In the past, I would often sit down and start a list of new things I was going to start doing and behaviors I was going to change. The list would look something like this:

1. Eat healthier
2. Exercise more
3. Take vitamins
4. Quit smoking…

Today, I sat down with the pen and notebook to begin yet another list, having failed to comply with all of the previous plans. Suddenly, it occurred to me that I have been going about this in the wrong way and focusing on the wrong things. My old lists were really all about what I didn’t like about my life and what I wanted to change. Although written in a “positive” format of doing “positive” things, my lists and plans were really all focused on the “negative.”

Therefore, I have created a new list. Maybe my LAST list. I am going to focus on the “positive” this time and, in time, I’m sure that all of the things I wished to accomplish through my previous “life changes” will come about very naturally as a result. I am embracing my life and loving myself instead of trying to change my life and myself. I hope you too will find it thought-provoking and inspirational.

New Life Plan

1. Worry about money less.
2. Listen to more music.
3. Read more books.
4. Complain less.
5. Smile more.
6. Dance!
7. Laugh!
8. Stop criticizing (myself included).
9. Stop second-guessing myself.
10. Feel and show GRATITUDE.
11. Worry less about EVERYTHING.
12. Enjoy and appreciate the wonderful Gift of Life.