A Bright New Year Ahead!

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Hello 2017. I know this year has been a chaotic one for many. I for one love January because I think it offers up an easily grabbed fresh start. It feels so promising. It’s the time of new beginnings. Here are a few ways I plan on getting healthier, happier, and more peaceful in the new year ahead.

1. Wake up when my alarm goes off. Not a day goes by that I don’t dive back under the covers after the alarm starts buzzing at 6:45am. I lie in bed wishing I had 30 more minutes of sleep ahead of me. I think that groaning and grumbling actually starts my day off on the wrong foot. Tomorrow I plan to spring out of bed and see if I feel any more chipper and optimistic.
2. Unsubscribe from emails I don’t read/enjoy. One good example is the emails sent to me from Michaels craft store. They pepper my account with promotional emails and in the last two years after getting an email from them daily I have yet to use a coupon once. The coupons are also readily found on the web, so if I go to the store I can pull up the discount that way. Sayonara Michaels blast emails!
3. Cook new meals. My poor kids and husband get the same 6-8 meals on repeat over at our place. This year I am vowing to try new recipes (many from The Dude Diet!) at least once a week!
4. Say thank you to the people who often go unnoticed. Eating out with kids can be stressful, but there is always enough time to give a heartfelt thank you to the person who clears your plate. Most people thank their server when dishes are dropped off or orders are placed, but the person clearing dirty dishes is often overlooked. Or how about your postman? I know ours goes out of his way to drive up the driveway and hand deliver a particularly large stack of mail that won’t fit in the box. From time to time, when I see him coming, I’ll have the girls run down the driveway to thank him in person for all he does.
5. Be prepared for special occasions. I always keep an age-appropriate gift in the closet for each of my children to bring to a birthday party. I usually have a nice candle or liquid hand soap in the closet as well. (Bars of soap feel less gift-worthy.) I also have a few rolls of (non-themed) gift wrap and ribbon in there too. It makes the weekend dash to kids birthday parties less stressful, and when I am rushing to a party or event for myself I can grab and wrap something that will make the host know I am grateful to be included!!
6. Smile more. It’s contagious.
7. Give compliments generously. It costs you nothing, but the way it makes others feel can be priceless. That friend with amazingly white teeth. Tell her you noticed and that you think her smile is fabulous!
8. Spend 10 minutes at the end of the day clearing up clutter. I always sleep better when I know my desk is tidy and the kitchen counters are clean and clear.