Hopes and Dreams List

Like a lot of people, I start the new year with ideas for how to make something in my life better this year. We've all been there... a vow to lose weight or to exercise, a goal to reconnect with friends or family, a new start for changing health or happiness in a new job, relationship or hobby. Here are my best tips for keeping those hopes and dreams alive beyond January:

1. Write down your best intentions and post this list in a visible place for you to see often and keep considering a new outcome; think of hanging this Hopes and Dreams List on a mirror, dashboard, or refrigerator.

2. Now identify the emotion that holds you back from taking the next step forward; write it down and find a "black hole" in which to put it away.

3. The hardest and most important part is to get support. Find just one person to share your Hopes and Dreams List with, asking them to help you stay focused on your intentions. They also need to know what holds you back to be able to point you away from the "black hole" and keep seeing your hopes and dreams as clearly available to you.

4. Take just one step daily or weekly toward just one item on your list! Most of us make progress best through consistent, small steps in one direction rather than from giant leaps in multiple directions, that often fall short.

5. Celebrate! Not when you accomplish your Hopes and Dreams List, but all along the way.  Life is to be lived not achieved!  Any small improvement or positive change is worth a smile, a hug, a date with a friend, or more...you choose how to love the life you have and share it with those you love.

Not all of my dreams are realized, but having a life to live with dreams that inspire a better me or you, for a better world to share together is an amazing thing.