With the new year, resolution-making is on high. Of course I want to eat healthier and start exercising more just like everyone else, but I am more determined to discover myself. Self-improvement is my number one goal for 2017. A lot comes with self-improvement. I have a Spanish course to improve my language. I have killer outfits to improve my style. I have journals to improve my writing. I have new books to improve my knowledge. Equally important, I have 30 ways to improve myself and you:
1. Share something you are proud of today.
Write down anything you are proud of today, whether you made a great batch of cookies or got out of bed before 11am. Write it down somewhere to remind yourself that you are so awesome!
2. Start a journal.
My favorite part of my day is right before bed when I open a journal and just write about anything that has been on my mind that day. You can share what you have done that day or about somewhere you want to go. Daily journals and prayer journals are a great place to start.
3. Learn something new.
There is nothing your brain will thank you more for than gracing it with new knowledge on something you are passionate about. If you want to learn some words in a new language try Duolingo, a free app that makes learning languages fun.
4. Exercise.
5. Take a long, deep breath.
Your mind, body, and soul need a deep breath sometimes to calm down and re-energize.
6. Bake something for a friend or elderly.
Baked goods are the way to my heart. There is something about giving sweets that makes someone feel so special. There is never a bad time to show someone how much you care about them.
7. Do nothing.
In other words, take a 'me' day. Lounge on the couch with Harry Potter Weekend and do nothing. No phone, no problems. Nothing.
8. Drink more water.
If you are like me, you prefer your water run through ground beans and turned into coffee but your body craves water. It needs it. You will feel better, your acne will clear up, your skin will look shinier. DO IT.
9. Tell yourself what you like about yourself.
Another great journal prompt. Maybe your hair looks fantastic in a bun or your new blue shirt goes great with your sparkling eyes. Let yourself love yourself.
10. Make a meal for one.
11. Watch an old movie.
Roman Holiday. All day, every day.
12. Get outside.
13. Declutter.
It is time to throw out the clothes you haven't worn since seventh grade and clean out the bookshelf that you have stashed with papers from school.
14. Treat yo' self.
15. Listen to your favorite album.
16. Buy coffee for a stranger.
17. Go for a walk.
Find a park. Look a nature. Feel your body thank you for an escape.
18. Turn your phone off.
Don't argue with me. Do it. You will see just how much better life was before Twitter and Facebook. Yes there won't be any memes or cute dog videos but sometimes we forget about the reality of life that is in front of us and we need to stop taking that for granted.
19. Make a healthy recipe.
Or if you aren't into cooking, drink something healthy like a smoothie or *cough cough* water.
20. Write down your 5-year dream plan.
Own that mansion with the prince of Whales and the Ferrari with the red interior. It's your dream. Live it.
21. Text an old friend.
Or patch things up with a recent one.
22. Be creative.
Color a picture, start a new board on Pinterest, rearrange your room. Anything to make something your own.
23. Stretch it out.
24. Write down 5 things that make you happy.
Pizza. Dogs. Coffee. The Lumineers. Llamas. Done.
25. Plan your dream vacation.
You're going to Italy, baby!
26. Try something new.
27. Create a goal board.
Find a magazine and get going. Cut out quotes and pictures of things you want to do or be. Let your imagination run the show.
28. Read an article on your future career.
29. Date yourself for a day.
Dress up. Pick yourself up at 8. Dinner and a movie. The whole 9 yards. You will really get to know yourself and who you are. And the best part is... you totally get to pick everything!
30. Have a happy new year!
"Your life only gets better when you do; work on yourself and the rest will follow."
