50 Stands of Independence! September 8, 2009

I started thinking about this list in July but then I thought….why not use it in September when we start the idea of new beginnings like school or job.  I want us to create  Our Independence from the things we think we can’t get to the things we will absolutely have.  Let’s start with 50 stands of independence….like the stars on our nation’s flag. 

1. Choose to put your wants as a priority.
2. Make the relationship with yourself the most important relationship of all.
3. Do not allow people into your life who do not champion you.
4. Look at your job, do you love it, if not make a change
5. Is the significant other in your relationship making your life flow, if not, consider getting out of the relationship
6. Do not settle in any part of your life
7. If you love to do something then do not discount that love.
8. Make a visualization board for every aspect of your life, i.e., career, love, relaxation, money, etc.
9. Look at your visualization boards every day and say the desire aloud.  Doing this sends the intention into the Universe.
10. Learn how to let go of that which you cannot control….which is everything.
11. Be healthy with your life but also have fun!
12. Do not do things to extremes.  Extremes cause lack and lack makes for want.
13. Clean out your closets, shelves, counters, and rooms of clutter.  Make room for new energy.
14. Dance to your favorite song everyday.
15. Smile at strangers.
16. Find a way to worship in your life.  Whatever your belief…find time to honor your faith.
17. Change the way you talk to yourself.  Take out the negative talk.
18. Eat ice cream cones on a hot day.
19. Take out the “shouldas” and “couldas”.
20. Remember that every day is a gift so make sure to treat it like the present you want.
21. Say what you feel always.  Do not shut away words or they get stuck in your body and make you ache.  If you can’t say it aloud to a person….write it down and release it from you.
22. Demand respect in your life in all areas.  People can only treat you as bad as you let them.
23. Travel.  Go somewhere exotic.  Leave your safe zone and see what happens when you see the world.
24. Live in the present.  Waiting for the goals of the future make you miss the blessings in your life now. 
25. Thank people that are in your life and loving you truly.
26. Go to a movie by yourself.
27. Nurture you.  Whatever that means for you….take a time out from the world and let your spirit rest.
28. Laugh everyday at something.
29. Look around you.  There is always something beautiful to be seen.
30. Listen more than you talk and you will learn something new every day.
31. Be bold.  Take a stand for something.  Join a cause. Make a difference in your life by doing something now.
32. Be afraid but be courageous.  That means doing or saying something even if you are afraid.  Be brave!
33. Count your blessings.  Start basic and grow from there, i.e., I am thankful for breathing.  I am thankful I can see…..You will see how rich you really are.
34. Start saving money.  Even $5 a week can grow over time. 
35. Hang around children.  Children know true bliss and being with them helps you see what you’ve been missing.
36. Take a class in something you’ve always wanted to learn.  Not only will you fulfill your wishes but you might meet some new friends with the same interests.
37. Pay attention to the things you eat.  By registering the flavor, texture, and the smell you make that food nourishment not only of the body but of the soul. 
38. Whisper to people, it draws them in closer.
39. Get out of the gym.  Once in a while get in touch with the outdoors by playing tennis, walking, riding your bike, or swimming.  Pretend you’re eight again and playing in your neighborhood.
40. Practice random acts of kindness as much as you can.  This can mean paying for the car behind you on the bridge, giving a homeless person a dollar or some leftover food, or simply giving a compliment to someone you see.  This joy can raise your spirit.
41. Have a dinner party. Get out the good dishes and make your favorite foods…there are no rules…it can be a Sundae party.  Just gather friends together and see how joyous you feel.
42. Scream at the top of your lungs when you get the chance.  It clears out the throat and allows the residual yuck to find a way out of you. 
43. Remember your favorite TV. show or movie when you were a kid…..watch it now!  See how quickly you can feel young again.
44. Cry when you need to.  Letting your emotions out is the best way to keep yourself healthy.  Holding onto sadness, pain, anger, or frustration creates black pockets in your body.
45. Don’t be afraid to love.  Building big walls around your heart doesn’t keep it safe it simply keeps it lonely.  Take a chance to love whenever you get the chance. 
46. Forgive quickly and easily.  Anger doesn’t do anything but create more pain.  So make sure you forgive everyone….even those it is hard to do.  It will lighten your load.
47. Notice the butterflies and the hummingbirds in your life.  If you see them then you are looking at the right places.
48. Never give up on yourself and your dreams.  You may be 80 and finally getting to do what you always wanted…..you’re getting to do it, right. 
49. Remember that true beauty comes from within no matter how many magazines tell you otherwise. 
50. You are stronger than you think you are and there is nothing you can’t do!