Being single at 34 has opened up many doors for me and freed up a lot of time to knock down some of those doors (Lucy Liu style) and greet what’s waiting on the other side!

New Year = new beginnings. Time to try new things, make the most of every day, make time for myself while unearthing a love for many passions. The woman I am discovering has no boundaries, nothing holding her back!

So I’ve created my top 10 list of things to do to prevent loneliness in the New Year (occupy time and meet new people, and it IS possible to meet new people in Pensacola!):

1. Take out the trash! Cleanse – get rid of clutter, ‘baggage’, negative energy, photos and reminders that keep you in the past. Move on and let go! Clean out your closets — literally, get rid of old clothes and other items. Have a garage sale, donate to Goodwill, or take them to a consignment store. Recycling clothes can be fun — I drop my goods at Suellen’s Secret and Elite Repeats monthly.

2. Do something for yourself every day. Writing is my passion. I set aside time to write — blog on myspace, a journal entry for my book, or my next single’s column! End of the Line Café is a creative spot with Net access, great tunes, healthy food, indoor and outdoor lounge areas.

3. Exercise! Good for the body, mind and soul! Join a running club like McGuire’s or Seville. You don’t even have to run! You’ll meet new people, get in shape, and enjoy good food and drinks! Try yoga at Nancy Lanasa’s new studio (even cute guys take yoga). Take up tennis lessons with girlfriends. We look forward to our Wednesday one-hour lesson with instructor Stephen Moody at Roger Scott (he’s eye candy, ladies)!

4. Do something you’ve always wanted to do! My best friend and I got piercings at Hula Moon this week (nose and upper ear). Why not? We worked up the courage together, held hands while the other was under the needle, and are now adorned with new jewels! Just do it, whatever it is, and don’t worry about what anyone else will think!

5. Host a dinner party. Who says you have to go out to meet new people? My roommate and I created “Chef Night” where we invite single guys over to cook dinner for us and a few other singles. We mix up our friends each time so that new friendships can form. Good food, good wine, and good company – beats hanging out in a smoky bar! And what guy wouldn’t want to hang out with five or six single ladies for an evening?

6. Get culture. Attend wine tastings at Everman’s, City Grocery, Chan’s, or La Maison d’Elodie. A great way to learn about wine and pick some up for your next dinner party! Try a cooking class at Distinctive Kitchens (single’s night and girl’s night out are fun). Take a day trip. New Orleans is just under three hours away where you can shop, hear good music, and eat good food. Check out the latest exhibits at the art museum. Go out for dessert and coffee (lounge at Madison’s or Global Grill).

7. Take dance lessons. Have you ever wanted to bust out some bad-ass ballroom style dancing at a wedding? Dreamed of being on Dancing with the Stars? I have! So I found a good friend to take dance lessons with (you can fly solo; they’ll pair you with someone). Salsa night at Seville is hot; swing night at the Legion Post Fridays is lively. Or take private lessons at Center Stage. Any guy who will take dance lessons with you gets total bonus points!

8. Internet dating? Can’t say I’ve tried it, but have several friends who approve. I do enjoy myspace and have connected with new and old faces. I’m addicted to myspace! I enjoy reading other people’s blogs and connecting with great musical groups. The Net = networking!

9. Honor the goddess within! Treat yourself to an indulgence (or 2 or 3)! Today I stopped by Susan Campbell Jewelry, tried on sassy jewels and sampled fine chocolates. Treat yourself to a facial and unclog those pores. Visit my good friend Creagh Proctor at North Hill Skin & Body and your skin will glow like mine! Cortney & Christy at 10th Avenue and James at The Hair Do also help me feel glamorous. A woman should feel beautiful at all times!

10. Start a tradition with friends. On Thanksgiving morning, I rounded up 8 friends (mostly singles) to deliver meals for St. Joseph’s Church. Like last year, we met for coffee, prepared and delivered meals (over 1,100 served), then enjoyed Randi’s bloody mary’s while basking in the sun! Giving back just feels good! If you’re single, you have NO excuse not to volunteer in some capacity!

Now make up your own list, and start the New Year off right!

To read more of Raela’s writings, visit www.myspace.com/msraela.