Of course 2011 has had it’s ups and downs, but overall it’s been a wonderful year. Thanks to each of you for all the ways you have contributed to both our local and our world wide community. It’s been fun sharing so many of my ideas with you this month about living in ways that promote balance and sustainability. Thanks for reading and participating, I hope you found things you can take into your daily life.
What now? I have put together a list of 12 ways you can continue what we have started here in December 2011 and make 2012 your best year yet! If you have other ideas to make 2012 a more healthy and sustainable year, please post them, we’d love to hear!
Happy New Year!
1. Bring reusable grocery bags with you every time you shop. This includes produce bags too! Consider refilling containers in the bulk section of your local co-op. (Sustainability is Sexy)
2. Shop local and seasonal whenever possible. In addition to the products you buy, please support smaller, locally owned businesses whenever possible.
3. Challenge yourself this year to NO plastic water bottles or disposable cups. If you already do this, how about reducing your take out food and bring containers and reusable cutlery whenever you can. (Sustainability is Sexy)
4. Schedule a monthly massage appointment, if you have a specific injury or limitation, you may need to start with sessions weekly or every other week at first. (A Little Help From Our Friends)
5. Educate yourself about what you are putting in your body, both the food you are eating and the products you use. Make the switch to organics, non GMO, and chemical free. Eat unprocessed, whole foods as much as possible.
6. Schedule 20-30 minutes of quiet time each day to recharge. Either nap, do Savasana, or put your legs up the wall! (See 26 Minutes to Greater Well Being and Just Put Your Legs Up the Wall!)
7. Make sure you have at least a few unplanned hours each week to play and enjoy life.
8. Go on a technology fast one day per week – perhaps during the time in number 7. (I am going to try this one!)
9. If you drive, can you reduce your time in the car? Leave the car at home once a week; walk, ride a bike, or take the bus. Carpool whenever you can.
10. Sign up for a workshop each month to continue your growth. Deepen your yoga practice, start a meditation practice, educate yourself on health and healing, take a cooking class… Staying curious, open, and excited to learn keeps us young.
11. Are you holding on to anything from the past? Resentment puts up a barrier that keeps you closed. Give yourself permission to let go and forgive yourself and others. Don’t let the past weigh you down.
12. Reflect on your life each month. The new moon is a good time to check in with your intentions and progress while planting seeds that keep you on your journey.
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