5 Simple Goals for a Happy, Healthy Year Ahead
I always look forward to the start of each new year. To me, it signifies a fresh start for everyone. The opportunity to hit the reset button no matter where you are in your journey of life. It is a time of reflection, a time to look inward and take an inventory of who we are, what we want to accomplish and map out a plan to get the job done!
In years past, my resolutions may have revolved around my weight, finances, or career goals…but this year I am looking at things on a macroscale. I’ve honed in on 5 goals which translate to all aspects of my life and will not only benefit me physically and mentally, but will also benefit my family, friends, and those I come in contact with in daily life.
1.Be Mindful
Take a pause. Think before you act. I want to be more mindful this year particularly about what I am putting in and on my body. Question things you have in your daily routine and have become second nature. I.e. is this artificial sweetener I put in my coffee every morning healthy for me? What the heck are these ingredients in my body lotion? How do the products I use impact our environment?
2. Be Kind
Kindness is such a simple act. A little kindness goes along away. My goal is to do at least 1 selfless act of kindness a day. Whether it’s for someone I know or a stranger…even if I am not thanked for the good deed and it goes unnoticed.
3. Be Patient
This is more difficult some days than others. If my mother calls me to ask me a question regarding technology, forget it…all patience goes out the window! I want to practice patience in every aspect of my life. Being hurried and impatient tends to lead to oversights, mistakes, and certainly isn’t enjoyable for the person who is on the receiving end of your irritated attitude. Most of all, I have to learn how to have patience with myself. “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. I have to be patient and respect the process that is personal growth.
4. Be Present
Yoga is my biggest ally in my conquest to being present. Unfortunately, outside of my yoga practice, technology becomes my biggest enemy. In today’s world, most of us rely heavily on technology (our phones) for work, entertainment, and we fail to realize how attached we are to our devices and detached we are from the world around us. I’m limiting the amount of time I spend on social media, turning off my phone 1hr prior to bed, and absolutely no phones at the dinner table!
5. Let Go
Don’t bring the baggage from 2017 into 2018! A little secret about worrying; it’s pointless! Worrying doesn’t change the reality of any situation. All it does is create stress and anxiety inside of your body, which is unhealthy. On a piece of paper, write down the things you need to let go of from 2017. Reflect on those items for a moment. Then tear the paper up and don’t allow yourself to dwell on those things again. Make space for new, positive energy to enter your life!
In short, let’s just be better humans in 2018! Sounds simple in theory, but I am sure by day 364 of the year we will have been tested many many MANY times