As you ring in the new year, your first resolution should be to live life to the fullest! Forget about the usual resolutions that sound like chores — losing weight, getting in shape — and focus on positivity. Once you’re living your best life now, you’ll be amazed at how everything else seems to fall into place. Getting out and participating in the world around you is the best way to eat better and get in shape without feeling deprived because you’re having fun! To quote the wonderful Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges, “Plant your garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.”
You may be thinking that this is easier said than done but there are plenty of simple ways to take control of your future and make your own happiness. Start with a list of your goals for the year. And not a mental list — write them down and put them somewhere that you’ll see them on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter if they’re big or small as long as you’re accomplishing things that are important to you.
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Make it one of your goals to learn something unexpected and new in 2016. Take a dance class, learn a language, take up an instrument, try your hand at painting; anything that propels you out of your comfort zone and stimulates your creativity. You must think outside the box to truly live life to the fullest.
Next look out at the world around you and make it your mission to connect with more people on a deeper level. Try to replace some of your virtual socializing with face-to-face encounters. Let go of grudges and reconnect with old friends. You can’t live your best life now if you’re holding on to negativity and resentment. Practice positivity and say ‘I love you’ more often. Try talking to strangers now and then — you could make a new friend or just expand your horizons. You never know what you’re missing out on when you’re completely wrapped up in your own little bubble.
Make 2016 the year that you don’t just talk about volunteering but find a meaningful cause and actually make the time to get out there and help others. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping those who are less fortunate you. It puts your petty problems in perspective and reminds you how great it feels to do something nice just because.
On the flip side, also make 2016 the year you learn to take care of yourself too. Spend time just relaxing and enjoying the present. Practice meditation, get in touch with nature, do some yoga, luxuriate in a bubble bath — anything that brings you peace and serenity.
And finally, we’re in the midst of one of the most dramatic presidential election cycles in years (if not the most). So, no matter which candidate you support, exercise your right to vote in 2016!
