I love the start of a new year, partially because it is my birthday month, but more so because it is a time to reflect and rejuvenate yourself with New Year’s resolutions.

I know there are some folks who cannot stand New Year’s resolutions and won’t make them and those who use the fresh start if the year to really commit themselves fully to their goals. Regardless of what side of the fence you are on, I don’t know who wouldn’t want to take the time to think about how they can become a better person, live a healthier lifestyle, and strive to live a more engaging life.

Here’s what made my resolution list this year:

Live in the moment. I think for myself right now I want to live more in the moment and not get caught up with the items on my to-do list, the emails piling up in my inbox, or the distractions of technology. When I sit down with a friend to chat over a cup of coffee, I want to give them my full attention and not put my phone on the table and check it every five minutes. By focusing on one thing at a time, I feel this will minimize feeling overwhelmed or behind. I want to be engaged with every moment of my life and more importantly have fun!

Gratitude as a Lifestyle. Also, with the new year, I want to bring more gratitude into my life. I’ve learned through my dear friend Jill that being grateful is a lifestyle, not just a thank you note. Living a life of gratitude means stopping to notice and appreciate the goodness unfolding around you. It means breathing in the fresh air, watching the sun go down, and whispering a silent prayer thanking God for the beauty of His creation. I want to breathe in the goodness around me and exhale appreciation for its every detail. This is going to require me to slow down and be mindful. It also requires that I step outside of myself to take the time to notice the wonderful things that others are doing and how I can show my appreciation and thankfulness towards them.

Live Healthier through Love. And of course, the common resolution is also on list and that is to live a healthier lifestyle, not necessarily lose weight, but to be active, mindful of what I’m doing to my body, and most importantly loving my body. Resolutions are about creating change, small changes that will start to have an impact. My goal is to appreciate and love my body now, so that I want to treat it right and take care of it. And I will do so in a healthy, loving way. In this time of year where there is so much pressure to hit the gym every day and try to starve yourself, so start by being kind to yourself and in doing so that will help you create the changes you will need to see results. At the end of the day, I know it’s not going to help anything if I beat up on myself in the mirror or in the gym. So I’m committed to living a healthier lifestyle by loving myself and that commitment to love will help me take care of my body and treat it with respect.

I noticed that my resolutions all have to do with living more and getting more out of life. I want to live a full life with love and squeeze out the best in order to become a better person! This is my 2014 wish for you too!

Many blessings to you as we begin 2014! I am so thankful to you for reading my posts and for sharing them with others. It has been an incredible journey of writing and growing.

What will the New Year bring you?