| As good intentions go I was remiss in keeping a | | | | time to reconsider time used on excessive web |
| few of them myself in the past, especially last | | | | surfing and online games (and obsessive work |
| year, and we can pretty much agree that 2009 | | | | hours). Set an intention to reconnect with friends |
| was a year of great challenge and change for | | | | and family more often. It could be as simple as an |
| many of us. | | | | afternoon or evening sharing good food, wine, |
| Are you about ready for new beginnings? | | | | games (board games or outdoor activities) and |
| I certainly am and intend to make the rest of this | | | | conversation. Your relationships will improve as |
| year about greater focus beginning with creating | | | | well as your health! |
| more opportunities, gains in finances, clarity and | | | | 6. Worriers rejoice! Live for today because we |
| joy and, of course, more mindful travel | | | | know we can't change yesterday or obsess |
| adventures. I often write about destination spas | | | | about tomorrow. Consider starting a journal, such |
| as I believe in them for personal growth, | | | | as a Desire Journal and jot down what you'd like |
| self-improvement, relaxation, rejuvenation and | | | | to bring into your life such as deeper friendships |
| reinventing self. A destination spa can also help | | | | relationships, healthier eating, more activity, a |
| you with clarity and define what you desire to | | | | beach getaway, reunion with family/friends, more |
| bring into your life, especially as we continue in this | | | | time for yourself, reading at least one book per |
| new decade and to that end, I've come up with a | | | | month, starting a wine club, etc. What we do |
| Top Ten list of Intentions, Ideas and Inspiration to | | | | today will have an affect on tomorrow. |
| help you move forward. | | | | 7. Are you a yes man (or woman)? Consider |
| We're the creators of the life we want to have | | | | saying no. We can all agree that the world is |
| and albeit the lessons have been many and | | | | moving at a rapid pace and time appears to be |
| difficult at times, we can make positive choices | | | | going by much more quickly (especially as we get |
| now that will move us forward and take us | | | | older). Many of us occupy every moment with |
| beyond our wildest dreams. It begins with a step, | | | | work/projects, home/life, volunteering, etc. and |
| and then another and then another. So if you're | | | | sometimes it's necessary to step back and take |
| ready to take action and get off the sidelines, | | | | an eagle's eye view of your life. |
| then this is for you. | | | | 8. Intend to relax more! There are many ways to |
| 1. Most resolutions for joining a gym have faded | | | | relax and yes, of course I'm an advocate for |
| away by now, so consider making an intention of | | | | going to a spa for a massage or other service, |
| adding more activity to your day. Take a walk, | | | | however you can set up a sanctuary area in your |
| consider a yoga or Pilates class, look into a Wii (I | | | | home as well. Aromatherapy scented candles, a |
| enjoyed the baseball option with my niece and | | | | comfy sitting area, soothing tea, calming music |
| nephew). The key is to do something you enjoy | | | | and a good book or just alone time to |
| and you'll stay with it. | | | | contemplate your life are all relaxing. Oh, and |
| 2. You've heard the phrase, "diets don't work," so | | | | there's that Desire Journal you started (#6 |
| consider cutting back, watching your portions, | | | | above). |
| eating out less, adding more whole grains, lean | | | | 9. Learn more. Is there something you've wanted |
| proteins, fruits, vegetables and cutting back on | | | | to do and you've put it off year after year? |
| salt and sugar...and doing more of #1 above. | | | | Make this the year that you refocus your |
| 3. Have you given up on going out? Consider | | | | attention and get to it! Perhaps learning a second |
| inviting friends over for a night of wine tasting | | | | language, going after another degree or learning |
| and conversation. Invite your friends to bring a | | | | how to cook have been on your list. You name it, |
| bottle over (set a price range) and do your own | | | | there is probably something on your list and if not |
| tasting. Rate the wines and discover which ones | | | | now, then when? |
| are the most popular and offer the best value. | | | | 10. Create your own Reality Show! Day after day |
| 4. Are you an impulse buyer or in the habit of | | | | we hear something about one of the reality |
| getting a cup of coffee just for the heck of it? | | | | shows. What about your own life? You have so |
| First, consider if you really want or need the item | | | | much more to gain when you pay more attention |
| and if not, put that money into a travel fund. | | | | to your own reality. Get out there. Get involved. |
| Take that vacation you've been putting off and | | | | Make a difference. |
| open up to a world of culture, great food, | | | | Consider starting with these ideas and intentions |
| amazing wines and adventure. | | | | and let them inspire you to take the steps you |
| 5. "They" said the web would change our lives and | | | | choose to take to make Twenty Ten your best |
| it certainly has in many ways. So, perhaps it's | | | | year. |