Year End Reflections

                There is something so exciting and magical about a new year. Yes, as some pessimists love to point out, it’s just another day in reality. And yes, those “new year, new me” resolutions usually don’t make it halfway through January for most people. But even still, it’s a rush like no other and a legitimate new beginning for many of us.

                For me, it’s a very important time of deep reflection. I have a distinct process I follow every New Year’s Day that has become more refined over the years. I reserve the day to reflect back on the previous year and take inventory of the things I’ve accomplished. Even more important than this, I spend a lot of time setting goals and intentions for the year ahead. I meditate, read enlightening material, rest, and basically take a “me” day to practice self-love. It's an awesome way to start the year off right!

                Planning and preparing have been critical steps in achieving my dreams and desires. It really works, guys. I promise! So here are my tips for your own special “New Year” routine that I highly encourage you to make time for.

1. Review the goals you set for the last year. If you didn’t set any, then shame on you! If you did, then sit there and really analyze what you did and did not accomplish. For goals that you knocked out, you absolutely deserve to celebrate and feel proud of yourself. It’s an amazing feeling to earn something you set out to do and worked hard at! For things that did not come to fruition, simply let it be a lesson learned. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT beat yourself up about it! It’s called life. Every single one of us will miss targets we set or have things come up that prevent us from achieving goals, or maybe we just didn’t get around to it. Perhaps you didn’t lose weight or get into shape, or get the new job you wanted. It’s absolutely fine, as long as you don’t dwell on it or feel guilty. Instead, channel that energy to crush a lingering goal in the next year. I even go as far as to grade myself on how well I did on each goal, and I use negative scores to motivate me. Being honest is key!

2. Revisit and reevaluate your long term goals. Again, if you don’t have any or don’t write them down, get on it! This is so important, it’s not even funny. Each one of us should have a list of things to accomplish not only in the next year, but also in the next 5 year time frame. These could be things like make X amount of money, pay off debt, volunteer, buy a home, earn a degree, start a business. Items that you may not be able to realistically accomplish in one year, but are actively working on. Also remember to be flexible, as sometimes your goals change as you grow and your direction shifts. I used to list having a kid and buying a home as important goals, but those things are no longer on my list at this point in my life. That is totally okay! Even further, writing down your bucket list of things to do before you die (places to travel to, learning to play an instrument or speak a language, running a marathon, etc.) is also helpful and even fun. We all have a million things we say we want to do eventually and usually never get around to, but actually putting in on paper and organizing your aspirations makes it official. This way you are far more likely to go after these things and make dreams a reality, no matter how big or how small.

      3. Benchmark yourself. Compare where you were at this time last year with where you are today. In what ways have you changed? Is your life better, worse, or the exact same? Are you happier? Goals are crucial, but it's what's on the inside that counts. We should always be able to say we have grown, evolved, and become better in some way. Complacency is dangerous! Always make sure you are progressing into the best you. A new year is the perfect point in time to assess where you were and where you stand now.


4. Set new goals for the coming year. What are you seeking to accomplish this year? This can be continuations of already existing goals, such as working hard in your career, but also make sure to add some new ones too. Push and challenge yourself. The sky is the limit! However, remember to keep your goals attainable, realistic, measurable, and practical.

5. Set your intentions. This goes even deeper than goals. Goals are what you want to do, while intentions are what you want to be, kind of like goals that are intangible or more internal. What priorities do you want to focus on in the new year? What specific areas are most important? Your health, family, spirituality, finances, hobbies? Or maybe it’s just self-love and confidence? What vibes are you setting for how you want to live your life? Do you want to live more positively, live in the moment, or get rid of toxic people and learn to say no? Do you want to spend more time on gratitude, eat healthier, save more money, or be better about time management? Picking a few areas of focus will really set the tone for the coming year.

