Greetings!

January is the rebirthing time of year, and many of us set goals or resolutions. However, one beef I have with this typical activity is it starts us off focusing on all the ways we fell short in the previous year. Having a desire to change the things we didn't like from last year is admirable.

Wouldn't it feel better to start the year off focusing on our successes?

The attitude we bring to our daily activities affects our experience and outcome just as much as our actions do. I believe it is more beneficial to focus on what we are proud of, what made us feel good, and the highlights of our 2011 as opposed to being critical. Then, use that positive outlook as a road map to decide where we want to put our emphasis and energy in 2012.

Step 1: Make a list of your highlights (both big and small). Note how you felt about them like this:

• After seeing my improved post x-rays, I felt grateful and accomplished
• That yoga class brought me peace and ease that lasted 2 days

Step 2: Make an action list for January.

The holidays allow us to give and receive gifts, experience time with friends and loved ones, and decorate our home in a warm inviting way...all of which is wonderful. But, if we didn't pencil in time to rejuvenate ourselves, we may feel tired and over-stimulated.

When deciding how to start 2012, check your energy level. How do you feel physically and emotionally?

If you got a lot of rest, you might be rearing to get up earlier, hit the gym, volunteer, or get that promotion. However, the energizer bunny doesn't really keep going and going. Maybe January needs to be about tuning in and taking care. Pay attention to how you feel and create some activities that will honor where you are and where you want to be. At the end of January, take a moment to reassess your actions steps and their results in order to create a new action list for February. Continue to monitor and listen to your body throughout the rest of the year to create more positive moments and a happier, healthier you!