Resolution reminders

Did you promise to make 2015 your best year yet? Then you may find these tips helpful. They're from nationally-known therapist, educator and life coach Diane Lang (www.dlcounseling.com). She practices what's called Positive Psychology. She's on a mission to help people turn their lives around by developing a sustainable positive attitude.

1. Make myself a priority this year. I will learn to say “no” to others when I feel overwhelmed and stressed. I will say “yes” to my needs and wants. This year I will learn it’s OK to put myself first and take care of myself. This year I will learn that selfish isn’t always a bad word. I realize that if I take care of myself, I will be there for others.

2. Be grateful for what I have. I will take the time to pause and think about all I have. This isn’t about my material objects. This is about my abundance of love, warmth, comfort, care and empathy I receive on a daily basis. This year I will make room in my life for gratitude checks where I spend a few minutes each day thinking about all I have in this life and just being thankful I have my life. 

3. Pay it forward constantly. I will give more of myself everyday. I will inspire, help, and empower others on a daily basis.

4. Step out of my comfort zone. I will take risks, add variety and become more creative. This is the year I won’t be stale or stagnate. The word “bored” will be removed from my word list this year.

5. Be a great role model. This will make me a better parent, mentor, friend and educator. I will teach others by my actions. 

6. Become fully aware of my negative thoughts, comments and actions towards others and myself. I will make a conscious effort to be more positive and respectful of others and myself.  I realize positive energy, actions and thoughts are all contagious. 

7. Make action plans. Not only will I set short and long-term goal lists but also action plans on how to get there. I will write down each detail of my list and follow each step. I will feel a sense of accomplishment because I have taken action. 

8. Live in the present. I will let the past be in the past because the past doesn’t equal the future. I will stop worrying about the future because it doesn’t exist. I will not waste my energy being stressed about something that hasn’t happened yet. 

9. Spend less time trying to control others and being perfect. Neither one is possible and even though I have known this for many years, I never listened. This year I vow to let go of my controlling issues and perfectionist traits and learn to enjoy life in its messy existence. I will learn to enjoy the unorganized, the messy, and the not planned life. I will realize at the end of each day - everything works itself out. 

10. Say “thank you” to everyone I love. Not just on New Year’s, birthdays and holidays. I will say “sorry” when needed, “thanks” when it’s deserved and “I love you” just because I do.

11. Not try so hard to be something/someone I’m not. I will not keep up with the Joneses, compare myself to celebrities, or wish I were someone else. This year I will learn to spend time alone with myself. I will learn what my likes/dislikes, strengths/weaknesses, dreams and hobbies are. I will become fully aware of who I am. This year is the year of me!

12. Let go of all the expectations of what could be or should be, and just live my life. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our unrealistic expectations that we forget to just enjoy the life that is here right now - our present life, present situations, environments and family. We forget to be clear and aware of our surroundings. The love, warmth, and caring…the friendships and affection - I will remember to enjoy those simple things.

Follow Olivia on Twitter @oliviafortson