10 Ideas to help ring in 2012!

I know this may sound a little hypacritical after the last post, but you can't serve other people unless you take care of yourself first. This year it is my goal to be more calm, cool, and collected. Thus being more organized, finishing things I start, and feeling better about myself and my surroundings!

1. Taking care of yourself is Job One. No one else can do it for you. Putting yourself at the top of your to-do list is not selfish; it's actually self-preservation.
2. Today is the starting line. When I was younger I hardly ever wore sunscreen, thinking after the first burn I'll just brown. I was wrong. I am now trying to erase those sun-spots, (good thing I'm an independent beauty consultant). No matter how bad your habits have been until now, if you change them today, you can be a little healthier by tomorrow.
3. Fad diets don't work. Lose too fast (more than 2 pounds per week) and you lose muscle along with fat. then if you overeat again, the weight comes back and so does the fat-but not the muscle. The result: a sluggish metabolism, so your body needs less food and it's harder to lose the next time. What works? Slow, steady shrinking.
4. Beauty comes from inside. Even if I have a pimple, feel exhausted and have been eating too much chocolate, I tell myself: Smile! No one notices your imperfections, but everyone notices your bad mood. I may never be a great beauty, but I can always try to be a great person. That's way more attractive!
5. Having fun keeps you young. It's that simple. I think kickboxing is fun, especially when I'm challenging myself. Plus, I have the coolest instructor, who is soooo fun! I feel so much better every morning, then I'm ready to tackle the day. Figure out how you have the most fun, and do more of that.
6. Confidence is key. I love the concept of the word empowerment. To me, it means caring less about what others think and doing what's right for you. Follow your heart, and it will lead you to your best you.
7. Giving back feels like getting. We all worry we don't have enough time, money, or commitment to get involved in a cause.  But the truth is, giving back, even if it's with little gestures, is the most fulfilling thing in life.
8. Growing means taking risks. Being fearful is natural, but getting beyond your barriers leads to growth and reward. Move ahead, even when it terrifies you. You'll be happy you did.
9. We are all too hard on ourselves. We need to cut ourselves a break. I always feel like I have to do more/better/faster/sooner! And yet I encourage other women and tell them, Good job! If only we could praise ourselves the way we lavish compliments on others. Try!
10. This is your moment. There is always work to do, bills to pay, pounds to lose.  Forget all that, and live this very moment to its fullest. The rest can wait. Right now is the only moment that exists. Make it count!

So whether it's a daily tip to live by or a grand-scheme ideas that shapes your long-term thinking, my wish for you and myself this year is to grow and be more blissful from within!