When I was younger the year numbers like “2017” seemed light-years away. I was seriously like, I’ll be soooo OLD when 2017 comes around, that’s like forever from now! Yet here I am sitting at the computer on the first day of 2017, not wondering how to slow down time, but how to make sure to make the most of time and enjoy and appreciate every moment. That’s a continuous goal for this year, to actually appreciate every moment. Appreciating the moments will make you fall in love with life, and of course time. I’ll share four things I did to make the most out of 2016 from the inside out that I’m carrying with me into 2017.
1. Read Something That Will Kick Your A$$ in Gear
There are many books on the market for “self help”, many as in literally millions. You don’t need to read millions of books to find some inspiring words to help put pep in your step, fire under your arse, or fuel to your fire….you get what I’m saying. The New Year is a great time to pick up some good reads but don’t over do it! One or two books is fine, and you don’t have to read them all at once. Browse through, pick a few pages for inspiration, think over what you just read and let it marinate before you go speed reading through chapters. My favorite book from the list below is “You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life“. The title sums up exactly what I know I needed to hear, and this book is laced in humor and raw realness. We are all badasses who doubt our greatness from time to time. This book is like your bff telling you only what a bff could tell you to get you moving, all in love of course! Then there’s “Brave Enough” by the awesome Cheryl Strayed who gives you little quotes and tidbits such as:
“Be brave enough to break your own heart.
You can’t ride to the fair unless you get on the pony.
Keep walking.
Acceptance is a small, quiet room.
Romantic love is not a competitive sport.
Forward is the direction of real life.
Ask yourself: What is the best I can do? And then do that.”
Problems with procrastination? Then “Eat That Frog“ is one you should check out. Then there is the hashtag that many desire to live out in “#GirlBoss“, a great story of how if she can do it, I can do it too!
2. Listen to Guided Meditations and Get out of Your Own Head
I’m gonna tell you that sometimes it seems like my mind is my worst enemy! Negative thoughts love to creep in but I only considered them to be “creeping in” after I came to the realization that most of my thoughts were already negative and had been for years, maybe forever? I recognize that years of life and issues…childhood issues and being sick issues and single motherhood issues and broken heart issues and being broke issues, etc….after so many years of living and having “issues”, it’s not hard to get into a slump of negative mental tape playing and believing that that’s all life has to offer. I didn’t slip into this way of thinking on purpose, I didn’t even realize there was another way to think until I found Louise Hay and Dr. Wayne Dyer. Listening to Louise over and over, it eventually got into my thick skull, my hardened heart, and patched up soul that maybe if I tried just a bit at a time to change my thoughts, maybe just maybe my life would change some too. I’d heard the slogan over and over, “change your thoughts, change your life.” I had nothing at all to lose when I began listening to Louise’s You Tube videos. I was at a very low point in life. After listening to her tell me how to think positively, my life has and will never be the same. Here is one of my favorites, 101 Power Thoughts for Life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olI9ocFpTyY&t=1176s
“Listening daily these words can change the way you think and make you live better. Serenity, happiness, calm. If you learn to love yourself, you will heal yourself. Say “I can do it” and with positive affirmations, in a every day exercise, you will change your life. Listen to this meditation as often as you can, you will see the change and you will start to think in a positive way, that will bring to you the best. Positive affirmations and meditations can heal your life.” ~Author Unknown
Here are a few others by Louise Hay:
Here are some by Dr. Wayne Dyer:
“Begin noticing and being careful about keeping your imagination free of thoughts that you do not wish to materialize. Instead, start a practice of filling your creative thoughts to overflow with ideas and wishes that you fully intend to manifest. Honor your imaginings regardless of others seeing them as crazy or impossible.” ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer
3. Hang Around Like-Minded People and Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out!
This is something that I plan on doing more of in 2017, chatting with more like-minded individuals. I have some trust issues when it comes to meeting new people, I’ll admit that. But I also have a few old friends who I know I can text or call to talk about a creative idea, or when I get in a depressive mood they can help me get back on track by reminding me of my badassness. 🙂 The saying holds true, “birds of a feather flock together”. You typically don’t have to search far to find someone you already know who is like-minded. Comb through your 500+ Facebook friends and you’d be surprised at who you know. I have a special friend who I share many things with, usually via text and we live in different states. She gets what I’m going through without saying too much and vice versa. We congratulate each other on accomplishments and we are truly in a tight friendship that’s complete with trust that no one else even knows about. I also have a wonderful group of friends on a group chat who I absolutely love, they are regular working and married mothers who have regular sh*t happening and we talk and laugh about life. I’m not married yet but hanging around this bunch is helping me get prepared! There’s a single-mom author who I plan on getting tighter with this year as I believe we are supposed to be in each other’s circles to manifest some great things. Open your life to allow great vibes in!
4. Dress Like You Love Yourself
I’m not saying this to be funny, I’m saying this because I want you to be #StyleStamped, in mind, soul, and style! Dressing the part even when you don’t feel like it can help to pick you up on a rainy day. Show the world how much you love yourself and how much of a badass you are by putting your best look forward. If you have any problems with this you know who to call!
I’m wishing you all a very Happy New Year that you can fall in love with!!! Cheers to making the best of our time, talents, and strengths. Also, thanks in advance for rocking with Style Stamped this year! Love you guys! ♥
~xoxo Yana B.
Yes girrrlllaaaahhhhh!!! Xoxo
The book You Are A Badass is awesome! All the others I already have on my goodreads app wishlist! Great choices