We only get one life, my friends.
Make sure yours is filled with magic… even if you have to create your own.
The New Year is upon us and so are those New Year Resolutions we try to keep all year long. “New Year, New Me” is a great saying, though I think the “New Me” takes a bit more work than setting a goal when the clock hits midnight. So instead of the typical resolutions, I’ve come up with to-dos that will make you love your life even more.
–– The first to-do is to go on a date with your city. This is a simple and easy thing that encourages you to get out of the house, meet new people and explore the city you live in. Look up new restaurants in your area and make a goal to go to a new one every month. See if there’s any live entertainment coming to town and reserve a seat. Go check out that museum you always hear about. Go for a long bike ride and see where the trail leads. Catch the sunrise or the sunset at different overlooks each month. Check the community calendar to see if there’s anything exciting happening around the corner. Stay curious and get to know your city a little better!
–– Make a list of at least 10 things you’re thankful for. It can be anything! The roof over your head, a family member, a pet, your favorite food, an actor / actress who inspires you – anything! Take that list and place it on your bedside table or even under your pillow. Then make a point to look at that list right when you wake up and before you go to bed. Feel free to add new things to the list whenever you feel the need! Reflecting on the blessings in your life will make you thankful for what you have… and gratitude is often the first step to happiness! It’s also fun to see how long the list grows as the year continues.
–– Another simple thing to make you love your life even more is making time for the outdoors. Go for a short walk every evening or sit outside on the porch when you wake up. Fresh air is an energizer and connecting with nature is a simple way to reap its benefits. Take large breathes and meditate during this time. Focus on inhaling and exhaling. The freshly cut grass or the lavender flowers beside you are decreasing your stress and increasing relaxation. You will feel calmer and happier, thus appreciating your life even more.
–– Want a resolution that keeps you motivated? Here’s a fun and crafty idea: make yourself a vision board! It can be as long-term or short-term as you want. Start inspiring yourself and think deeply about who and what you want to become. Start writing down goals and aspirations as well as an estimated timeline for when you expect your goals to be reached. Having a vision board will keep you motivated and focused to live your life to its fullest! And you don’t have to make yours by yourself! This can be a fun activity to do with your friends. Have them over for a wine night and start discussing your dreams with them. Who knows, maybe they’re the key to help you achieve them!
–– Lastly, shake up your life a little bit and revamp your daily routine! Keep your life interesting by trying new things! Try going to bed an hour early so you can wake up earlier to meditate and read before the rush of the day comes. On your lunch break, invite some coworkers to join you outside at the picnic table instead of in the break room. Instead of Netflix binging when you get home, throw on your tennis shoes right away and hit the gym. Or start new traditions with your friends! Make Wednesday night game night and switch houses every week. There are so many ways you can change your routine. When contemplating what you want to revamp, be real with yourself and try to switch up habits that don’t positively serve you. New Year Resolutions are all about bettering yourself!
Sources: Huffington Post, Science Direct, Stanford University, The Canfeild Training Group
QUICK TIP:
When making goals or New Year Resolutions, it’s suggested to think small before thinking big. You can have a long-term goal, but make sure you have short-term goals within that long-term goal. For instance, if you want to lose 10 pounds by the end of the year, write out your short-term goals for each month. Doing this makes your goal seem much more achievable and more rewarding as well!
Hope this new year is your best yet!
XOXO, Rebecca
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