Jan 22, 2009

Tips for a Better Life in 2009

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, or issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or e-mail them to death!)

37. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Share this with those you care about. May your troubles be less.

13 comments:

Maggie said...

Love the tips for a better life, wouldn't the world be a much happier place if everyone lived by those rules?
Thanks for reminding us

Maggie x

Donna said...

Very good. I am going to post these rules to remind me everyday.

Sherry said...

Meari, thank you for this post. I'm struggling right now. VERY down and these caused me to think.

Carolyn NC said...

I do love these tips!

Kathy said...

Excellent advice for everyone. Thanks.

Terry said...

Great advice; needed it too. Sometimes we just need a little nudge to wake us up. Thanks Meari!

Terry said...

Happy Birthday! Saw on ILCS that today is your birthday so thought I'd stop in to say hope you have a wonderful day.

Alberta said...

Meari, I love #14...the rest are great also.

Nessa G. said...

Wow, these are really great thoughts.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday and an even more wonderful year!

Sue said...

Meari, Thank you for posting these. I've put them on my blog with a link back here.

Sue
Western Australia

Linda said...

I smile when I read your blog, Meari. These tips are timeless.
Lynn

Janine said...

Thanks for the tips, Have a wonderful birthday Meari. I just wanted you to know that I am thankful that I have you in my life (if only by blog) and I never miss a week of reading about your life. You always manage to fill me with awe because of all your interesting blogs and the things you manage to achieve in your life. Well done!!

stitcherw said...

Great list. I've seen variations on this before, but not this one. I think I like this one the best. Enjoy your new stash for Isabella's Garden, that is such a cute design. Also, thanks for all the great links earlier. I'd seen some but not all of them. Chocolate Cat especially had some cute designs I want to do.
Sue