1b6e664a4c6311e290d222000a9e0851_7THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT 2014

Did you make any resolutions for 2014?

Many of us sit down at some point in January and draft up a list of things we’d like to accomplish for the year; things like “Work out,” and “Get out of debt,” and “Quit smoking.” We mean well, start strong, yet we eventually veer off course after these goals fade into the scenery of our day to day routines.

I want to challenge you to think about 2014 differently. What if we give up the concept of “resolutions” entirely and instead decide on 10 simple things we can do daily that will have the biggest impact on our day to day? I’m not talking about BIG changes…I mean little changes that add up throughout the year and leave you feeling like you’ve had a successful, awesome 2014.

Here is my list of 10 things I’ve committed to doing every day…and it’s been glorious.

1. Morning Coffee and 5 Minutes of Peace

I live on a 41 ft sailboat with my husband, his teenage son and a 4 month old kitten; mornings are hectic and crowded. So I’ve set my alarm a half hour earlier, and have been getting up to enjoy a cup of coffee before anyone else wakes up. This has given me the time to sit with nothing but my thoughts for company, and I’ve been finding that it’s given me the chance to really visualize the goals I want to accomplish for the day. This, in turn, has really put my productivity in high gear.

2. Local First, Organic Whenever Possible, with Aloha Always

“Local first, organic whenever possible, with Aloha always,” writes Chef Ed Kenney on the website for his flagship restaurant Town Kaimuki in Honolulu, Hawaii. I absolutely love this saying and have been applying it to my own lifestyle. I know it isn’t always easy to go local – and it isn’t always affordable to go organic. For me, I’m blessed to live on an island and I enjoy the local catch as often as possible. I’ve also stopped buying my fruits, vegetables and eggs at the grocery store and instead go to the local Farmer’s Market.

3. Write Letters – Mail Letters – Love Letters!

I work on the computer all day long. When 2014 rolled around, I made a very conscious decision to take time out of my evening and write letters to close friends and family all over North America. It has been truly gratifying to get back in touch with this style of communication…it sort of feels like Christmas whenever I get a letter back.

4. Reignite My Relationship with the Library

Every night before bed, I turn all technology off and do some reading…which means I’ve been polishing off a book a week. SO I’ve renewed my library membership and have been loving the chance to really explore what they have to offer. Books I would have never even considered buying are now my favourite to try out. It’s been mind-enriching too.

5. Get Outside Once a Day – Minimum

I try to get out at least once a day for an hour. Whether it’s a walk, some kayaking, a bike ride, or a run…I have committed myself to getting active outdoors. This has actually become a bit of an addiction, and I feel great for it!

6. Take Time to Be With Family and Friends

Oh how life can get so hectic. While my husband and I encourage a no-technology-at-the-dinner-table rule, we also try to entertain once every few weeks. There’s just something about having our family and friends over and sharing good food and good wine that makes the heart feel full. It’s also nice to keep in better touch with them.

7. Do One Thing Every Day To Reach ONE Goal

I love writing, and have finally started my book. My goal is to do a little bit of writing every day. This has also turned into a nice me-time project that leaves me feeling refreshed, centered, focused.

8. Random Acts of Kindness

I like the idea of a community helping each other out, so I try to be mindful of what’s going on around me and helping where I can. If you like the idea too, you can follow this Tumblr. They have great, real-life examples of what people are doing to reach out to other people. I hope it inspires you!