A few weeks into the New Year and I am using my word, INTENTION to help guide me this year that with the hope that it will be one of my best.
Here are 15 little things I am doing, they are simple but, I believe they will help me be more present, focused and provide me inner peace.
- Write down goals weekly. These goals can and should change, they can also be super simple, like make dinner ! 🙂
- Have time throughout the day with no cell phone. I am leaving mine in my bedroom from 6-8 am and the plan is to shut off by 10 pm.
- Do something you love to do, even if it is only for a short time.
- Read a book every month. Join me on GoodReads to keep track if you’d like.
- Listen more. It is harder than you think, but, such a good skill to keep trying. Not only to others but, to yourself too.
- Sort your mail out daily, throw away what you don’t need and schedule the bills that need to be paid.
- Use moisturizer. On your face and your body. Really. It makes a difference.
- Be kind. To those around you and to yourself.
- Give away the clothes you aren’t wearing. Cleaning out allows more space which is so good for us, plus giving to others feels so good.
- Exercise. Walking included. Even if it is only 10 minutes, the benefits are amazing.
- Stand up for what you believe in. Use your voice. The strength you gain will be incredible.
- Be selective in who you spend your time with. It is your time. Value it and think about what you are saying yes to do.
- Treat sleep like a gift and wrap yourself up nightly. Awaken with energy and a clear mind for the day.
- A random act to bring a smile to others , watch your smile grow too.
- Breathe. Be conscious of your breathing a few times a day. Really feel it and take it all in.
The overall theme to this list is that we are deserving of our time being spent in ways that fulfill us. This list encompasses my word of the year, INTENTION, and allows me to think about what I am doing and if it is aligned with where I want to be.
I am really hoping some of these may help you in making this a year that brings a sense of calm and being more present. We do so much in the course of a day and so much is usually not directly for us. I cannot believe how much better I feel with taking the 34 seconds to moisturize my skin. It sounds ridiculous that I would not have made this a staple in my life. I know I have spent more time than that complaining about dry skin in the winter!
Here’s to us!
22. Open your mail right away. Answer what needs to be answered, and throw out anything that is unnecessary. Do this immediately. When you do it for a while and have success and then four months later you’re back to your old ways, waste no time scolding yourself. It happens to all of us. Just start again.
23. Tell people you are proud of them, thankful for them, inspired by them, grateful to them, here for them, honored to know them, and comforted by them.
24. Make every decision, ever little choice, based on your desire to be a person of integrity.
25. Think about where you were a year ago, five years ago, ten years ago. Think about all the things you are doing now that you wouldn’t have ever believed you could do back then. Then keep waking up every day striving to make the future you once again astounded and proud.