Challenges For the New Year

Holidays/ Celebrations

By: gerrielynn 28-Dec-2010

Stand Tall

Standing tall shows an air of confidence. Whether you feel confident or not, try standing tall on for size, and see if you don't begin to feel better about yourself. Others will take notice and begin responding to you with more respect when you walk with your head straight forward, chin up, shoulders tilted back a bit, and your back straight. Standing tall does not mean "looking down your nose at others," but rather you will start looking at the world from a position of one who believes he or she is capable, aware, and in control.

Smile More

This does not mean to wear a silly grin and looking like a dufus, but rather to substitute a hardened face and gritted teeth with a warm smile that comes from the heart. Some people give the appearance of being "untouchable." Everyone eventually learns to spot a fake, and an untouchable person is hard, shallow and most certainly not real! By relaxing those facial expressions and smiling even just a little bit, you will become more approachable...as one who cares about others and the things of life. Those in positions of power achieve greater success when they soften the tightened lines of determination and replace them with the gentle warmth of an understanding smile.

Think Positively

No one...absolutely no one...likes to be around someone who is negative. If you have a leaning toward negative thinking, the next time you have a negative thought, do not allow yourself to express it. (Unless it's to your therapist, or someone who loves you so much that you are confident that they will do everything they can to help you begin to see the positive!) Unless you have been asked to play the "devil's advocate" in a certain situation, negative thinking is not helpful, productive, intelligent or even interesting! Be realistic if something cannot be done, but immediately come up with what can be done in its place. Always try to replace a negative thought with a positive one before speaking. If you do this often enough, you will find yourself thinking positively quite naturally.

Love Unconditionally

There are so many definitions of love that it is useless to try to drum up another one. But, one thing for certain about real love, (unlike lust, desire or obsession over someone or something) is that it is not worth anything if it is not unconditional. The kind of love that everyone wants is the kind that says, "I will love you no matter what." This does not mean that you will allow someone to abuse you or take advantage of your kindness. In such cases, your love must be strong enough to insist on change, direct them to someone who can help them change, or even walk away if need be. Loving others without regard for what they can do for you is not easy and will take lots of prayer, but it will be worth it. Loving unconditionally would turn our world around!

Think Creatively

Are you one who easily steps outside the box? Or, is it difficult to change from what you are comfortable with? You are not a bad person if you stay with the status quo of course, but you may be missing out on many wonderful possibilities. If you have ever wanted to do anything other than what you are doing right now...begin thinking about steps you might take to help you achieve that goal. Life can be exciting, but it's up to you! Start brainstorming with someone...your spouse, your best friend, and your children. Come up with something really creative to help you achieve whatever it takes to enhance your life and make this next year the best one yet for you and your loved ones.

Give this list a high five!

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pamperedpen 12/18/2011
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Great list. H5
clewand550 12/30/2010
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I absolutely love every one of these top 5. Things that I hope that I can live by all year long, each and everyday. Thanks for the post and for the pep talk. High 5.
goodselfme 12/28/2010
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Each idea on this well formed list of challenges for the New Year has many helpful tips in them. Thank you.h5