It’s a new year and with it comes all those beauty resolutions that I just can’t seem to stick to. I’ve come to the realization that the pressure is just too much! And the guilt and shame when I fail just seems unbearable. Why do I do that to myself?

That’s why I decided that this year I will do it differently. I will start by making small changes that will be easier to stick to. My short term goals will be achievable. And eventually they all will add up and become the big changes that I have been aiming for for years.

These will be the steps I take to become healthier and leaner in 2013:

 Drink more water! This is number one at the moment. I know that I need at least 6 glasses a day, but I usually realize by late afternoon that I’ve hardly had a drop. Now I will make a conscious effort to stay hydrated at all times. I will start with a glass as soon as I get up in the morning and keep a bottle of water with me during the day. Before I grab something to nibble, I will reach for my bottle of water. I think that I may be thirsty instead of peckish most of the time.

 I will start moving. I have become extremely lazy and unfit and that has to change immediately. I don’t have time to go to the gym. That has been my excuse for way too long. I will start running around with my daughter, jumping on the trampoline and climbing stairs.

 I will commit to eating a healthy breakfast.

 It’s summer and the variety is endless at the moment. I love fruit and veg, but don’t have enough everyday. My midday sarmie will now be replaced by a lovely salad.

 Everything in moderation. We all know that this is true. When I’m dying for a chocolate, I will not completely deprive myself. But instead of devouring a whole slab, maybe I can learn to be content with just a couple of blocks.

 And lastly, but most importantly, I will breathe.

 This may sound silly. I sometimes go through weeks where everything is so rushed that it feels like everything is just a big blur. This year I will breathe… physically, mentally, spiritually. I am not good with metaphors, nor am I a poet, but let me try to explain. I will physically and mentally take a break now and then, just to take a couple of minutes for myself. Maybe read a book, take a long bath, sit outside and stare at the stars. Just to relax body and mind. I always have the excuse that there is something to do. Maybe it wouldn’t be the end of the world to leave the dishes till the next morning every now and again? My spirit needs to take in the beauty and awesomeness around me more often – my beautiful family, the laughter of my little girl, nature. I need to take the time to smell the roses.

 My main goal this year is to be happy. Happiness is a state of mind. Yes, life throws you curve balls and you sometimes feel like you’re drowning. But I feel that happiness is a choice. I choose to be happy! And a healthy mind equals a healthy body.

 Here’s to a happier, healthier, more positive year!

 Article by: Charlene http://www.beautybulletin.com/blog-directory/our-bloggers/pretty-please-charlie