Top 9 for 2019

I love the holiday season, but I love the start to a new year even more.

These are my Top 9 to welcome in 2019:

1. Clean out the CLUTTER: I have really taken this to heart now with two little boys, one of which likes to save anything and everything. Getting all the closets and drawers organized really makes a HUGE difference in your daily productivity.
2. Check in on your GOALS: I find it very useful to check in with myself on where I am with my life goals or maybe just quarterly goals. The past few New Year’s Eves we as a family write down what we are looking forward to in the coming year. This exercise is one that my boys and I truly look forward to doing. I like that this sets a positive tone for the coming year. I prefer the idea of looking forward to something, as opposed to setting a resolution.
3. Take the time for SELF CARE: As a mother and a health care practitioner I take care of a lot of people in a weeks time. I thoroughly enjoy it, but I need to be in the right health and space to do so. Carving out some time daily for me is essential. I am my best to others when I am taking time out for my passions.
4. Plan out your MEALS: I find this to be a key element to help the busy week run smoothly. I also find this to be helpful at keeping your grocery haul precise and streamlined, which lends itself to less food waste.
5. Get adequate SLEEP: Making time for the cellular repair of your body is super important to optimal health. There is no way I could be as productive as I am without proper rest. Every body is different, so track at what hour mark you feel most rested and make it a priority to get that amount each and every night.
6. MOVE your body: Chinese Medicine tells us that stagnation of Qi (the vital life force flowing within you) leads to pain, disharmony and unbalance. The best way to address this is to simply move. Go for a walk, take some time to stretch, play tag with your kids, something, anything. Just move!
7. Count your BLESSINGS and TELL them: I truly believe that gratitude can uplift any challenging day. I think of these gratitudes as blessings and they are mostly generated by the people in my life. I always say it takes a village to live life. Tell your village how special they are!
8. Gift people more GRACE: When I was in high school I remember my english teacher giving us catchy little phrases to help spell certain words. She said to remember this when spelling the word assume: when you assume, it makes an “as* out of u and me”. Funny how this has stuck in mind all these years. Showing people a little grace instead of assuming something about them will make you feel good. Everyone has a bad day, or a silent struggle that may be keeping them from being their best, and it may have nothing to do with you.
9. Listen to your INTUITION: I believe everyone has this ability. It's really simple to cultivate. It's the first feeling you get when thinking about something. Don't let your brain over ride what your gut tells you, as it never leads you astray.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2019!