It is okay to say "No" to Resolutions

Here we are nearing the end of January, the first month of 2014. I hope, that if you have set a resolution for the new year, that you are doing your best to stick to it. If you haven't stuck to it, or if you didn't even set one, that is okay too.

Many resolutions that people set are rigid and unrealistic. "Lose weight", "Save money", "Stop stressing" are a few popular goals that people have for the new year. I'm not saying that making these are wrong, but you could be setting yourself up for failure.

I STRONGLY believe in setting goals. In fact, I have notebooks filled with ideas, to-to lists, and ways to better myself. Rather than make an "all or nothing" New Years resolution, try to set flexible goals that will keep you motivated while working to achieve a lofty goal.

While you're thinking about what you'd like to achieve, I challenge you to reflect on the previous year.

I was thrilled to read JoeyCake's blog and find a list of questions that allowed me to look back on 2013 and look forward to 2014.

This is where I found inspiration for this post and to create my own New Year's questionnaire to help with introspection.

 

Thinking about the past year:

For what are you most grateful?

What was something challenging that you were able to overcome?

What new skills did you learn?

When were you most proud?

What was the best thing that you ate?

Who did you forgive?

What did you learn about yourself?

When did you feel the most strong?

 

Thinking about the new year:

How can you help others?

What new skill would you like to learn?

Where would you like to travel?

What relationships would you like to strengthen?

Hiw can you step outside if your comfort zone to grow?

How can you be kinder to yourself?

*** Feel free to print this list out and hang it on your wall, fill it out, share it with friends, or just read through it.

Wishing you a HAPPY, healthy, blessed 2014!

 

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It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The holidays have a funny way of sneaking up on you. After a lot of preparation including decorating, cooking, shopping, and visiting family, Christmas is over before you know it. On December 26th, we are all left exhausted but smiling, and already thinking about a day 364 days away.

 

This year my family celebrated with our usual traditions. On Christmas Eve, we went to my grandmother's house, just as we have for every Christmas Eve that I've experienced. We exchange gifts, eat, and sing Christmas carols. I have many beautiful memories of past Christmas Eves at my Mema and Papa's house. Each year, my brother would direct a performance that my cousins and I would perform. No matter how long the show, or how off key the singing, my family sat through our performances and at the end, clapped like it was Broadway caliber. Those memories are priceless!

On Christmas Day, I woke up early to find snow falling! It was going to be a white Christmas! As I sat in my living room, near our tree, surrounded by my cherished family, snow falling... I couldn't help but think "This is Christmas." I am blessed beyond measure and special moments like that remind me of the meaning of love and of the holidays.

Thank you to my cherished family for a wonderful holiday!After many laughs, desserts, and glasses of champagne, it was time to wrap Christmas up for another year. If you take a moment out of each day to reflect, you'll find that the spirit of Christmas is always around I'd you just believe.

Merry Christmas to all!

Love, Alicia

 

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Gratitude

One of the main reasons that I created this little place in cyber space was to spread positivity. I wanted the person reading this to feel inspired, hopeful, and happy!

I think that one of the easiest ways to keep a positive attitude is to recall on blessings and accomplishments. A grateful heart serves as a mirror and positivity is the reflection.

Be thankful for your health. Be thankful for past, present, and future opportunities. Be thankful for the loving people in your life. Be thankful for the little things that most people take for granted.

What are you grateful for?

 

Love, Alicia

 

 

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