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I don’t believe in making New Year’s Resolutions.  I’ve felt the stress and disappointment when I failed to keep my resolutions too many times. It’s like a diet – knowing I can’t eat something makes me want it even more! I allow myself to eat what I want and my intention each and every year is to treat myself with the love, respect and compassion I deserve. Life is too short to start the New Year any other way.

By intentionally vowing to be good to myself, I’ve found acceptance for who I am in this moment and where I am in my life. By finding acceptance,  I’ve discovered peace, contentment and joy.

My practice of being good to myself  has allowed the life I’ve envisioned for myself to fall into place.

It’s as if once I believe I’m worthy of living my dream, my dream comes true.

Begin this year with a vow to be good to yourself. Start by joining us for a retreat.

Stop the Negative Self Talk

• Stop second guessing, comparing yourself to others,  belittling yourself or any other self defeating habit.
• Find compassion for yourself.
• Engage in activities that make you feel empowered.

And remember, you really are doing the best you can.

Set Boundaries

• Never make excuses for other adults.
• Remove toxic people from your life – it doesn’t matter if its a family member, a work colleague, a childhood friend, a love interest or an acquaintance. Most importantly, don’t feel guilty.
• Vow to not make room for people who cause you pain or make you feel small.

Say no to things that don’t serve you so you can say yes to you.

Live in This Moment

• Be present with each person and situation you encounter.
• Avoid living in the past – either reliving something fabulous or thinking about what you could have done differently.
• Beware of living in the future – anticipating conversations, experiences or life changes.

The present moment is a beautiful thing, allow yourself to stay there.

Let Go of the Past

• Anything you did or didn’t do.
• Anyone who manipulated or mislead you.
• Regrets, missteps, wrong directions and false starts.

Letting go allows space in your life for new possibilities and opportunities.

Make a List of 20 Positive Things About Yourself

It may be difficult at first, but know that, yes, there are 20 positive things about you!

I did this exercise several years ago and it was incredibly difficult at first. But once I started, it seemed there were many many positive things to list. Now I remind myself to do this exercise every few months. It makes all the difference in the world to my sense of self and my self worth.

Happy New Year to You! Make this year the year of “Being Good to Yourself.”

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This blog is intended to provide helpful suggestions for self care and overall well-being. I am not a mental health professional. If you’re struggling I encourage you to seek the help of a professional. Find a Mental Health Professional | National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988