Thoughts for the new year….

Happy New Year!

2014! Holy smokes! That sounds so futuristic, no? Is it just me or does the year 2000 feel like it was only a few years ago? Where did the time go - I am getting so old! But in a good way, of course. Thirties are the new twenties, right? ;)

I've been reading a lot about resolutions online this morning, because I do like to make them but I was feeling a little uninspired. The same old "eat well", "exercise", yadda yadda yadda stuff sounds so boring. But I realized that the reason we make these same resolutions every year is because they are SO IMPORTANT! And the official start to the new year is just so well-suited for making positive changes in your life.

So I've re-inspired myself by my readings, and here is what I've come up with. Nothing terribly ground-breaking or new, but in my opinion, these are resolutions we all should be making...

• Make your health a priority. Period.
• Use your body - we are designed to be physically active. Choose to live actively - it truly is a lifestyle choice. Pride yourself by being one of those people who always takes the stairs.
• Holding grudges is toxic, and makes you old and bitter. New years is a time for forgiveness... so forgive and forget. Upward and onward.
• Forgive yourself too - we've all messed up in the past. Recognize where you went wrong and choose to live your life differently now.
• Stop feeling sorry for yourself  - somewhere out there, a lot of people have it a lot worse. Take responsibility for your own life and for your own actions.
• Surround yourself with people you love and enjoy - life is too short to waste on "friendships" that drain you or bring you down.
• Put an end to "life envy" - no one's life is perfect, no matter how perfect it may look on social media. People are just people, and we all suffer from the same trials and insecurities. (Here are some tips for dealing with life envy)
• Take time every day away from all screens - not just at meal times (but especially at meal times). Be present when you are with others. There is great value in devoting 100% of your attention to one thing at a time.
• Choose to be happy. Smile at strangers. Start conversations. Help others. Altruism and helping other people have been scientifically proven to boost your personal happiness. Try it.

I also love these 25 New Years Resolutions for my fellow Gen Y's. Or these resolutions which force you to stick with them.

Happy 2014, everyone!

The best is yet to come….