A better year is rarely about setting resolutions. A better year is about mindfulness, intention, and living on purpose.
Being mindful or paying full attention will help you enjoy life, be the shape you want, be kinder, spend less, and live authentically.
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” Brene Brown
I can hear you now, “Thanks, Apryl, of course life is about choices, but how do we do this in the middle of jobs, family…life?” I’m so glad you asked. Here are a few tips, Lovely Human, because you are worthy of a beautiful life. Cheers!
Enjoyment: Create a space for happiness. I want you to find a jar – you have them in the recycle or on your shelf, go get one. Now, on a sticky note write, ” I’m worth this.” Stick $1 or $5 or $10 in it and put it by your bed. Before you go to sleep each night, (yes, each night) put $1, $5, or $10 in it. On your day off, spend whatever is in the jar on yourself – yes, yourself, not your kids or you partner or your best friend. It doesn’t matter if It’s $5 or $100. A fancy coffee or thrift store item is still treating yourself. Do it every week because practicing creates habit, and you are worthy of habitually treating yourself.
The shape You Want: Add space between you and place. Do you work from home? Place things you use away from your desk, out of the room, even up or down stairs. Take moments to get up to get them and then put them back. Are you going somewhere? Park a bit away so you walk just a little farther; take the stairs if you are able, walk to and from the bar or restaurant, take your dog for a walk. Movement is the key to a happy healthy body. When you eat, think about the food you put in your mouth. How does it feel? How does it taste? How did you obtain it? How was it made? These simple steps will help you be present, and being present when we eat helps digestion, food choices, and enjoyment.
Kindness: Stop, make eye contact, and listen when someone talks to you. Take at least 3 seconds to respond. If a question is asked, answer it. If the person is just telling you something. Thank them, do not correct, or give your opinion. Listening is a gift you can give daily.
Spend Less: Create a budget. Look at the money that you earn during the month. List your bills and subtract from your earnings. Whatever is left is what you will spend on groceries, gas, going out etc. This is a mindful act. Do you need to drop a subscription, buy different groceries, cook more? Then make these changes in order to lessen stress and have more at the end of the month.
“My actions are my only true belongings.” Thich Nhat Hanh