The Curly Connection

My New Year’s Resolutions are usually pretty basic – cut out sugar, go to yoga on a regular basis, try not to buy as many clothes.

But this year, I want to take on some meatier resolutions – resolutions that can be truly impactful in all areas of my life. I may not accomplish them all, but I hope to take a stab at it

1. Remember that the glass is half full. I’ve always been a glass half full person, but have found myself slowly turning into a glass half empty person. It’s easy to do. It’s easy to focus on the negative of a situation rather than the positive. But that positive attitude is so important, and can change your outlook on everything.

2. Appreciate the good things in my life. I’m blessed with being able to meet amazing people and getting to travel to great cities for my job. I truly love the business associates I’ve met through NaturallyCurly, and I’m fortunate that many have become friends. So when I head out to the airport at 4:30 a.m. to head to New York or Chicago, I better feel damn lucky that I have that opportunity.

3. Surround myself with positive people. I’m not talking about people who smile all the time and tell you exactly what you want to hear. I’m talking about people who can provide constructive criticism because they want to see you succeed. I am blessed to have many people like this in my life, and I appreciate each and every one of them. I want to steer clear of people who make me feel powerless, vulnerable and depleted.

4. Accept that there are things I know and things I don’t know and be okay with that. I don’t need to know it all. I need to surround myself with those who complement me – who have skills and experience I don’t have.

5. Put the phone away. For me, a technology junkie, it may mean sticking the phone in a drawer. It has become habit to pick up my phone all the time, even when I’m out with friends. No email, Facebook post or text is that important that it can’t wait.

6. Appreciate the good in people. It’s easy sometimes to focus on the things that annoy you about people, whether it is my husband, or a co-worker. Life is so much better when you can focus on what you like about people.

7. Take advantage of opportunities. Whether it is my 35^th high school reunion, a trip to visit my parents or an upcoming sorority reunion, these are things worth doing. These relationships have helped shape who I am as a person and there are few chances to see these people, especially since we’ve moved throughout the country. If anything 2014 taught me is that life is short. You don't want to have regrets.

8. And yes, eat less sugar, do more yoga and spend less money!