As we prepare to say good bye to 2010 and hello to 2011, I
wanted to offer some simple tips for sensible resolutions you
can actually keep!
To begin with, statistics show that approximately 75% of
people do not stick to their resolutions. Why? My personal
opinion is because many of us have too many goals and
become easily overwhelmed with the task of trying to
complete all of them at once, or at best, in rapid succession
without proper planning. Thus, we become easily discouraged
at our lack of progress and in the end there is no progress at
all. Or, we see so very little results our goals remain unfilled.
But, not to worry! I have created some easy tips that can help
you create a winning strategy that will have you saying "I can
do it!" in 2011 and beyond:)
Tip # 1: No long lists! Though most of us are visual by nature,
(hence, our reason for writing lists to begin with) writing a long
list of New Year's resolutions can leave you feeling overwhelmed
and exhausted before you've even begun to attempt any of your
goals. Sooooo, no lists! Instead, write out each resolution
(I suggest no more than 5) on a 3x5 card with just a few "bullets"
to give you some guidelines in accomplishing your goals, and
then place each one in a corresponding labeled and numbered
envelope. I like continuity, so, I chose to label both the outside
and inside the same way. Being so visual myself, it helps me
stay focused, actually. Below, is my example:
Outside of envelope labeled:
Goal #1 Office Filing
Inside 3x5 card labeled:
Goal #1 Office Filing
- Set timer for 20 minutes
- Stick to timer
- Color code files
- Shred
Tip #2: Make your goals simple. I'm convinced that small
goals are achievable goals. And once you've completed even
the most mundane resolutions (i.e., my filing example) it gives
you the confidence to move on to bigger more challenging
goals.
Tip #3: Set a time limit. I know some say there are pros and cons
of giving yourself a length of time to get a particular goal accomplished,
but, I believe you can work better when you have something you are
actually working towards. For example, if one of your New Year's
resolution's is to lose 20 pounds, create a sensible time frame in
which you can do this (i.e., 6 months) as opposed to simply saying
you'll lose 20 pounds "sometime this year." Having a time frame to
work within can give you the inspiration and motivation you need
to be successful. Once you've accomplished this goal, or any other,
place a check mark on the outside of the envelope and file it away
marked....successful! Of course, if you would like to continue with
your winning ways, keep referring back to your "goal cards" as a
form of inspiration and accountability:)
Tip #4: Have a buddy system. Ultimately, you are responsible
for yourself. Your achievements and successes should not be
contingent upon whether or not you have a buddy system in place.
However, having a support network doesn't hurt and can help
create a positive atmosphere for both of you as you work towards
your accomplishments, encouraging one another along the way.
Tip #5: You're only human. Despite our best intentions, sometimes
we fall short of our "exact goals." Maybe, for example, you wanted
to walk as a form of exercise 4-5 times a week as part of your
weight-loss goal, but, instead are only able to do 2-3 times a week.
Rather than beat yourself up over what you aren't doing, focus on
what you are doing. It is so easy to get caught up in the hype and
excitement of making New Year's resolutions, we sometimes forget
to give ourselves permission to make a mistake or even backslide
at times. And that's o.k.. After all, you're only human:)
I hope these tips will be of some use to you as you sit down, if you
haven't already, and decide what goals are important to you in 2011.
Is it better health? Stronger relationships? Saving more money? No
matter what it is, with a little bit of focus, determination, and faith, I
believe you can accomplish anything you want to in the coming year!
So, Many blessings to you all in 2011! May it be filled with miracles,
amazing opportunities, lessons, growth and personal goals you see
come to fruition!
Have a magical, mystical-filled day, my friends and see YOU in 2011!
In love-n-light.....
T
With Christmas almost here and the New Year just around the
corner, I wanted to wish each of you a heartfelt season's greetings
and a message of inspiration!
I truly wish that in the coming year, you are blessed with abundance
in all areas of your life. May you see your health flourish, relationships
blossom, your finances explode and your life as a whole...just where
you would like it to be. Truly see yourself in the life you deserve;
intend it, affirm it.....go after it! With faith, confidence and
determination, the impossible becomes "im possible."
Remember, too, that each day is a gift. Even without the holidays upon
us, many of us forget to take it s-l-o-w. We're rushing here and there,
moving so quickly we forget to simply stop and enjoy today. The here
and now. This very moment. So, as a way to encourage you to "stop
and smell the roses" I am offering you a link to a FREE 10 week wisdom
course I am taking as well, aptly entitled, The Power of Slow! Here is
the link: http://bit.ly/go_slowly (there is an underscore between ‘go’
and ‘slowly’) and I hope you enjoy your gift!
Have a fantastic holiday celebrating with those you love, my friends,
and I'll "see" you in 2011!
In love-n-light...
