6 Tips for Sticking to Your Yearly Theme

In my last post, I shared the idea of selecting a yearly theme instead of making New Year's resolutions.

With our busy lives, it's easy to forget our intention so I've gathered a few tips to help you stay on track and put your theme into practice. 

1. Journal About It
Journal about what your theme means to you. Reflect on how it will impact your thoughts, behaviors and actions. Consider how all aspects of your life (e.g., health, relationships, career, finances, etc.) will change if you live in accordance with your theme.

2. Question It
Craft a check-in question that will keep your thoughts and actions in alignment with your theme. For example, if your theme is "joy," ask yourself, "Will this experience/ action/person/thing bring me joy?" Or, if it's "health," you could ask, "Does this thought/action/person/thing promote or demote my health?

3. Post It
Stick reminder notes on your fridge, mirror, computer, desk, steering wheel, cookie jar, etc.

4. Schedule It
Schedule a daily, weekly or monthly reminder in your calendar to check in with yourself and assess how well you're living in alignment with your theme.

5. Visualize It
Create a vision board with a collage of images that represent your theme and hang it on your fridge, in your office, above your bed, etc. 

6. Support It
Seek support and accountability from a partner, friends, family members, mentor, therapist or coach.

And, lastly, consider tattooing it on your forehead. :)

To Your Best Year Yet!

Ditch Resolutions for these...

Happy New Year!

I love all the possibility and potential a new year brings.

Years ago, however, I ditched the idea of making resolutions. They just didn't stick with me.

Instead, I started the following rituals, which have led to greater transformation, growth and contentment.

1. Year-end Gratitude List
At year-end, I write a long list of every gift that blessed my life in someway during the year. My 2013 gratitude list includes everything from family time, clients and friends new and old to my spiritual guides, my teachers, coastal hikes, and being able to run again after enduring a six-month injury.

2. Yearly Theme
Every January, I pick a one-word theme to act as my guiding focus for the year. It's a powerful intention that helps shape all my thoughts, behaviors and actions.

My theme is based on a particular feeling I want to embody, such as joy, peace, grounded or nourished, or something I want more of in my life like abundance, mindfulness, creativity, laughter, positivity, honesty, nature or movement.  

Sometimes I know my theme right away, and other times I mull over a few ideas for a bit. I know I've hit on the right one when it resonates deeply in my gut, heart, head and soul.

(Click here for tips on sticking to your theme year-round.)

Evolve Instead of Resolve
If these ideas speak to you, take some quiet time to first create your 2013 gratitude list then reflect on possible themes for 2014.

Keep in mind, it's not about resolving to change or fix anything but rather about evolving into your higher, true self.

Wishing you a very blessed 2014.

My #1 Holiday Stress Buster

While the holidays can bring abundant joy, they can also trigger tremendous stress. Jam-packed stores, perfect-gift hunting, travel delays, overindulgence, kitchen bickering, family conflicts, unmet expectations and more all lead to stress, anxiety, tension and not-so-merry moods.

I have a foolproof remedy for busting holiday stress that's fast, easy and super-duper effective:

Hug it out.

That's right.

Hug. It. Out.

Instead of squabbling, snapping or snarling, give your partner, kiddo, sister, mom or brother-in-law a big ol' hug. Doing so will immediately dissolve any stress, tension, anxiety and grumpiness. 

In fact, hugging decreases cortisol (your fight-or-flight stress hormone), lowers blood pressure, and releases oxytocin (your bonding and trust-building hormone).

I've personally tested this stress buster numerous times and know firsthand that it truly works not only during the holidays, but every day of the year. 

Give it a whirl.  You have nothing to lose, except your cranky pants!