Consistency is the key to making affirmations effective. Repeat them daily and often — you can set the tone for your day in the morning, during moments of doubt to regain focus, or at night to seal your day with positivity. You can say them aloud and write them in a journal.  Or both. It is especially helpful to put your affirmations where you can see them often, like on your mirror or as a screensaver. This will reinforce them when you are not saying them as part of your daily routines.

Written by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, the Serenity Prayer is more relevant than ever.  Whether you’re familiar with it or hearing it for the first time, its simplicity and depth have the ability to bring comfort and clarity, especially during times of uncertainty or stress.

If you take a long hard look at the various areas of your life, are there some areas that definitely need improvement?  How much better would you feel if you made a commitment to yourself and prioritized what matters to you?  The first step is to recognize where you are now.  You can’t determine where to go if you don’t know where you are right now.  Starting a new routine or setting a goal is a form of self care.  What if you started now?

Starting a daily journaling practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin by setting aside just five to ten minutes each day. Find a quiet place, grab a notebook, and take some time for yourself.  You can use it to get organized or to journal about something that is on your mind. Don’t worry about grammar or structure—just write it down or type it out.

Contentment helps us build inner peace, and when we feel at peace, we are better able to create positive change in our lives. One of my favorite affirmations is “All is well and just getting better.” It is a great expression to repeat in your efforts to become or remain content, or even when things are not going well. You can be encouraged in difficult times with this expression.

Self-care is more than just bubble baths and spa days—it’s about making choices that nurture your well-being, both in the short- and long-term. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget to put ourselves first. We often get caught up in the daily grind—taking care of others, fulfilling obligations, and trying to meet expectations. But the truth is, self-care is essential. It’s not a luxury; it's a necessity. 

Gratitude is a mindset, but it's also a practice. Each time you pause to notice what’s going well in your life—no matter how small it seems—you’re noticing what is going well in the moment. I believe that happiness is a choice.  Frank Sinatra understood this concept when he sang “Smile and the world smiles with you.”  Your challenge this week:  Be the first person to smile when you see someone and watch what happens.

Many of us are harder on ourselves than we’d ever be on a friend. We replay mistakes, focus on flaws, and let self-doubt take the lead. But what if you flipped the script? Positive self-talk isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about choosing words that empower and uplift you rather than tear you down. 

When you are super busy, and you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list and stressed out by taking care of work, family, and all of your commitments, you can reset yourself.  Just stop and focus on your breath for a few minutes.  Breathing is something we do all the time, and intentional breathing has the power to calm the mind, relax the body, and get you back on track. 

When you set out to achieve a goal, the most important first step is to get crystal clear about your "why." Why are you setting this goal? When you understand the real motivation behind your goals your why will serve as your compass when challenges arise and your enthusiasm starts to wane.  Post your goal and your why statement on your desk, your bathroom mirror, or add it to your screensaver. Seeing this reminder every day can help keep you going when progress feels slow.  Studies show that people who write down their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. 

Now that the holidays are behind us and you’ve settled into 2025, it’s time to set your goals. Begin by reflecting on what you really want. Ask yourself: What areas of my life do I want to improve? It’s important to dream big, but also to be realistic. Choose goals that excite and challenge you, while remaining achievable within your current circumstances. Setting a goal gives you a chance to focus on one area and sets you up to stretch yourself a little further the next time.

A few of years ago when I turned the page on 2022, I made a bunch of changes and without sounding too dramatic, I’m pretty sure they changed the trajectory of my life, and happiness.

But I can tell you from experience that it is your responsibility to take some time just for yourself or it will lead to burnout. You can shift your thinking to prioritize yourself so you can finally do the things you’ve wanted to do for years and get more out of life. Don’t be like me and wait 20 years before you pursue your passion.  You can prioritize yourself while you take care of others without feeling guilty.

Gratitude can transform your perspective on life, I know it did for me.  When I was depressed after my mother and a very close friend died, I saw my depression lift after immersing myself in a daily gratitude practice. When I focused on what I had instead of what was missing - and there was a big hole in my life - I cultivated a sense of abundance and contentment.  And you can too.

Saying “no” is one of the most empowering acts of self-care. Yet, it’s something many of us struggle with, especially when demands from work, family, and social obligations seem endless. Remember: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing your well-being. Sometimes, “no” is the kindest word you can say.

Do you have a gratitude practice? There are at least 3 times you might consider giving thanks in the course of the day.

So much depends on our mindset. By making healthy choices we will feel better.  Less sugar, more protein, and plenty of sleep will give you energy and keep you going much longer than continuing to do the same thing.  Reducing your notifications and clearing out the clutter will clear your mind.  And doing something out of your comfort zone and being grateful will help you grow and appreciate your blessings. 

Your environment plays a massive role in shaping your mindset. Surround yourself with people who lift you up—friends, family, or mentors. If you lack a strong support system in your immediate circle, there’s no shame in looking elsewhere for inspiration. Seek out positive influencers, authors, or thought leaders who inspire you... Create a display or screensaver of the people who believe in you.

Have walking meetings - It’s productive multi-tasking.  Many women have been doing this for years with their friends in their free time but you can start walking and talking at work too.

Do squats while you brush your teeth - Add in little exercises while you are doing ordinary daily activities. It’s a positive way to muti-task.

When you celebrate just one accomplishment you are recognizing yourself for getting the job done.  You are actually reinforcing this good behavior and as a result you will most likely move onto the next thing and get it done too!  It is so much better to build yourself up than beat yourself up.  And if you are celebrating a win on a project you are working on that means you are one step closer to achieving your goal.  Woohoo!