Mind Spoken: NEW YEARS REOLUTIONS: HEART & MIND

Many Resolutions are written down

It’s a new year and that time of year when we set down our new year’s resolutions most people will 1^st focus on increasing the money in our pockets, or big car, big house big everything but miss out to put down resolutions to make our hearts bigger to be able to live in peace with one another - and also to renew our minds?

One thing I have come to discover about life is that going through the process of self-discovery (mental makeover) is just as important as giving ourselves a physical makeover. From the adage “from the abundance of our hearts our mouths speak” in the process of changing our inner selves we need to watch what we say

How we speak -to others and to ourselves -has a huge impact on our overall outlook. Let 2015 and the years to come be have some resolutions about how we're communicating? Here are some words that will transform the way you think, feel and act. Try using your words to change your life? This will be a resolution worth keeping.

"PLEASE"

when we are kids we are always told to say ‘PLEASE’ when we are asking for something, it’s among the smallest of words, but the most important as it symbolizes the best of manners -which, quite honestly speaking, needs to make a comeback. Good etiquette and manners have a lot of benefits, from increasing your social connection to helping you disconnect. Take a moment and think about it: what’s the likelihood of you fulfilling a favor if someone asked you politely? This word possesses power

"THANK YOU"

Might sound funny but it’s an honest observation that actually many people get squeamish when receiving compliments resulting in responses that are usually laced with self-depreciating humor that brushes off the genuine statement. Only about a third of the people accept complements graciously. However, saying THANK YOU more often not only acknowledges the other persons kind words but also helps you believe and appreciate them.

"I'M GRATEFUL"

Gratitude expressed can make you happier and healthier. So keep a gratitude journal or just reflect on what you’re thankful for at the end of each day, week or month even season. There’s so much to be grateful about so just let it flow.

Improve Yourself Heart, Body and Soul

"HOW CAN I HELP YOU?"

One time or another life happens. Half of the time we have no idea what to say. Or simply we bump into people needing assistance. If you can be supportive of the individual in a way that allows them to tell you about what they're experiencing and why they may be experiencing that. I don’t know if you have noticed but helping others isn't just good for them, it also can give you a boost. ‘True Story'. So look into having a resolution where you’ll be able to apply yourself to be relevant especially in your loved ones life or just anyone, and the best way to support them is just offering to do so. You don’t even have to do research to know that giving back can increase self-satisfaction and a sense of purpose, while volunteering can improve longevity.

"CAN YOU HELP ME?"

No man is an island! So as much as you would want to help the whole world and be superman you’ll also need some sun to recharge. Asking for help also carries weight. There's nothing wrong with admitting that you need a little assistance. A Bemba proverb says “uwa pakanwa taluba” (who ever has a mouth can never get lost). In fact, it can be transformative. We're often worried that asking for help will make us look stupid, but seeking advice can actually make you appear more competent. Think about it!

"I' AM TOO BUSY"

This one is probably one of the most used words of 2015. It is important as it means you’re actively or fully engaged or occupied with something hopefully productive. In the past year, we've been more burned out than ever, and our constant busyness is standing in the way of our capacity for joy. But remember you can be busy whole year through without accomplishing anything. Many are the times we fall prey to our cultures busyness, having little sleep always burned out by the end of the day feeling like we have to catch up with the ‘race’. But ultimately did you know that there is no race except for the one we assign ourselves to? So let's eliminate the word busy, and actually mean it.

"THANK YOU FOR YOUR MESSAGE. I AM CURRENTLY OUT OF THE OFFICE"

Especially for business and office people. Technically you're not saying this, your inbox is -but this typed phrase is still vital to your well-being. People seem to be too stressed nowadays, this may be attributed to the fear of taking their vacation days, and instead surrender to being burned out and overwhelm at work. Planning a vacation - whether it’s real or just one from your busy mailbox - can boost your happiness, reduce stress and increase job satisfaction. So let your Out of Office message do the talking, and plan to take some time for yourself this year.

"I'M SORRY"

Once I heard someone say, real men don’t apologize. Well some women never apologize either. Most of the times it's hard to admit when we're in the wrong, but doing so can drastically improve our lives (not to mention our relationships). Guilt can physically weigh us down - so let it go with a heartfelt apology and leave the baggage of guilt behind.

"NO"

You can do anything, but not everything. Sometimes it's simply OK to just say "NO" if you're unable to or you’re too overwhelmed, especially if it means you'll avoid being burnt out. Did you know that sometimes the best way to complete a project is by dropping it entirely? Now get me right I don't mean ignoring the other needs, what am trying to say is when you’re in it, you’re really in it. And that means often saying no to good things, to things that you might want to do, but get in the way of sleep, or get in the way of being with your children, or spending quality time with friends and family, or whatever it is that's also very important to you.

"BECAUSE"

It is a simple word, but in a way it could help you get what you want. Most times those people who reason with "because" in a sentence are more likely to receive what they are asking for than those who make a request without reason. For example, on a phone call and you want to cut the line, and you say, "Excuse me, I would like to cut the line because I have five pages of my assignment to type.” Or “May I please use the photocopying machine because I'm in a rush?" you’d easily be given access more than the one who doesn’t give a reason for their request. Why? Because it’s easy to gravitate to someone who is kind as well as genuinely honest.

"I DON'T"

This one has to do with healthy eating or behavioral resolutions. Try swapping "can't" for "don't." if you’re genuine with yourself and you use a phrase like "I don't eat cookies" you will tend to have more self-control and positive behavior change than that one who says "I can't eat cookies."

Work on the Things You Can Change

"SUCH IS LIFE"

Life as we know it is bittersweet, not everything is going to turn out the way we planned and that's fine, trust me. Accepting life as it is instead of worrying about how it "should" be can be quite a liberating feeling. Stressing over the little things can negatively impact our lifespan, take a toll on your body and more. Learn to let go and let God.

"LET'S DO THIS"

They say “variety is the spice of life.” When was the last time you embraced a little adventure? New experiences are at the tip of our hearts but usually that’s where it all ends, we rarely go out on a limb. Especially if you’re one who enjoys life through experiences and not things, you’ll be happier. There’s just something about making memories so why not travel off the beaten path this year?

"GOODNIGHT"

It’s a hustler’s world, and we gots to make a buck. Because of that we end up finding that we are neglecting sleep. And adult needs eight hours of sleep - but nearly three quarters get less than that. Its time to start hitting the hay earlier! Remember, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”