6. Dig deeper to ask yourself some tough questions. It’s not like most of us do this often throughout the year, so this time of self-awareness and conscious effort is the perfect opportunity to get heavy. Here are some I use for myself:

o   What am I grateful for?

o   How have I changed for the better?

o   What things do I need to work on?

o   What is holding me back or preventing me from things I have not been able to accomplish?

o   Where do you I see myself in 10 years? 

o   What am I doing to make the world a better place?

o   What are my core values?

o   What do I want people to say about me when I die? (a REALLY heavy one for ya!)

o   Who is important to me?

o   What do I need to let go of?

o   How do I make people feel when they’re around me?

o   What is my ultimate purpose in this lifetime?

7. Create a vision board, or work on your existing one. A godsend for us visual folks. This is done many ways for different people, but for me it involves cutting out words or pictures from magazines that embody my goals and dreams and piecing them together in a large presentation. I place this in my bedroom in a place where I see it every day. Doing this makes these things become more ingrained into your mind so you think about them constantly, which is important since our thoughts are vibrations that attract similar vibrations. Don't underestimate how powerful visualization is. It’s a highly effective tool that will channel your energy to manifest everything you look at on this board every day. My mother taught me this when I was younger but I just recently realized how important this is, and the more I work on mine, the more it helps to brings amazing things I want into my life.

      8. Write in a journal. Making lists is one thing, but sometimes it’s also great to just let yourself write. This is something that no one ever has to see, and something you yourself never have to read again if you don’t want to. So be honest and let it flow freely. You’ll be surprised at how much comes out and how therapeutic it can be. It’s been the greatest tool for healing and self-discovery for me personally. Also, if you're struggling with forgiveness, write the person who wronged you a letter that you'll never give to them. Let it all out. It works miracles and is the key to letting go and moving forward. 

9. Meditate. I know people have different feelings and experiences with meditation, and believe me it’s something I still struggle with and do not make nearly enough time for. But it’s so imperative! Even if you just sit in silence and observe your thoughts, it is truly incredible how transformative and peaceful this can be.

      10. Pray. This is another powerful tool and what better time than during this process? Pray for your goals to manifest and for guidance along the way. Whether you use crystals, oils, or just simply talk to your Creator, ask for blessings, clarity, focus, prosperity, success, love, and anything else you'd like for the new year.

I know all of this is difficult for some people to do, and others may scoff at how cumbersome this can be. But for many of us it’s absolutely necessary to our success and really helps. I personally cannot imagine how anyone can get ahead or live their dreams without putting in the work to strategize, plan, and look within. It has been extremely effective and profound for me in so many ways! Definitely worth the effort and the small investment in time.

A final tip is that this does not have to be limited New Year’s Day. A new year can definitely facilitate transformation like no other time. For me, this is what works best since I like to take advantage of the tremendous energy shift that occurs at this time. However, it could be whenever your heart desires or when the mood strikes. This is all about you and what works best. Also, it’s also just as important to spend time throughout the year to review and reassess everything periodically to make sure you’re on track. A monthly check-in and mid-year review work great for me.

Good luck and Happy New Year to each of you! Hope 2016 is filled with positivity, blessings, good vibes, and everything you want to manifest!

XOXO ❤️

Let's talk about AGING

So I know most women do not like to talk about this but I think we really need to more often. Especially young women like myself who are more than able to take preventative steps when it comes to aging and prolonging life. I don't know about you but I am definitely trying to stick around for a while. I haven’t made the healthiest choices for many of my 24 years but now I am definitely committed to a healthy lifestyle for the long term. My biggest motivator is that I do not want to have health problems prematurely. I see people not much older than myself with heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other issues they absolutely should NOT be having. Health is something that is irreversible. What you do to your body today may not affect you immediately but over time, it will turn up eventually.

But the other aspect besides living longer is feeling and looking better. As we age, our metabolism slows down and it is harder to lose weight or correct problems, even cosmetic things such as wrinkles, varicose veins and cellulite. In addition, it’s also harder to make lifestyle changes the older you get because you are already set in your ways. Making changes towards a healthy lifestyle now can help you feel good inside and outside for the long term. Taking care of yourself often falls behind on your list of priorities but truly it should be number one.

