Why can I stick to these practices now, when I wasn’t able to in the past?  My intentions are different.  I am no longer pushing, punishing and shaming myself for what I did not did not do.  Every day I ask what would be in my best interest?  I ask if something I am faced with is in my best interest.  Instead of trying to muster the willpower to push through, I am making choices with ease that make me feel my best and create the energy to want to take further inspired actions.

Each day I plan to wake up and ask myself what is it that I most need today? What would help me fill my soul or empty my cup? I will reboot and recharge, creating the salubrious life I desire.

I am going to put perfectionism to the side and practice good enough and take anything off my plate that interferes with my highest priorities, my kiddos, my students, and my self-care.

When you start your day and center it around these higher aspirations, then the minutiae of the day does not have the same impact on you.

Early interests are often the initial clues to what truly captivates your soul - whether it's science, singing, exploration, fashion, writing, or playing with your easy bake oven, if you were lucky enough to have one.

As you pursue growth, you'll face challenges and obstacles. In yogic tradition, these are called Avidia, or obstacles. These may be internal or external barriers or resistance. As you step outside your comfort zone…

Self regard measures how you think about yourself, your abilities and your achievements. Self regard is balancing respect for yourself while appreciating both your strengths and the negative aspects of yourself.

Many times when we are in ruts, we are not even aware of the thoughts that got us there. Talking it over with a friend, coach or counselor can help us gain clarity on what we are thinking.  Once we identify the thoughts that are not serving us, then we can start to flip the script and find our way out of the rut.

Intentionally focusing on what you are doing well, what you enjoy, and what is joyful will get you more of what you desire, and choosing to spend time and energy on things that don’t serve you will keep you stuck, dissatisfied and unhappy. What do you choose?

It is in the contrast of life that we can appreciate the joy. Even if you could set every day up to be exactly what you wanted, why would you want that?

Contrast can give us clarity on what we do want in life and oftentimes can help us see how to get it.

The importance of consistency in journaling is that it prevents me from slipping back into negative emotions, spiraling thoughts and self-doubt. By documenting my thoughts I can actively see the positive aspects of life, focus on what I can control, and cultivate gratitude for what I already possess.

Take a moment to consider specific instances when your bad habits arise. Do you find yourself overeating while grading? Working straight through rather than connecting with coworkers, deleting emails rather than lesson planning. By pinpointing the circumstances that lead to your habits, you can begin to develop strategies to overcome them.

Taking a moment to say thank you to the events of last year, all that went well and all of the opportunities to learn and grow can help you to gain clarity, shift your energy, and prepare for this new year.

Reflect on last year. What worked? What didn’t work?

What are your desires, what do you want to accomplish related to finances, health, spirituality, relationships, job… Write them down, no matter how big or small.

Let your intentions swirl around your brain, and visualize them happening. Then, step into your best life.

Many of us engage in buffering activities such as overeating, overdrinking, or over-Netflixing as a means to escape from emotions. How do you buffer?

Keep your PROMISE TO YOURSELF