How can you love yourself better?

I certainly struggle with this self-care stuff. I don’t always sleep when I need it. I haven’t been drinking my water like I should. Being sleep deprived and dehydrated usually leaves me feeling like sitting around doing nothing and achy. As a result, I don’t workout like I should, which at my age is going to cause a lot more harm than it used to. I’m in my early 30s, so I’m about to see a decline in my flexibility and strength. I’ve seen elders who’ve allowed their health to decline, and I see how limited their mobility is. I don’t want that life for myself, and it’s time to love myself. It’s time to appreciate the fact that I cannot function the way other people function, and I shouldn’t feel guilty because I can’t run on fumes like some other people do. I need to own it, nurture it, and be fully myself. If I’m thirsty, I don’t care how fast you want me to complete a task — I’m stopping to drink my water. I’ll function so much better for it. If I’m tired, I’m going to lay down. Let me sleep, for when I wake I shall move mountains. I’m going to make time to take care of myself this year no matter what. It’s going to take the majority of the year and a lot of baby steps, but I vow to take better care of myself with each passing day. I also vow to forgive myself for days that I don’t reach my goals or adhere to my intentions.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16.

What is your heart trying to tell you?

My heart is trying to tell me to stay open. Remain open to possibilities of all sorts while I focus on restoring myself in 2016. Remain open to letting nurture follow me for as long as it needs to. Remain open to the stories of others, rather than assuming their intentions and attitudes. My heart is telling me to stay open and offer a smile to all I meet, whether I feel happy or think highly of the other person. I must stay open to being kind even to the unkind. I must stay open to seeing the bigger picture. I will allow my heart to open wide during 2016.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16.

What can you do daily to change your life?

Each day, I can drink enough water. I can prepare healthy, nourishing foods to fill my body with strength and energy. I can write in my journal each day. I can stretch my muscles and meditate. I can wake up ready to give myself what I need most — whether that’s a full day of work and/ or play or plenty of rest. I just have to ask myself daily what I need.

Use the links below to share or keep in touch. Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16.

Tell us about your dreams. How will you bravely pursue them this year?

I know this year I won’t reach my dreams, and that’s okay. You see, I want to buy a house, run a lifestyle business, and spend my days however I please. That takes time and effort, so I know I can’t expect to see those dreams come true by December 31st. However, I know I can work towards fulfilling my dreams, and I want to be brave. I’ve got to clean up my credit so I can buy a house. I have to redesign my website and hone my marketing skills so I can build my business. I have to decide what I’d like to do for a living and build it around my life. I will work hard this year so that in the following years I won’t have to work as hard.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16.

Does your attitude express how you want to be heard? How can you change your tone to let your voice be clearer?

I can be meek and timid at times. I think this gives off the mistaken expression that I’m weaker than I truly am. I’m non confrontational, and I prefer not to indulge drama. However, this doesn’t mean that I’m a push-over. Over the years I’ve learned when to speak up, and I’ve bordered on advocacy in some situations. I want to be heard as gentle yet firm. I want my tone to indicate that I’m both calm and serious while still having a sense of humor.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16.

What do you do to practice happiness? How can you practice happiness daily?

Each day I start three lists: five things I’m grateful for, five things I accomplished, and five things that bring me happiness. I write a messy list of concerns, then I write a page. Writing out my concerns, things to be thankful for, things I’ve accomplished, things that make me happy, and my general thoughts helps clear my mind and brighten my mood. Over the last three years, I’ve been a little less likely to maintain this daily practice, so I’m trying my best to improve my writing habit during 2016.

In addition to my daily writing practice, I plan to embrace each moment as a chance for happiness. I can choose to see the negative in a situation, or I can choose to see the positive. While I know it’s impossible to always be happy and always find the bright side, I intend to mindfully practice happiness on a daily basis.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16.

What would you like to become? How will you create yourself this year?

I’m still not quite certain what I’d like to be “when I grow up.” I know I want to be a brave, kind, strong, loving woman, and I think I’m well on my way to becoming just that. So, I’m going to spend some time this year refilling my vessel so that I can pour into the cups of others. I’m going to take a little more time for creative pursuits — reading, writing, drawing, coloring, dancing, and so on. I’m going to spend time researching my interests so I can find my path once again.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Congratulations to Rowena and Tracy on winning the prizes!

Could you be missing important information by focusing too narrow? Do you see anything you’ve missed when you view 2015 in the bigger picture?

I missed the obvious — I needed to be financially prepared for an out-of-state move. I wasn’t. I thought I was, but I really needed to focus my efforts on cleaning up my credit. I was looking at the short-term rather than worrying about the long term. I need to take a step back and look over life a little more. I need to think about where we’ll be 2 or 3 years from now. I was looking to leap without really thinking about where we would be in the long run. I’m going to look at the world around me this year and plan accordingly. I’m going to keep my eyes open for secrets hiding in plain sight.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn tonight at 8PM US EST via random.org.

Are you making the right choices that lead you to your spirit?

I’ve veered off the map altogether. To be honest, I once felt so clear on where I wanted to settle down. I remember dreaming of New Hampshire and building a life there. I dreamt of writing, tutoring, editing, and proofreading to make a living while enjoying time to cook, bake, draw, dance, and enjoy myself. I’ve taken so many detours that I’m completely, utterly lost once again. It’s time to sit down, get in touch with my spirit, and find my way back onto the map. It’s time to envision my ideal daily lifestyle, to envision where I am and what I’m doing. It’s time to get creative and find myself again.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn tomorrow night at 8PM US EST via random.org.

How have your scars and past wounds made you stronger?

Much as I’m loathe to admit it, my struggles have made me much, much stronger than I could have ever imagined. I learned to make the most of any situation, and I found a wellspring of strength within my soul that I can call upon to help me power through even the most stressful of situations. I think it’s because I have my family to protect and nurture. I’m always reminded to continue informing myself and absorbing as much knowledge as my mind can possibly stand. I can identify when my vessel is empty, and I can identify when I must forge forward no matter how much I’d prefer to hide under my blanket. My scars may be bad memories, but I’m thankful for the lessons that came with them.

Don’t forget to share your responses by commenting here on the blog or using the hashtag #Cultivate16. Remember to share your posts on the Simply Linked link-up to be entered to win one of two Rock the Butterfly Essence sessions with Teresa Deak. Winners will be drawn on January 20th at 8PM US EST via random.org.