8 Steps to Creating and Sticking to Your Goals in 2016

Every year we have the opportunity to start fresh and set new goals. This can also be done anytime of the year, but it seems that we like to do it at the beginning of each year. I have been using goals and affirmations since I was a child. Here is an 8 step plan to help you get started in 2016.

1. GET ORGANIZED - When you’re looking at a pile of bills that need paid or your work space is disorganized, this has a tendency to zap the motivation for what you really want to accomplish. Maybe your goal will be to do one or both of these things just to get started. 
2. KEEP THE LIST SIMPLE - Make a list of goals you’d like to accomplish. Start with 3-4 goals at a time, 1 goal is even okay. It’s up to you. The less you put on your plate, the more likely you are to accomplish your goals. 
3. KNOW WHY? HOW? WHAT? & WHO? - Make a list of why you want to accomplish each goal, how you are going to accomplish each goal, what is needed, and who you might want as your support system if you so desire. 
4. BE REALISTIC - Your goal is only as good as your best intention to follow through with it. 
5. CREATE AN ACTION PLAN - Make a calendar or list with daily or weekly goals that will get you to your desired result. E.g. Monday - I will separate each bill into a pile with the most important ones on top. Tuesday - I will decide how I can pay each bill. Maybe I need to take on a second job or put in some overtime. Wednesday - Start making calls to get another job or call each creditor and set up payment arrangements. 
6. FOLLOW THROUGH - This is why, keep it simple, be realistic, knowing why? how? what? and who?, and creating an action plan are so important. You are more likely to follow through. 
7. REWARD YOURSELF - Decide how you will determine each milestone and reward yourself for reaching it. This can either be when your goal is accomplished or when you feel you have earned a reward for your efforts. Make sure and note it in your calendar or list. This can be as simple as a night on the town, dinner at your favorite restaurant, a family movie night, ordering take out instead of cooking, or splurge and give yourself a spa day. It’s about being realistic about what is logical for you, but DO reward yourself. 
8. AFFIRM YOUR GOAL - Write it in affirmation form as if it has already happened with the date of accomplishment and read it daily. E.g. I am so excited to finally have “Blank Company” paid off - January 31, 2016. I am really enjoying eating healthier and I love weighing “Blank” - February 15, 2015. 

This is a great year for creating change and I hope to be of service in helping you do that. Leave your comments and questions below. Lets support each other in making 2016 the greatest year thus far… Namaste

Fulfilling My Dharma

So I didn't finish Blogging from A to Z, but I challenged myself and that's what matters. Life has a way of changing your plans. I have successfully signed up for school at The Institute of Healing Arts and am on my way to a degree in Mind Body Psychology.

The odd part was that I was really focused on a Degree in Business, but couldn't seem to get my ducks in a row and now I know why. This was obviously not my destiny or it would not have seemed so daunting.

I have yet to figure out the Universal Laws of the word Dharma, but from my own interpretation, this is my Dharma or purpose in life as Deepak Chopra would say.

To those of you who seem to be struggling with which way to go, ask and it will be shown to you. Don't go against what your body is telling you not to do or the truth will never be revealed.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my triumphs and defeats with you all, and I hope there will be a learning process involved. I never believe that one person has all the answers and the one's who are successful at what they do truly just believed in themselves.

Health and Healing to all,
Namaste

21-Day Meditation Challenge is BACK ON!

Just started a new 21-Day Meditation Challenge. Hopefully, I will gain inspiration to start blogging again... http://www.chopracentermeditation.com/bestsellers/landingpage.aspx?bookid=169 Hope to see you there!

Love your children and everything will be alright

Keeping in touch with your teenagers is a BIG challenge, but so far I think I am doing a great job. I grew up in a time when home ownership and having the things you need were right at your fingertips, but my situation is far from ideal. The best home I own right now is a run down mobile home with air leaks and mold. I feel like I haven't had the tools my parents had to teach my children responsibility. For instance, we grew up on a simple farm with a few cows, goats, chickens, pigs, turkeys, horses, and a large garden. There was a lot of responsibility involved in maintaining the farm, keeping the house clean, and weeding the garden. My children on the other hand did not have those advantages. Yes, I believe it was an advantage because I learned a lot from that experience. The best I have been able to offer is every other day the children switch dish night or cook a family meal.

This said, I continuously hear from others how great my children are and how responsible and what hard workers they are. How did I accomplish this?, I often ask myself, but somehow I did and they are great kids.

I have always made sure to say as they leave for school "Have a great day" and as they go to bed at night it's always "Goodnight, sweet dreams, I love you". I may not of had a lot to offer, but somehow I have raised wonderful children. Both my teenage daughters are in College. My two younger sons are helpful and loving. So in this imperfect world, love your children and everything will be alright...

Montana View

An obvious inspiration

It seems that a rainbow has many meanings and it’s the obvious inspiration.
When I see a rainbow, a smile streams across my face and I experience a sense of peace.
The beauty of the colors, the ominous sky behind it or dreaming of the “Pot of Gold” at the end of a rainbow (the childhood fable that we all believed) but is still an inspiration that brings us hope.
For just that moment it seems you can accomplish anything.

It appeared as I was waiting for my son outside of a school event and it took my breath away as he walked under it. One of four joys of my life and they all make my life beautiful...…