be good to yourself... learn to love yourself!

December 29, 2008.... three more days and it will be New Year! 2008 will just be in revery. As we enter a brand new year, let's reflect on what we have accomplished this year. This is one way of being good to ourselves -- pondering on the good that we have done and forgiving ourselves of the flaws of the past. In one way or another we have changed our lives and the lives of those we have come in contact with either with a simple smile, a kind gesture, or even accepting other's flaws without judging them. Somehow we have been instrumental in helping others. We have helped people in our lives and those who came to our path in the countless crossroads of life.

Right now, let's focus on the one closest to you – yourself. When you help yourself you will discover that helping others is more gratifying. By this, I do not mean that you should start to ignore your responsibilities to others. What I mean is to increase your efficiency and to be cheerful and happy when doing things not for your self interest, you need to consider meeting your own needs first. When you do sharing with others what you have will be a joy instead of a chore. You will have emotional surplus like a domino effect, which in turn, you are ready to share again in a productive cycle. Then you will be happy and successful in meeting theirs. It allows them to reflect that it is wonderful to take care of themselves! You will be helping them more to feel and be independent.

The first part of our project is to focus on you. What do you enjoy doing? Perhaps you would want to start spending time starting an exciting hobby or going back to one that you have neglected for quite some time? Do you like to exercise? You can start a daily regimen to walk. You can even begin or go back to doing yoga, or you can meditate. Little things can mean a lot!

Spending twenty minutes a day concentrated on your yourself alone can make you feel so much better about yourself. Just make sure that whatever activity you invest your time with that it is gratifying physically and and spiritually as well. It will be satisfying to your mind and body. Please make sure that you prioritize the important things on your list. You are a priority! Do at least one thing to take better care of yourself. Think about the things you want to bring into your life this year. May the Divine Power abundantly bless you. Peace, Marie Nellie Bautista