Whenever a new year dawns, it's so easy to make grand resolutions...which are often the same ones you made last year. And the year before that. And...
Instead, make this the year of less "grand" and more "do". Here are some tried & true tips from Diane Lang, a psychotherapist, author & expert in the fine art of positive living:
(necklace: source)
1. Say yes to no. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed, it's okay to be selfish. After all, if you feel tapped out with nothing left to give, you won't be much help to anyone. Put yourself first in order to be able to be there for others.
2. Say "thanks!" Not just for the material stuff but for that wonderful abundance of love, warmth, comfort, care & empathy you receive every day. The more room you make for being grateful, the more you'll find you have to be grateful for.
3. Be the change. Instead of focusing on what the world has done for you lately, try the reverse: see where you can inspire, help, empower & generally give of yourself first. You'll not only become a role model (whether you wanna be or not), but a better mentor, friend & member of the global village.
4. Nothing ventured... The opposite of stale & stagnant is variety and creativity. Start challenging yourself to take more risks, both small & not so, to quickly banish the word "bored" from your life.
5. Be positive. There's a reason when you laugh, the world laughs with you & why you cry, you do it alone. Being positive - in thought, action & energy - is contagious. Besides, you deserve nothing less.
6. Set goals, but back them up with action. Goals are great as long as you do something about them. For every goal you set, write down what specific steps you'll take to get there. Even if it's just the first step, start your journey and the next step will become clear. And after that, the next. Celebrate each milestone as you accomplish them, all the way to G-O-A-L!
7. Be here. Now. The past is gone and the future hasn't yet been writ. Leaving the present moment in its fleeting perfection. How are you gonna spend it?
8. Focus on your own mess first. Time spent trying to control others is a waste of your precious time. Let go of that pipe-dream and enjoy your own journey in all its messy, fabulous glory.
9. Be you & only you. Forget those pesky Joneses and keeping up with them or anyone else. Be grateful for your own company and cherish it by spending time alone. Find out what you like, dislike, enjoy, wish you could spend more time doing (or not be doing) and generally become more aware of who you are.
10. Live a little. The trouble with expectations of life that are unsuitable is they get in the way of having fun living the life you actually have. And maybe, just maybe, what you have is A-okay, from your fam to your job to your friends & life off the clock. So-called "simple" things, yes, but often rich beyond measure.
- Lesley Scott
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