T
No matter how challenging the day's events are, wouldn't it be amazing
if we could simply shrug them off, crawl into bed and drift off into a
blissful slumber awakening the next morning with a can-do-attitude,
great looking hair and minty, fresh breath to boot! O.K., maybe that last
part is a bit unrealistic but, you know what I mean.
While we may have the greatest of intentions to handle what comes our
way in a positive, upbeat manner, the truth is, many of us have had our
fair share of bad days; really crappy, drag-you-down-in-the-dump-bad
days. And when this happens, most of us would rather stay under the
covers than face another moment where we feel emotionally and physically
exhausted, mentally numb and spiritually bankrupt. But, there is hope,
my friends! There are many things you can do to lift your spirits and maybe
make someone else feel good along the way, too. Here are some of my
favorites-maybe they can help you the next time you're having "one of those
days."
1. Smile. Really, it's that easy! When you are out and about, make eye
contact with others and smile, and mean it! Expressing something as
nice and comforting as a smile can make you and the other person feel
great. An alternative-if you can't get out and about-is to stand or sit in
front of the mirror and smile at that beautiful face of yours! I know it
sounds corny and you might even feel a little silly doing it, but, try it, it
really works and you just may get a chuckle out of it, too:)
2. Get moving! If you are able to get outside, strap on your shoes and
start walking. Taking a stroll in nature can have a positive affect on
your emotions. So, take time, literally, to stop and smell the roses,
admire the blue sky above, or listen to the sound of a bird singing
nearby. If you have a difficult time leaving your home because of
physical limitations, ask a family member, friend or neighbor to assist
you. It will not only make you feel good to be outdoors, but, you'll be
sharing some quality time with those you care about.
3. Volunteer. Do you have a little extra time on your hands? Some places
such as your local library are always looking for volunteers for their
literacy programs, for example. Other establishments such as your
local food bank can use an extra set of hands unloading and loading
items to stock their shelves to feed the needy. There are also local
programs for the elderly where you simply donate an hour a week calling
a senior citizen and checking in on them. Lending your time to a good
cause is a wonderful way to feel great!
4. Write a letter. Is there someone in your life who means the world to you?
Your husband, wife, a parent, maybe even a teacher who touched you in a
profound way? If so, what about writing a letter expressing your gratitude
in how they've made a difference in your life. You'll not only be smiling
writing the letter, you're sure to put a smile on their face when they open it:)
5. Belt one out! So what if you can't carry a note in a bag:) I'll be the first to
admit I can drive squirrels back into their burrows with my pipes, but, who
cares, I love singing songs and the cornier the better actually, especially if
I'm entertaining my kids. But, if you don't want to sing, try humming or
whistling. Whatever you do, I guarantee you, you'll be feeling happy in no
time and most probably won't even remember why you were mad in the
first place!
So, there you have it folks, 5 ways to be happy, inspired and fulfilled! Now get
out there and make a difference......you'll be glad you did:)
Have a magical, mystical-filled day!
Tracy Lee Nash, E.H.P.
My name is Tracy Lee Nash. I am 42 years old, happily married with
four beautiful children. I love God, my family, friends, sushi, a good
book, and the color purple, in case you haven't noticed:) I also love
life-no matter how profoundly amazing or downright difficult it can
be at times! I also love (mental note: using the word love a lot!)
helping others.
So, after many years of writing for my own personal, as well as
professional pleasure, and offering spiritual guidance to people all
over the world, I decided to combine my love (there's that word
again!) of both professions and venture into the world of blogging.
And the reason is simple: I want to share inspiring messages, helpful
information and pretty much anything that encourages others to live
the best life they can! After all, when we are connected mind, body
and spirit, aren't we truly at our best?
Now, you may wonder what my qualifications are and I can tell you
I have no "impressive" titles such as doctor or psychologist, but, I've
been busy in my own right. I'm a life long student of metaphysics and
am currently working on my B.S and M.S degree. I'm an ordained
Interfaith Minister and a patient support volunteer through Hospice.
I'm an inspirational writer and my work has been featured in greeting
cards, calendars and books with Blue Mountain Arts. I'm also a
professional intuitive and medium. I have certificates in Reiki I and II,
Crystal and Chakra Therapy. But, really, at the end of the day, I'm
just me. I'm happy most days, some days are questionable! I am a
walking contradiction. I'm extremely open and very private. Talkative
and reserved. Outgoing and a loner. Go figure! But, it's who I am,
and just like everyone else....I'm a work in progress:)
So, there you have it, folks.What you read, is what you get:) And I
hope you enjoy reading my blogs and find something of interest for
yourself or perhaps someone you love. I'll be posting my blogs every
two weeks until I can commit to more frequent posts. But, for now,
feel free to leave a positive comment or offer any suggestions for topics
you would be interested in reading about in the future. If I can write
about something you enjoy, find informative, or is of help to you, then
my mission is accomplished:)
Until next time......
Have a magical, mystical-filled day, my friends!
Tracy Lee Nash
Founder of Within The Light
