making my life a priority

With new years come new resolutions. I kept hearing about making un-resolutions this year instead as they might be easier to keep. I think that it is important to make some kind of resolution or better yet - a goal so that one has something to focus on for the year to improve their health and well-being.

This year my goal is to not fill my plate with so much. As I reflected over last year and even years before, I discovered that I was causing myself undue stress with the choices I was  making. My personality tends to be one of if I decide to do something then lets do it all now. I way overextend myself and find that I am irritable, frustrated and moody. Therefore, the first week of January, I decided to take the time to prioritize what I would like to accomplish, and I made myself take things off of my plate. Here are a few steps that I took that are helping and that can help you too!

1. I wrote down everything that I was currently doing and what I wanted to add for the year.
2. I read through my list and asked myself what was most important to me and why
3. The things that I decided were not a priority at this time, I removed from my list or put them in the "parking lot" for later. If the items I took off my list involved others, I had to discuss my decision with those people. I am one who has a hard time not helping others, not doing everything, and asking for help, so some of these were difficult conversations.
4. I asked for love and support from people who are close to me and able to help me move towards accomplishing the things I want to and to help me have patience to wait to do the others things.
5. I wrote down my timeline. This helps give me focus of what I am doing now. I have to learn to focus and live in the present and not worry so much about the future. I was missing out on the experience of the now.

These 5 steps may not seem like a lot, but a resolution or goal does not have to be complicated. In fact, it shouldn't be or it is too hard to accomplish. I also took a week to be thoughtful in my decisions. I did not do this overnight. In fact, I am sure I will tweak it as the year goes on. The most wonderful thing is that since I have done this, doors are opening with opportunities to do the things I love. I have met wonderfully amazing people and can feel the love and support from them. I have also found energy and enjoyment that I haven't had in a very long time. So take some time, organize your life and discover how beautiful you and life are!

Be well!