What is your Resolution for 2019? Here is Purabi’s lovely one from Bangladesh….

“Live every moment, love beyond words, laugh everyday.” -Anonymous

I love this resolution because it’s a philosophy that will help you live a happier life and improve the lives of those around you. If you’re happy and loving, everyone around you will be happier and more loving. Isn’t that what life’s about?

There are other traditional resolutions which are still worthy. Those relating to exercise, dieting, quitting smoking  and maybe finally learning that new skill you’ve always wanted to learn.

If you still smoke… this is the year to quit! Get any help you can and spend what you have to. It’s the single best thing you can do to improve the long term quality of your life and to save a lot money in the long term.

If you want to eat healthier and lose weight, try to find changes to your overall eating habits that you can keep long term. If you drink sugary drinks cut the amount in half. If you like dessert, have fruit half the time. Buy one extra green at the food store…

One way to eat less and feel more satisfied is called mindful eating. The idea is to savor every bite. Don’t engage in other activities while eating. Don’t eat at the screen. Just eat and enjoy your food. Then you’ll feel more satisfied and you’ll naturally eat less because you’ll be more aware of when you’re full. If you can eat with friends or loved ones, so much the better!

Another trick is to adopt the policy “Always eat when your hungry and stop eating when you’re no longer hungry.” This way you’re not eating till you’re full and you’re not starving either. Listen to what your body actually needs.

In terms of exercise, are there any physical activities you like to do? Do you like to dance? Then go dancing more often or turn on dance music and dance around the house. Do you like skating? Do that.

I personally like taking a walk with my husband every day when the weather is reasonable.  It’s January and we took a walk today. I love dancing and will sometimes put on dance music while cooking or folding the laundry. That way I’m adding an extra bounce into those activities. Try to come up with an activity that you can do that will make you happier.

This year I hope to learn how to play the guitar. I actually played in 3rd grade! Having a connection to music makes life more joyful. What would you like to learn or do more of?

Lastly, it’s been proven that practicing gratitude improves your life. That means that every day you reflect on something positive that happened that day.  This is good to do with kids. At dinnertime, you can go around the table and each say something good that happened that day.

Consider what will improve your mind, body and soul and take steps to make it a part of your life!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and joyful New Year!

-Mama Lisa