It’s easy to focus on the negative in life. To maintain your hope and feed your soul you need to remember the good things five times more often than the negative.

Keep things in your heart and mind like…

Things for which you are thankful.
Music that lifts your spirit.
Activities that energize you.
People you love and who love you.
Experiences that teach you something new.
Prayer
Rest

There is something magical about being out in nature. We all know that spending some time outside and getting fresh air can do wonders for us. On your journey to declutter your life, be sure to make time to go for a walk (or a run) outside. You will find that you end up with a lot more mental clarity that will help you realize your dreams.

Things like…

Discontentment
Unforgiveness
Bitterness
Envy
Angry Outbursts
Shame
Fear
Worthlessness
Hate

Finally, you need to think about yourself. It is very important that you are in a good state to declutter your brain. Now and then take time for yourself. There are no rules when it comes to taking time for you. Do whatever you like. Whether it is dancing for a favorite music or reading a book, do what will make you happy.

As we near the end of the year and have been wrapped up in the chaos of holidays and family, it’s the perfect time to re-commit to yourself. Slowly, gently, and intentionally embrace this guide from the Yoga Sutras:

Do no harm to anyone including yourself.
Be honest. Release the strain dishonesty takes on your soul.
Do not steal from yourself or others. Not objects, time, love, safety, joy, money, trust, or anything else.
Find moderation with the middle path.
Release attachments to things, people, and beliefs that no longer serve you.

Take time to remind yourself of all the things you may forget now and then.

I am powerful
I am wise
I am a beautiful soul
I can be proud of my decisions
I am proud of who I am becoming
I love and allow myself to be loved
I live by my values
I allow myself an authentic life.

Go out into the world and be intentionally kind to all you meet, see or interact with. This is for everyone, including yourself. This is for those you like and those you don’t. Be kind to the cashier who confuses something in your order. Find kindness and empathy for the person who cuts you off in traffic. Give kindness to a stranger passing you on the street. Thoughts, facial expressions, words, and energy, these all offer kindness when used with intention.

Confusing self-care and maintenance. I like getting my nails and hair done as much as the next gal. But those things aren’t self-care for me. They’re maintenance. If doing those things brings you joy in the process, creating the feelings you’re looking for to feed your soul, then they are self-care to you. Close your eyes and ask your heart what you need. The answer you come up with is your self-care.

Meditation does not have to be a complicated, enlightenment inducing experience. You also don’t have to do it on your own unless you want to. Try Insight Timer app, where they have meditations from 5 minutes to 90 minutes. Seriously, do 5 minutes a day for 30 days, then come back and tell me what happened. I can’t wait to hear all about your journey!