We would like to wish you and yours a healthy and happy 2015! We are so grateful to reflect on 2014 and all of the wonderful things that it has brought to us. We are equally excited to be ringing in the New Year! Be sure to check out our latest schedule here: January 2015 Schedule

Every New Year is a chance to make a fresh start. I love meditating each year on what one thing I would like to change most. I'd like to share a few tips in the hopes that you will achieve your own goals and dreams.

1-Be Specific!

If you make a resolution, be as specific as you can. Simply stating that you would like to 'get fit', or 'save money', might not be enough to help you reach your desired goal. Think of specific things that you can do to get there. If you want to save money, for instance, start with trying to budget better. Make a spreadsheet and stick to it for three months. From there, you will have a solid foundation to build on. If you want to "get fit", think of one physical activity that you enjoy doing and see if you can stick to it once a week for three weeks. With a well-thought out plan, you will begin to feel good and motivated to continue for years to come!

2-One Bite at a time...

This is a wonderful expression that my mom always uses when tackling a big task. Take a whole bunch of little steps to get there so you don't get overwhelmed. Make a plan with steps and then focus on each step, one at a time instead of constantly looking at the big 'final goal'. This can help to keep you from getting discouraged. As you progress to your goal throughout the year, perhaps you will become inspired to achieve even bigger goals than your original plan intended, especially once you begin to see the positive results of your efforts.

3-Make it Attainable

Be honest with yourself! This is one of the hardest tips to follow. Look within and ask yourself, 'Can I actually achieve and maintain this without giving up?" It's okay to let yourself off of the hook a little. Too often, we have expectations of ourselves that exceed reality. Of course it's okay to dream big and that is where our inspiration comes from! Be mindful however, and really think about one thing you would like to change in your life. Then, set some small, attainable milestones to help you on your way to achieving that goal. Set yourself up for success!

4-Motivate Yourself

Make a dream board or find a picture that encapsulates what you most want to change and pin it up where you can see it on a daily basis. These visual reminders can really help us to stay focused. If your goal is to de-clutter your life or your house, post a note or a sign that says 'simplify'. Or have a picture of a space that is pleasing to the senses.

5-Reward your Efforts

Help to keep yourself motivated by rewarding the small victories. Make your plan into smaller 'baby steps' and when you accomplish each 'baby step' in your master plan, celebrate your achievement with something that makes you happy. If your master New Years resolution involves going back to school or earning a diploma, pick a reasonable milestone at each step and take time to do something that you love. When you complete your goal, plan in a final reward such as a small getaway or a celebration party with friends and family!

6-Lastly, Enjoy the Effort

When accomplishing any task, from the mundane to the significant, be sure to bring your joy into the mix. With a positive mind, you will find that nearly anything is possible! This is my favorite quote when it comes to making New Years' Resolutions:

"Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory".