Happy 2012 to you and your family!

My friend Aurelia Williams, who is an author and Certified Life Coach has written an ebook called “Journey to Joy”

Aurelia has provided me with one of her Articles to share with you below to start your year off right!:

In a search for happiness, many people look for it in other people and not within ourselves.

Many people feel that things like money, a better job, better relationships..etc will make them happy.

In reality, to find true contentment you must look inside yourself and learn to be your own best friend.

That means you have to trust, love, and care for yourself just as you do the people you consider to be close to you.

Following are steps that you can incorporate into your life that will help you to feel more empowered and happy about yourself!

These are just some of the many practical strategies my friend Aurelia provides to Journey to Joy students:

LIFT YOURSELF UP

Begin to lift yourself up, not put yourself down.

If you don’t like something about yourself, work to change it.

If you can’t change it, simply accept it. Don’t beat up on yourself with negative self-talk.

You’re not likely to change for the better when you fill yourself with negative thoughts.

GIVE YOURSELF POSITIVE REWARDS

Give yourself positive rewards.

When you do something that you are proud of give yourself a small reward.

Try not to wait for others to praise you because you may grow resentful if the praise doesn’t come.

Pat your own back, it is a great feeling that can stay with you for a long time.

FORGIVE YOURSELF

Forgive yourself. I doubt that you would keep scolding a child over and over for making a mistake so don’t do that to yourself.

Give yourself the gift of forgiveness when you make a mistake.

After that, work to figure out what lesson you can learn….and use it to make better choices the next time around.

ENJOY YOUR SUCCESSES

Enjoy your successes.

Most people can remember all of the details of depressing, painful or even embarrassing events.

That happened many years ago. What if you did the same thing with all of your wins?

Try to remember all of the triumphs and accomplishments that you’ve made and keep that memory with you and think about it at least once a week.

CELEBRATE YOUR WONDERFUL QUALITIES!

Always remember to celebrate your wonderful qualities! You will soon discover that the more you love yourself, the more you will be able to give love to others – and the more others will be able to love you!

Next Steps:

For more help, instantly access your Journey To Joy tools, for a happier and more fulfilled you.

This inspiring eBook with accompanying audio recordings, worksheets and easy-to-apply action steps shows you how to take back the joy in your life.

This may be exactly what you want to empower you for 2012!!

I hope your year ahead will be filled with good health, happiness, deep friendships,

loving relationships and success beyond all measure.

Happy New Year!

Diana

Diana Walker, Cravings Coach
CEO, Diana Walker’s Healthy Lifestyles