Goals & Resolutions

This is the time of year where people reflect on themselves and make resolutions or set goals about what they want for the upcoming year. These goals and resolutions are generally very personal, but here are a few that will help any/every one to have a more healthy, loving and peaceful 2010:

1. Drink more tea. Green teas and white teas have antioxidants that work well in helping the body's immune system, increasing white blood cells (which fight sickness) and even helping skin to have a healthier glow. Black teas are a great alternative to coffee. They contain caffeine, but in smaller amounts, and can help you to feel more awake or energized. Rooibos teas (also called red or red bush teas) are also said to help fight colds-especially helpful now in the winter season.


2. Take vitamins. The body is a wonderfully complex system that works perfectly to sustain itself. However, every machine needs a little oil now and then, right? And so your body requires a little dietary help from time-to-time as well. The need will vary from person to person, but most bodies could use a little extra help from echinacea and/or vitamin C for immune health; vitamin E for heart health as well as healthy hair, skin and nails; Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil pills) which can supplement protein and are also good for hair skin and nails. Many women in their 30s and older can also benefit from an iron supplement and/or a calcium supplement. The easiest way to get the vitamins your body needs is to take a daily women's multi-vitamin--especially if you're not sure specifically where your body requires the extra help.


3. Volunteer. The best way to help you to feel better about yourself is to serve others. Find something you're good at, and teach it to youth at a community center. Join a local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. Serve food at a local soup kitchen or shelter. Get re-involved in the community activities of your church or your sorority. Donate clothing that you no longer wear to a women's shelter, Salvation Army or Goodwill store. Go grocery shopping for your elderly neighbor. Just do whatever comes naturally and feels personal to you. And remember that as you give, so shall you receive, receive and receive.


4. Start a journal. If you don't already have a journal, start one immediately. Maybe you're not a writer, but you have an interesting idea for a blog or a website; start one. Maybe you're a photographer--make a photo journal. But find some way to document your journey over the next year. It is easy to forget how far you've come when you're up in your feelings or in a dark emotional place. Looking back at the journal you have kept, can remind you of just how much you have actually accomplished that you didn't even realize, or remind you of a lesson you have learned, and pull you right out of that funk.


5. Spend time in silence/meditation daily. This does not have to be anything formal. Just find 10 minutes a day to quiet your mind. It is almost impossible to hear yourself, your spirit, your inner guide when you have all the clutter of the day floating around in there. Use this time to breathe deeply, to relax, to recharge, to affirm yourself. Some people actually repeat affirmations, some prefer yoga. The method does not matter, it is the resulting peace that is the key.


6. Pamper yourself. Love youself all year long mentally, physically and emotionally. Read a few good books, or take a class. Take a nice hot candlelit bath, condition your hair for a ridiculously long time, give yourself a mani/pedi. Watch, read or listen to wonderfully affirming messages about the beautiful spirit of a woman. Do whatever makes you feel great and smile wide and do it often.
 
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but simply a few suggestions that perhaps you can add to your existing list of goals or resolutions. However you choose to better yourself and grow in the new year, we are sending you vibes of sucess, strength, poise, passion and purpose to help you accomplish everything you have set your mind and your heart to do.


The happiest of new years!

Peace and blessings,

Gina and Kim