Don't make health your New Years Resolution...
Don't make health your New Years Resolution...make health a DECISION.
Creating health and wellness goals are wonderful. They are my passion. My job. But they aren't meant to be short term, like say....getting your best bikini body ever. Being "healthy" is about living well. Creating a healthy mind and body means making nutrition and lifestyle choices that truly nourish you. By focusing on overall well-being, you gain the added benefits of weight loss, increased energy, better quality sleep, and feeling confident.
So, think about the big picture of 2015! Consider what you want to bring into the New Year. Be precise. Be Decisive. Think about what a life well lived looks like to you. Really. Close your eyes and picture it. Does it mean feeling good in you own skin? Does it mean letting go of relationships that no longer serve you? Do you want to sleep more? Or maybe it means giving yourself permission to say no and practice self care. Perhaps this is the year that you finally pursue your true passion!
No matter what it is, allow your vision to be honest. As you picture that vision, consider what steps it will take to get there. Do you see them? Those steps are your resolution(s). The vision is your decision. For the next 24 hours, allow yourself to picture this decision and all it has to offer you.
Here are some questions to consider:
- What do I gain from this decision?
- What do I lose from not facilitating this decision?
- What is holding me back from making changes?
- What would my life look like with these changes?
- How would I feel living this new life?
- How much do I want these changes?
- Do I need to let go of anything to accomplish my goals?
- Now, what am I going to do about it?
One thing that has helped me make changes and big decisions in my life is the yogic philosophy of Samaskaras. Samaskaras are our habits, reactions or patterns. Like grooves on a record, we move through them over and over again. They can be positive or negative to our life. There is a 6-step process to releasing, changing or creating new samaskaras that has proved to be one of my most valuable tools. The process deals with intention setting, building awareness, and understanding your own fearlessness. If you're interested in learning more about the process, check out the 40 Days to Free workshop offered by Annie Damsky and myself at Villager Yoga.
Wishing you a nourished life in 2015,
Emilie