New Year. New Start. A bit of Magic waiting just around the corner perhaps.
Mystically at midnight we resolve to ring in changes for the New Year. New habits, new attitudes, new behaviours and the acquisition of new things. By the end of January with the best intention in the world we acknowledge that most of our ‘resolve’ was in vain.
Why ever do we do this year after year?
We set vague and unrealistic goals and time lines. We don’t surround ourselves with, or have the resources to achieve our gaols; and we don’t have the stamina to see things through. Why not make simple resolutions that serve your health and well-being, they will last you a lifetime, and with little effort will take you into balance with a being that vibrates with energy and vitality. The energy and vitality to set achievable, realistic goals for ourselves flowing with life and trusting in the process of life.
- Eat more chocolate. Studies show the consumption of dark chocolate has a positive effect on blood pressure and provides important antioxidants. In addition to health benefits, most of us view chocolate as a delicious and guilty pleasure. Resolve to indulge yourself. See it as your promise rather than a weakness!
- Sleep in every day. Ever feel guilty about hitting the snooze button? Make it a new discipline to sleep more! Sleep helps regulate your metabolism, improves mood, mental acuity, appearance and may even help you lose weight if you need to. Simply go to sleep ten minutes earlier every night, and set your alarm ten minutes later every morning. See how you’re feeling at the end of the year!
- Lose 500g per a month. That’s right, the equivalent of just one tub of margarine. It is doable, even easy to 500g a month (100 – 125 grams per week) with healthful eating and a little more exercise. And at the end of the year you’ll be 6 Kg lighter You just might exceed this goal and feel great about it, but at the very least you’ll be 6 Kg lighter than today. Of course you can skip this resolution if you don’t have weight to lose, or modify it to suit your needs.
- Drink more (water, that is.) Sometimes we forget to hydrate. It helps with weight loss, it makes our skin glow, it helps flush toxins from our system, eases digestion and may even lower the risk of certain cancers. Start with a cup of water in the morning when you get up. Add a squeeze of lemon if you wish.
- Finish something. Anything. Do you have a lot of unfinished projects around the house? A letter or thank you note? A book you’ve been meaning to read? A half-painted bathroom? Pick the smallest and easiest project and finish it. You might even choose a project to finish every weekend. No matter how small or mundane, the act of completion clears the way for new ideas, new actions and new energy in your life!
- Save R 10 every day. How would you like to be handed a jar containing R 3 650 right now? That’s what you’ll get by simply putting R 10 in change or a bill in a bucket, shoebox, or container of choice every day this year. Apply it to a facial or weekend away. You’ll feel rich, at least for a day! And you’ll know it really is possible to save money.
- Spend 5 minutes entirely alone. This one’s simple. Choose five minutes in your day when you’re alone and relish in your solitude. It can be time in the bathroom, five minutes before rolling out of bed, sitting in your car or on a park bench at lunch. Call it “alone time” and enjoy!
- Meditate every day for 3 minutes. Many of us feel like we should meditate more often. We know it reduces stress, helps us connect to our source and benefits our overall health. How about starting with 3 minutes? Combine it with your “alone time” if you want to. Just close your eyes and follow your breath. At the end of the year you’ll have spent 1,080 minutes –that’s 18 hours!–in meditation.
- Walk for 20 minutes every day. You don’t have to join a gym today or buy any expensive equipment. Just resolve to walk a short distance every day. A quick stroll around the block clears the mind so you can hatch new ideas or solve problems as well as strengthen muscles, improve circulation and encourage weight loss. Combine it with your meditation resolution and call it “alone time” if you want
- Worry less and trust more. Most of the things we worry about will never happen. Worry simply sends negative messages into the universe, trusting in life and the process of life send positive messages. The universe is abundant and joyful and has more than enough joy and abundance for all of us
- Choose your thoughts. Your thoughts will change your life, only you can control your own mind. Every day you have a choice to view things positively or negatively. Your thoughts your choice
- Keep the resolutions you like, ignore those you don’t enjoy. Life is supposed to be fun! Choose habits that enhance the quality of your life without stress or guilt. No one is keeping score so do what works for you!
Most importantly, stay inspired and be blessed.