Share the Love and Have Your Best Year Ever!

Try these simple steps to help make this New Year your best ever!

1. Decide to be Happy. Ignore and forget the inevitable  stuff that gets in your way. Put negative thoughts and feelings aside as soon as you start feeling them. Instead, choose to turn them into a positive. Find the blessing or opportunity which more often than not is hidden  behind most of life's challenges! Keep your mind free of hate and negative thoughts. Find something pleasant to focus on! Life is short enough. Why waste even a moment on hate? You're in control. Decide to choose a happier life!

2. Get healthy. Choose to enjoy life more! Get at least 30 minutes of exercise - of your choosing - every day. Even if it's just a nice walk with your favorite loved one(s).  Want to lose some weight,  enjoy life more or achieve a better level of fitness? Kick it up to 45 minutes a day!

3. Turn off the TV for 30 minutes every day and read something positive. Or go to bed a little earlier and get a great night's sleep!  The point is - enjoy that TV a little less and all that life has to offer  a little more. You can always hear about the news tomorrow - or who won the latest round of your favorite talent show!

4. Get outside more - connect with nature. Breathe in some of that fresh air and contemplate the all the beauty nature has to offer!

5. Embrace the habit of eating healthy. Choose to avoid the drive thru lane of your local fat-food favorites. Eat more vegetables and fruit. More protein and less simple carbs ( like white bread and sugar). You and I both know the stuff we love can often be just a waste of calories. ( My weakness is donuts! )

6. Set a few simple and achievable goals. Write them down on paper. Or in your journal.  Experts say you have far better odds of reaching your written goals. Note the action plan or steps you'll need to take in order to reach those written goals.

7. Evaluate your progress and decide to adapt your goals or the steps you need to take to reach them. Take a few minutes each evening to decide what your priorities are for the following day. Every weekend or so - take an honest look at where you are. What's working and what maybe isn't worling so well?

8. Enjoy the Journey. Share some time with those you love. Or find someone new to enjoy this great life with. Try something new. Pick up a new sport or pasttime. Get out there and enjoy life. Life is short - You owe it to yourself to make the most of this wonderful gift!

9. Fail forward. Everyone misses their mark from time to time. We all fall down on occasion. Forgive yourself if you falter. Anyone who ever accomplished anything had to overcome obstacles. If you fall down or fail. No Worries! Get back up! Persist! Never Give Up!

10. Seek to Have More Fun. Laugh more! It's good for your mind and your heart! Find something funny to read or watch on the tube. What have you got to lose?  Except that frown on your face or those worrisome thoughts which get in everyone's way from time to time!  Remember that classic old song from the 80's -  Don't Worry, Be Happy!

And, finally - just one more thought - or bonus step. Learn to Love yourself and share your love with as many others as you can. Practice random acts of kindness as often as you can. Do it without anyone knowing if you can.  Spread your Love around!