13 Ways to Live Life to Its Fullest in 2013!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Sleep. You may not need 13 hours of sleep, but you do need 8-10 hours of sleep. My family may think I'm crazy, but I try to be in bed by 9:30 at the latest. I get up between 5:30-6:30 ... the early bed gets the worm, right?
Start the day right. Eat a healthy breakfast. Way too many people skip breakfast! It's like gas in a car. Put healthy food in to keep going throughout the day! I eat oatmeal, chia seeds, berries, and coconut milk every day for breakfast. It fuels the day.
Start the day right - part 2. We've established to sleep right, get up at dawn, and eat correctly. Now it's time to get the day started emotionally and spiritually. I begin with "devotions" each day - a time set apart for me and God. It's a time to connect, listen, and be quiet before the rush of the day begins. I like to read through the Bible every year. This year I am adding "picture journaling" to the mix. I read a few verses, then draw (using my paper app) a picture to go with it. I'm finding that drawing each morning is also therapeutic!
Coffee and Chocolate. This means enjoy the small things. I enjoy coffee and chocolate. Every day I treat myself to coffee and chocolate! What small things do you enjoy? Treat yourself.
Be thankful. My new year resolution is to try to be more positive this year. It's easy to look at the negative. Yet I have so much to be thankful for! In every circumstance, find something to be thankful for...even if it is the opportunity to grow.
Get moving. We all know physical activity is healthy. It's sad how sedentary our society has become. Get out there and start moving! Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Take your dog on a walk. Ride your bike. Get moving.
Be still. Opposite of number 6? Yes. Take some time each day to be quiet and enjoy what is around you. We are busy, busy, busy. As grandma says, "Take time to smell the roses." How true.
Give a smile. Give a smile to someone new each day if given the opportunity. There are too many people going through hard times - make someone's day by spreading a little sunshine!
Give. Volunteer more. Give of your time, talents, finances, whatever you can. It feels wonderful to give to others! You will reap rewards more than you can imagine in return.
Offer an encouraging word. Most likely if you are reading this, you are a teacher. We know that encouraging words are powerful to students. How about your co-workers? Do you have a teacher that drives you nuts? Start encouraging them - give that kind word and a smile each day to that person.
Go out on a limb. Are you living life on a balance beam, hanging on for dear life? Try something a little crazy this year - something new, fun, exciting! Get out of the boat and do something you've always wanted to do.
Say I'm sorry. Be the first to apologize. If someone has been wronged, make it right.
Make time. Make time for others. This is a hard one for me. I get really busy with "stuff" that I forget to make time for the important things like relationships. This last one if for me to remember!