my desk, waiting for my next student, I felt compelled to write this. This year has been a rollercoaster ride — a beautiful beginning, a heartbreaking jolt in the middle, and a healing journey at the end. I won’t dwell on lessons or mistakes because I’ve already written extensively about them. Today is about being grateful. Thank you — to God, my family, and time itself — because time truly heals.

But now, let’s leave it all behind, the good and the bad, and step boldly into a fresh start. The new year shouldn’t just be about lofty resolutions that may not stick — it should be about becoming the best version of YOU. Why not take charge of our happiness, focus on our health, and build the future we dream of? Let’s embrace our true selves and show the world exactly what we’re capable of.

So my title reads, “It’s Your Life, Babe. Be Extra, Be The Terrific You.” “Being extra” isn’t about attracting attention; it’s about freely owning your identity. It’s your vibe, energy, and spark. Being extra is your superpower, whether taking on a passion project, dressing how you want, or speaking your truth. Think about it. The world does not need another cookie-cutter copy of someone else; it requires YOU. The “extra” you bring to the table could be your contagious optimism, creative ideas, passion for something unusual, or willingness to go the extra distance. Whatever it is, accept it. Don’t dim your light because someone else doesn’t see your brilliance.

Similarly, your “terrific” side is that any small change you make builds momentum. For example, forget the pressure of “New Year’s resolutions.” Instead, focus your intentions on how you want to feel and grow. For example, instead of “I want to lose weight,” say “I want to feel healthy and strong.” Mornings are magical. Begin the day with a positive affirmation or gratitude ritual. Say something simple: "I am capable, worthy, and ready.” Life is not a straight line; it is a series of zigzags. Celebrate every small victory, whether it’s drinking enough water, learning something new, or simply getting through a difficult day. Choose one skill you’ve always wanted to improve and commit to it. Perhaps it’s learning a new language, starting a blog, or trying a new recipe every week. Progress in one area often instils confidence in others. And I don’t just mean in the physical sense. Let go of toxic relationships, habits, and thoughts. Release yourself from burdens that no longer serve you. Imagine the impact of those changes compounded over a year — unstoppable, right?

My Moment of “Terrific You”

This year, I felt as if I had lost my spark. Life had thrown me a curveball, and I didn’t know how to recover. However, one evening, while sitting quietly in my journal, I wrote a simple line: “This is not the end; it’s the beginning of something extraordinary.”

That moment was not magical, but it was pivotal. It reminded me that every setback is an opportunity for a comeback. From that point forward, I resolved to take one small step each day towards rediscovering myself.

Let’s Do This Together

So, how about you? What is the one thing you are willing to change, accept, or let go of? Take a deep breath and begin today. Write down one goal, one thing you’re thankful for, or one thing you admire about yourself.

Here’s my challenge for you:

Consider what makes you unique — what ignites your soul — and amplify it. Go above and beyond. Be bold. Be unapologetically great.

And when the world tells you to tone it down, do the opposite. Because it’s your life, babe. Live it out loud, proudly, and uniquely you.

Please share your journey in the comments. Let us work together to make this a transformational year. You have got this!