Make It Happen

Of all my New Years Resolutions that I listed in todays earlier post, which one would make me feel the best about accomplishing. Take an action within 48 hours to accomplish this resolution.

New Years Resolutions

Write down my New Years Resolutions and 3 action steps for each of the resolutions. Having a plan will help make it work.

Now For The Good Stuff

Now that I have taken the time to write and think about the things that didn't work so well for me last year, I'd like to focus on what I liked about this past year. Write it all down in my gratitude journal and then feel the feelings of gratitude for all that I have seen, learned, accomplished and enjoyed.

Making Changes

Having done today's challenge of listing what has not worked this past year or what things I wished had a different outcome, I need to figure out what changes I need to make this year. I want to improve myself and make the changes necessary to live my life on my terms. Write down these changes in my gratitude journal and act on them.

What's Not Working

Since New Years resolutions are right around the corner, I thought I'd reflect on what didn't work so well for me this past year. Right away I know that even though I am great at walking during the summer, I don't continue to exercise the other 3 seasons.
I will think and write about the things that I wish I'd done differently or had a different outcome this past year.

Get Organized

Clean out my handbag and wallet. My shoulder and back are causing me a lot of pain and my purse is getting heavier and heavier. There is so much stuff in there that I am always feeling disorganized and misplacing things. I will lessen my stress by organizing my purse and wallet.

Merry, Merry

In my gratitude journal, write 3 things that made me merry. On days like today, sometimes my expectations are more than others can deliver. If I can remember that, it is much easier to focus on the merry.

Comfort And Joy

Answer the question, “What brings me comfort and joy?”. I hope to focus on the positive of this season as there is lot to be joyous about.

With Their Eyes All Aglow

When someone gives you a gift say thank you. It doesn't matter if you like it, be gracious as they took the time to give the gift to you. Many of us have received gifts that we have thought this had to be re-gifted because no one would ever buy it, but I guess someone had to be the first to buy. We are different people with different tastes. It is true that sometimes giving a gift is an after thought, but the thought was still there.

Be kind and be gracious. It is a gift to receive.

Season Of Giving

A friend once said to me that many people approach giving from a place of scarcity rather than from a place of abundance. This statement resonated with me because I've always worried about money. Over the last few years, my ideas about giving have changed. I feel good about giving more and I give it gratefully. I focus more on the good the money will do rather than on what I am giving up.

It took awhile to get to this place, but I like being here.

Dashing Through The Snow

Slow down. Enjoy the beauty around me. Here in the NorthEast there are evergreens sparkling with ice, snowmen on front lawns, and flocks of blackbirds sitting and squawking on telephone wires.

There is much to be grateful for.

Laughing All The Way

Create a list that I can tap into when I need a laugh or I need to turn a negative mood into a positive mood. Do one of the items on the list.

My list would include watching an episode of a favorite sitcom, watching a funny movie, blowing bubbles, and singing in the shower at the top of my lungs.

Deck The Halls

Add beauty to my home. I could bring evergreens or pine cones inside, frame a family picture and place it in a room. I've always enjoyed my children's art work so maybe I'll bring some of it out for display. I can see my refrigerator now.

Joy To The World

What joy did I experience this past year? Feel grateful for the experience of joy and write about it in my journal.

All I Want For Christmas Is...

Finish the statement, All I want for Christmas is...

Update: Health, love, family and happiness

Do You Hear What I Hear

Listen to the sounds of love and joy around you. Listen to the appreciative comments. Cherish them and use them to remind you how wonderful you are.

It's A Wonderful Life

What difference have I made in the lives of others? Write it down in my gratitude journal.

Tis The Season

Tis the season to be jolly... Keep a positive, happy outlook on life. Practice being jolly.

Mantra Of Joy

Repeat this mantra throughout my day:
I have a joyous, healthy, wealthy life that is filled with family and friends that love me.

Looking At Success

When I paint a picture of myself being successful, what does it look like? Visualize it and write about it. It needs to be positive, powerful, and wonderful.

Honor My Emotions

As a child and youth, I wasn't allowed to feel unhappy or angry. We had depression in my family. The fear was if I showed this type of emotion, then I must have this illness also. It was a tough thing for me not being able to show sadness or even anger in my family. It was unhealthy and abnormal. Now I will honor my emotions and my feelings whatever they may be.

I'm Listening

Listen as if the person talking to you is telling you something of utmost importance. I always feel great when someone is listening to me as if I have something of value to say to them.

I Need Some Sleep

I've read that sleep deprivation is linked to depression, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is also linked to irritability, less effective memory retention, impatience and moodiness. There are also a lot of us admitting to falling asleep while driving or if not that, at least driving while exhausted. Am I really showing appreciation for my health by sleeping so poorly night after night? Isn't it about time that I gave myself the respect I deserve? You bet.

I am going to try to sleep at least 7 hours a night.

Enjoy The Experience

Slow down. Take the time to listen...smell....see...feel...and, if appropriate,...taste. Enjoy the experience and once again, be in the moment.

Looking At Life While Drinking A Glass That's Half Full

I was in NYC at the train station a few weeks ago. We heard a dog barking fairly close in the building. I counted 6 police officers all running past us toward the barking sound. I turned to my husband and said, “Great, the bad guys planted a dog over there to lure the police away and then they're going to come and do their bad stuff.” It's terrible how cynical I am.

Be intentional about not being cynical. It's one of those lessons on looking at things from a positive place rather than a negative place.

Mood Shifter

Music is a mood shifter. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of music on my Ipod. There is a lot of music out there that can really bring you down as there is music that can put a smile on your face. I will be intentional about making lists of music that will shift my mood to the positive.

Eyes Wide Open

I will be intentional about looking at the possibilities rather than letting my brain put breaks on them. I sometimes lack confidence in myself and those doubts stop me from accomplishing what I want to do.

A Joyous Life

Pick one thing that I can do to create a more beautiful and joyous life for myself. Then do it.

What I'm Not So Good At

Write a list of my weaknesses in my gratitude journal.

Update: It is important to me to face my weaknesses and either become comfortable with them or figure out a way to improve upon them. I'll probably do a combination of the two.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about myself and to grow with the knowledge.

What I'm Good At

Write a list of my strengths and gifts in my gratitude journal.

Update: Writing positively about myself is definitely ego boosting. Try it.