10 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

We’re mere days into the new year and you’ve undoubtedly found yourself contemplating how to make 2014 a little easier, more efficient, more peaceful than good ole 2013. All your answers lie here in making 2014 one of the best, most empowering years yet.

#1 Ditch your scale. Seriously. No good has ever come from a scale. Ever. Scales are evil, mean-spirited liars. Your favorite pair of jeans will tell you if you’ve gained weight. And if your jeans make you mad, buy another, friendlier pair.

#2 Say something nice to yourself in the mirror each morning. Nobody is watching, just do it. Try something simple as “Hi Friend.” The mirror is on my list of unfriendly items in the home…However it is somewhat of a necessity for makeup, hairstyling and general grooming, so I say…Turn the mirror into a safe haven of kindess. Start each day with words of love towards yourself.

#3 Be grateful for your body. No matter the size or shape, your body is an incredible gift. Consider in each moment the amazing feats your body can accomplish. That well-oiled machine is pretty spectacular. Be grateful for it.

#4 Beware the compare. Instead of finding what is wrong with you when you look at someone else, appreciate the individual beauty in yourself AND the other person. It’s there if you look for it. If you are comparing yourself to a real person who is standing near you, get that thought off your mind by telling her what you find beautiful about her. (Only females can do this with other females…guys, you’re likely to adopt full on Creeper status without a bit of tact here. Sorry.)

#5 Challenge at least one lie a day. You know what I’m talking about…”I’m not enough,” “I’m too much,” “I don’t deserve love,” “I’m a disappointment.” These may seem like truths in the moment, but I’m here to tell you, they’re lies. Rather than letting the lie take residence, challenge it with TRUTH. That brain of yours is tricky. Consider that “truth” you’re telling yourself again. If you can’t come up with a truth, ask someone who cares about you to correct you. If you don’t have anyone to do that, message me…I’ll give you some truth.

#6 Do something kind for yourself every. Single. Day. Maybe it’s complimenting yourself. (Women are especially bad at this). Perhaps it’s listening to a favorite song, calling a friend, or taking a walk with a hot cup of coffee. It could even be buying an adorable, tiny stuffed animal for yourself (one of my favorite things to do) or taking time to cook a meal. Whatever it is, Every. Day. You deserve to be your biggest kindness advocate.

#7 Be risky each day! It could be as simple as smiling and saying hello to someone on the street. Maybe it’s being a little more vulnerable with someone you love. Maybe it’s climbing a 14er. Seriously, if I can do that…anyone can. This is your life, take some risks!

#8 Just STOP. You will never be “done” or “caught up.” Trust me. It’s time to go to bed. Give yourself the gift of sleep, rest and rejuvenation. That extra hour of sleep is a wonderful gift.

#9 Take a Yoga class. Just do it. Don’t ask questions. It’s one of the kindest things you will ever do for yourself. The benefits are unbelievable, and it will be one of the few times your monkey mind will be still. Oh, I’m sorry, you’re scared to stretch your mind and body in yoga? See number 7.

#10 Celebrate yourself every day. You can tell I’m a big fan of positive self-talk. I celebrate lots of little accomplishments. Yay! I went to my Yoga class! Yay! I flossed my teeth! Yay! I forgave myself for screwing something up! Yay! I’m a flawed human being doing the best I can! Yay!

This can be a hard world. By practicing these New Year’s Resolutions, you can actually make the world a kinder place for yourself (and the rest of us, too). And you’ll be one of the few people who actually keeps your New Year’s Resolutions past January .