I recently received an e-mail that talked about the importance of the number seven, and it’s use of over 700 times in the bible. It is the number of spiritual perfection and completion. I truly believe that anything you want in life, starts within you. Your belief, your mentality, your inner circle and anything that influences your thoughts and actions all play a role in how you show up in the world. How much time do you take to focus on yourself?
The year 2014 is the year of completion (2 + 0 + 1 + 4 = 7). Here are 14 ways I plan to focus on myself this year, and I invite you to do the same:
1. Spend more time with Him
There is always more I could be doing to exercise and stretch my spirituality muscle. I know that I have some big goals that can only be accomplished through not only believing in myself, but also believing in God and being able to listen to and receive His word.
2. Let go
I’m currently in the process of writing a book. And in the process, I realized that sometimes we burry feelings until we don’t have to face them, and then we think we’ve gotten over them. But in atuality, we haven’t. It’s like putting tape over your “check engine” light so you don’t have to see it. But the problem is still there. We can’t truly let go until we’ve dealt with the actual problem.
3. Affirm my love
It’s so easy to get caught up in what I should be doing, and how I should be doing things. Instead of allowing myself to get caught up in other people’s perspectives or opinions, I’m going to walk boldly in my own love for myself. I think I’ll start with some love letters.
4. Speak my mind
I’ve always been much of an introvert. Because of how we were raised, I carried a lot of that into my adulthood which included suppressing my thoughts. Up until recently, it was tough for me to challenge someone on a topic or issue even when I knew I was right. Well 2014 is the year I stop holding my tongue and start speaking up for what I want and need.
5. Be unapologetic
No more explaining who I am and what I do to people that simply don’t make a difference one way or another. No more feeling the need to make any decision that is not in the best interest of myself or my family.
6. Be more giving
I love surprises. Even more, I love to surprise others with nice surprises. I want to spend more time giving back to others and surprising them this year with the gift of love.
7. Make more time to read
I have bought so many books in the last year or two and have started reading different ones at different times. But I have yet to finish them all. They all have great wealth of information and inspiration that I need, so I’m going to make it a priority.
8. Commit to fitness goals
Up until a few years ago, I’ve never had to really work to be fit. Thanks to genetics and being raised in the performing arts, I was never battling the body image issue. And while I’ve come a long way, I’m realizing that the older I get, the harder I’ll have to work in order to get, and stay fit. So I’m committed to losing my last 10 pounds and keeping it off through healthy eating and exercise.
9. Drink more water
While I don’t drink a lot of juice and rarely drink soda (both of which we ever hardly buy in our household), I also don’t drink enough water. Part of reaching my fitness goals include increasing my water intake so I can reap the many health benefits that come with it.
10. Guard my space
I’ve learned over the years that not everyone who comes into your life, comes with good intention. Some wear the mask of deception and have no intention of looking out for your best interests. While I like to believe the best in everyone, I promise to be more in tune with my spirit of discernment and ask for guidance when things seem a little cloudy.
11. Declutter
There is more to life than just decluttering your physical space. Your mental space is the most important thing that needs constant decluttering – from other people and from what we’ve allowed to enter into our space. I’m looking forward to clearing out the junk & making more room for the blessings and abundance.
12. Reward myself
It’s easy to want to rush right through to the next goal, while accomplishing the next without taking time to celebrate the one you’ve already accomplished. I’m going to take more time to celebrate me this year and not wait to just reflect on successes later.
13. Spend more time alone.
While I’ve managed to take better care of myself, 2014 will be a year that I really take some time to really date myself. I plan to spend a couple of days at a time each quarter to just reflect and enjoy – no work, family or outside pressures or obligations.
14. Ebrace my flaws.
I promise to love myself unconditionally and accept myself for who I am. I look forward to standing in my greatness and accepting the things I cannot change, but instead make me the person God intended me to be.
The more I take time to love myself, the happier a person, wife and mother I become. I know that 2014 is going to be an amazing year because I’m making sure that it starts with me. I’m making sure that I love myself first so that everything else can fall into line.
BMWK: How do you pour love into yourself on a regular basis?