“Life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
I absolutely do not believe in New Year’s Resolutions. I rebel. I have incredible respect for people with discipline – those who follow specific healthy diets, or those who get up early in the morning to go to the gym. Not me! I listen to my body and follow it to the best of my ability. Mostly, I go for what feels good.
Earlier this month, in the spirit of resisting New Year’s Resolutions, I started a list called “What Would Better Self Care Look Like?” The first thing I wrote down and circled was “do what makes me happy.” Alrighty Then!!
My list looks like this:
- Less time on FaceBook. I do NOT feel good looking at FaceBook!! It feels heavy and sad to me much of the time. It is numbing and I have used it to zone out, and I want to feel good, not be numb!
- More time watching TV and relaxing at night. Right now I am catching up with, and LOVING “Grace and Frankie” on Netflix.
- More music! I forget to play music, and I adore it. I added “organize playlists” to my list of fun things to do.
- Yoga, Chi Gong, Stretching, Tai Chi – these feel good to me, and are not “have-to’s” – or I would rebel! ha ha
- Walks in nature!! I live in such a lovely area, and even when I take the same walk, I see new beauty every time! I like to put on my old Fitbit, and shoot for 5,000 – 10,000 steps. It feels good!
- Taking time to journal, use tapping if I am feeling off, breathe and meditate.
- The bottom line is that life is meant to be enjoyed. We are supposed to feel good and have fun and be happy. And, when we are happy, our positive energy touches others and we help to heal the world! Really!
So, what makes you happy? What do you do to have fun? I hope you are listening to – and trusting – your body, which will always guide you by letting you know what feels good and what does not. I call this “Body Knowing” and it is the basis for the way I help my students get in touch with their intuition. All we need to do is ask “yes / no” questions – and pay attention.
And, have fun every chance you get!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward