What's Your New Years Resolution?
New year, new resolutions, thats how it always goes, right? As 2014 came to an end, I began to really think about what New Years resolutions I wanted to make for 2015. After having a very rough year (to say the least) it dawned on me that I had been thinking about the New Year and my goals for it in the wrong way. Of course I want what everybody else hopes/wishes for when the balls drops: a new gym membership , landing a better job/work opportunity and more time to do as we please. Obviously these things will not be handed to any of us for free, we all know we have to work for them, but ask yourself, are they the same things you wish for every year and end up giving up on half way through?
Although these are just examples and are still great goals, I challenge you all to think outside the box and really dig deep within and think about what can be the best for you in your life and your happiness right now. Here are some of the things I came up with and some others I encourage:
1. Yes, start a new workout plan/get a new gym membership - but actually stick to it
So many people vow to loose weight when the new year begins, and you can tell when you go to the gym in the beginning of the year and its packed. However after a couple months you begin to see the regulars who were there before and the new ones who stuck to it. If you really want to change your lifestlye this year, stick to it. And remember, at the end of the day its all about being healthy. So even if you start off slow, as long as you're doing more than you were last year, you're already getting farther ahead.
2. Change your diet
If you really are serious about changing your fitness lifestyle in 2015 its not just about the physical, its what you're consuming as well. Change your diet, commit to eating more vegetables and fruits everyday, cut out junk food little by little. It won't be easy but it is also okay to make slow changes. Allow yourself a cheat day. It'll all be worth it in the end and you will not only begin to see results but feel better from the inside out as well.
3. Get more in touch with your spiritual side
If there is one thing I have been doing more that has helped me out a lot is becoming more spiritual. I am not specifically talking about going to church every sunday either, I am talking about simply praying or getting in touch with your inner self and really looking inside yourself for strength.
4. Being more positive than negative
This is harder than it sounds. We've all had those days or even weeks when we feel like the world is against us and nothing is going right. Thinking this will only make matters worse and you will actaully start to believe it. Instead, try to look at the positives in the situation, no matter how bad the situation is. Wake up every morning and think of all your blessings instead of the things that are not going so well. Positives always out-weigh the negtives.
5. Learn to forgive
This is also not as easy as it sounds, but we all know that holding on to a grudge is an ugly trait and will only cause more harm. Remember, you may not be able to change a situaion but forgivness will set you free from all the hate that you have towards something or someone.
6. Learn to let go
This will be the best thing you can do for yourself, trust me. Let go from all negativity, from all the people that don't neccessarily fit well into your life, and the situations. Let go from the bad to make room for the good.
7. Spend more time with people that matter
This is probably one of the biggest lessons I have learned not only in 2014 but in the previous years as well. Life is too short for wishy-washy relationships - of any sort. Surround yourself with people that lift you higher, truly love you and care about you and are happy for your happiness.
8. Spend more time with your kids/family
This is kind of self explanitory, family always comes first and will always be there. Value your time with them, it will only bring you closer toghether and make your relationships stronger.
9. Give back
This is personally one of the best feelings in the world to me. Giving back is so much more than you can imagine. It can be anything from volunteering at a soup kitchen, helping a family in need or donating to a charitable cause. Give back to the world and the world will give back to you.
10. Do things for you yourself
Who can love you better than yourself? This is another huge lesson I've learned over time. If you have a goal, make sure you are doing it for you and no one else. Learn to accept yourself for who you are and embrace ALL of it. If there are things you do not like, change them. It is all up to you. Your life and happiness depends on YOU and nobody else. Take care of yourself and become your own best friend first.
So, with all of this being said, I hope you all really sit down and ask yourself, "what are my new years resolutions?" I wish you all start off your new year on a positive and productive note. Happy 2015!
