Last night I told my husband that I proclaim this the “Year of Health”.
I don’t think he knows how this will impact him yet which is probably for the best.

I am moving from my “he’s an adult and can take care of himself” philosophy to a new “it’s time to get with the program” posture.

I don’t usually try to influence him, so I am fascinated to see how this goes.
I think it totally depends on my approach.
We shall see.

In the meantime, I am setting my own goals and I want to share a goal setting brain-hack so you can get your 2023 rolling.

Brain Hack:

When you write your list of goals for the year, make a list of things you want.

Here’s the trick: Write not just things you want that you don’t have, include things you want that you already have.

Usually, you will find as you write that most things you want you already have.

Then, every third or fourth item on the list, throw in a want that you have yet to get.

When you read this list, your brain will notice all the abundance you have in your life.

Read the list periodically.

Your brain, which loves efficiency, will gradually assume that you have everything on the list.

Your brain will read it as a list of all the wonderfulness in your life.
This means you are operating from a place of “future you” … the person who already has everything you want.

Then take it one step further.

Let “future you” tell you how you achieved those goals.
I think you will be surprised by her brilliance.

You are welcome.

Reminder: You are always 100% in charge of what you decide to do or not do over the holidays.

You are also not required to feel guilty about anything.

Guilt is a useless emotion.

Gifting
Wrapping
Holiday music
Baking
All that cooking
Donating
Cards
Visiting
Family

You can opt out.
You can opt in.

It’s in your hands.

I love giving gifts that don’t clutter up someone’s house.  Most of us don’t need more stuff. We want more moments and more meaning.  In previous years I have offered ideas of experiences you can give as gifts. This year I am taking it up a notch and offering you a few ideas of experiences you can give as a gift AS WELL AS helping a charity at the same time.  Drum roll please:  Tickets to the Independent Picture House There is a new independent/art film theater in Charlotte, and I have a friend who loves to support the arts. This is the perfect gift for her… perhaps tickets tied to a box of popcorn or milk duds. We can see a movie together and support the arts at the same time. Maybe your town has an art film theater too.   Gift Card to Julia’s Coffee Shop There is a cool little coffeeshop/bookstore in Charlotte that is run by Habitat for Humanity. Your friend gets coffee and Habitat gets all the proceeds to help build houses for people who need a home.  Annual Pass to America’s National Parks For the people on your list with a love of the outdoors, a pass to all our incredible National Parks is a natural. My sister gave me a lifetime pass last year, and I am still thrilled.An annual pass is $80 for most folks. If you are 62 years old or older, an annual pass is $20 and a lifetime pass is $80.  A steal.  Take them to dinner at The King’s Kitchen In my city, there is a non-profit restaurant and bakery that exists “in the spirit of excellence by training and equipping men and women most consider to be unemployable. Our leadership and life-skills training transform those once at risk and turn them into leaders in the Charlotte Community.” I haven’t tried it yet, but the photo on their website of the fried chicken looks mouthwatering even to someone who doesn’t like fried chicken.  A pet from the Humane Society I don’t personally want a new pet this year (do you hear me gift giving friends?) But if you/they are ready, you are going to get big love from giving a furry bundle of joy.  And surely there is some rainforest that we could save by giving and eating more chocolate. 🙂  What experiences can you give where you live?