Here are some of my tips based on countless discussions with health experts, personal trainers and peers:

1) H20
You would think something as simple as drinking water would be common sense for most, but many are still not getting nearly enough hydration. I cannot stress enough how critical this is to weight maintenance, healthy skin and overall health. In fact, the only thing you should be drinking is water, for the most part. I give myself the exception of a small glass of orange juice in the morning and some green tea, but other than that, I only drink tons of water. It has made a huge difference. Clear skin and supressing my appetite are my favorite benefits, personally. It also just makes me feel cleansed and pure. Adding lemon to your water is a way to include vitamin C and and a little flavor as well.

2) Exercise
I saw a funny little joke the other day where a doctor is asking his patient, “What fits better into your busy schedule? An hour of exercise a day or being dead 24 hours a day?” Sounds dramatic but it’s true. Physical activity is the best way to improve your health in every way possible and extend your life. The benefits are endless and it also helps with aging. Some of the most fit people at my gym (including trainers) are in their 40’s yet look amazingly young and put many of us in our 20’s to shame with the intensity of their workouts. They all indicate their secret was to be active their entire lives. It’s helped them look and feel younger in their 30’s and 40’s. They have made physical activity a regular part of their routines and lifestyles. This should be a top priority regardless of how busy you are. Think of it this way: you spend 8 hours at work, countless hours a week helping others or spending time with friends, family, etc. Why can’t you devote an hour a day to yourself and your health? It definitely helps with energy and stress reduction as well. NO excuses. Even if you miss a day, pick back up the next day.

3) Diet
I am not even going to divulge much into this because it’s self-explanatory. We all know what a healthy diet consists of and we must aim to eat healthy each and every day, as hard as it is. Believe me I love food more than anyone. However I try to eat very healthy on the weekdays so I can indulge a little on the weekends. Eating 6 small meals helps a lot so you're not hungry and also helps your metabolism. I also try to write down every thing I eat and monitor my fat, sodium, sugar, and calorie intake. I find that when you’re conscious of what you put into your body, you make better decisions. After all "you are what you eat" couldn't be any more true. Eating a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein not only helps you maintain a decent weight and supports a healthy heart, but it also will help you feel better altogether for years to come. Be sure to try to eat lots of foods that are rich with antioxidants if anti-aging and cancer prevention are priorities for you.

4) Vitamins
Most of us do not get the essential vitamins and minerals that we need from our diet so taking a supplement is very helpful. I recommend visiting a health store and talking to a professional who can recommend a good multivitamin for you at the bare minimum. I try to stick to this “Hair, Skin and Nails” program from GNC that is loaded with biotin and Vitamins E for anti-aging. But make sure to research vitamins and determine what your specific needs are. Women need more calcium and vitamin B-12. Some may need more iron or vitamin C. Many also recommend taking Omega 3 fish oil. Each person should be taking something regardless. You will feel better overall and also have more energy.

5) Smoking, alcohol and coffee
All bad habits. Okay I admit, I used to smoke. These days it’s viewed as incredibly unattractive, and rightfully so. You are not only killing yourself (literally) but you smell horrible and waste your own money and time. Lose-lose situation. When it comes to alcohol, we all like to drink here and there, especially when celebrating, and that’s fine. In moderation. You don’t want to overdo it or make it a regular habit. Having a few drinks socially on the weekends is okay but drinking specifically to get wasted is not cute over the age of 23. It also ages you a lot. Now coffee is another guilty pleasure of many Americans. It not only stains your teeth but it causes you to become terribly addicted to caffeine. I have seen people lose their minds because they didn’t get their morning cup of joe. I admit to sometimes having a cup here or there if I desperately need a pick-me-up but I try to stay away from it. Instead have some tea (especially green tea) and sweeten it with honey.

6) Sleep
As I’ve gotten older, I have realized the importance of something as simple as sleep. I used to run on E all the time. I worked full-time, went to school-full time and had many late nights partying it up with my friends. It definitely took a toll on me. Not only do your burn yourself out and weaken your immune system, but you are not giving your body proper time to rest and repair itself each night. I noticed when I didn't sleep at least 7 hours each night, I was constantly getting sick and didn't feel 100%. Our bodies are miraculous and amazing. Each cell is working for you to function each day and also fight off illnesses. Getting 8 hours of sleep is critical and affects everything you do. You may not realize it but it even affects your ability to lose weight and impacts your moods. As you age, the wear and tear you’ve put on your body becomes more evident. So always make sure to take the time to get a good night’s rest.

7) Anti-aging creams and skincare regimens
This has become a tremendous industry worldwide as women (and men too!) are more concerned about preventing aging than ever before. I personally feel that a good time to begin applying night creams is in your 20’s so you can prevent wrinkles as long as possible. I also place emphasis on washing your face every night before bed so your skin can breathe and repair while you sleep. Going to bed with makeup on is a huge no-no. No matter how tired I am, I always wipe off my makeup and wash my face thoroughly before bed. I also try to apply eye cream and floss my teeth each night as well and apply facial masks once or twice a week. Exfoliating and moisturizing are essential as well. All of this has made a huge difference with breakouts and my skin looking healthier and more radiant. Because I am out in the sun a lot (another big no-no but I simply cannot give it up) I have to take extra measures when it comes to taking care of my skin. In addition, an old Colombian lady (who had the most beautiful skin I have ever laid eyes on) once told me that each night she massaged her face and neck with cream before bed to stimulate her skin cells, which is brilliant to me. There are a plethora of anti-aging and skincare products to choose from but I do recommend seeing a dermatologist at least once to evaluate your skin and your unique needs. Going to a place like Sephora is great as well so you can talk to someone and get recommendations based on your skin type.

8) Green tea
I have mentioned this a few times so far, for a good reason. I am big on Eastern philosophy and holistic healing these days, so any time I can use natural remedies, I am a fan. Green tea has been proven with numerous studies to be amazing for your health, especially your skin. Supposedly it is packed with antioxidants that help with anti-aging because it is the least processed and most nutrient rich tea available. It is also said to prevent cancer, aid with weight loss by boosting metabolism, protect from sun damage, lower blood pressure, and countless other benefits. Not to mention, it’s delicious. A better question would be why NOT drink green tea?!

9) Meditation
People often forget that your body is not the only thing that ages. Your mind does too. After witnessing my grandma lose her battle with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010, I vowed to make effort to keep my mind active to avoid this for myself if at all possible. I love to read and do puzzles, so that is helpful. However another way is through meditation. You do not have to be a certain religion to meditate, in fact you do not have to be religious at all. Each person’s experience is unique to their own effort but we all reap the benefits regardless. Taking time to sit down in a quiet space, drowning out your busy thoughts and focusing on mediating is not only peaceful and relaxing, but it’s good for you overall. It is my theory that meditation drastically improves your health and extends your life. Oprah recently did an entire show on this and countless celebrities swear by it. I confess that I do not meditate nearly as much as I should but I am trying to improve this in addition to doing more yoga. These simple things can make such a difference long term. I cannot help but notice how healthy many people in Asian countries are and how much longer they live. When my dad went to China, he said the most remarkable thing for him was seeing 90 year old men as active as he was. I definitely think their Hindu and Buddhist beliefs in the East have a lot to do with their better health. It is definitely worth some consideration, no?

10) Minimizing stress
This may seem like another no-brainer but let’s face it, people are way too stressed these days. A personal observation of mine among people I know is that those who tend to stress less and live their lives more easy-going seem to age better and have good health in general. Those who are constantly worrying and stressing over little things tend to look and feel older than they are. All that stress starts to show on your face (frowning lines are no joke) and definitely impacts your body negatively over time. It helps me a lot and I feel so much better after I'm done writing, plus I love to write (can you tell?). Taking time to laugh often, socialize, pursue hobbies, relax, vacation, and just generally be happy and enjoy life is probably the best thing you can do for yourself and by far the best advice on this list. People around the world who live simple lifestyles may not have the most in life but sometimes are among the happiest on earth. Appreciate the little things and show gratitude in all you do. It will go a long way. The best thing for me personally is to keep a journal where I can vent about everything, pray and reflect.