Six Easy Steps
Every day represents a new beginning – another chance to finally conquer old demons and step into a more empowered life. Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t have to achieve a size six or have an over-flowing bank account to start feeling better about yourself and your life. The secret to satisfaction is creating a balance of the whole you – that means mind, body and spirit. Don’t let the mysterious sound of that overwhelm you. It’s easy; in fact, it’s your true nature. With just a few simple (and realistic) changes, you’ll be well on your way to a more complete, centered and satisfied you.
Mind
1. Learn something new – sign up for a class, start a new hobby, or commit yourself to learning something you’ve always been curious about. Challenging your mind keeps your senses sharp and introduces an element of excitement to your life. No matter how busy you may be, think of mental stimulation as just as important as physical exercise. In fact, new research indicates that activities such as crossword puzzles, reading a book, or learning a new language can even prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The important thing is to have fun! Allowing yourself to indulge in pleasurable pastimes isn’t frivolous, it’s necessary.
2. Say goodbye to worry – Psychologists have estimated that 92 percent our worrying accomplishes nothing. They say that the majority of the fretting that occupies our minds either will never happen, has already happened, or is completely unfounded. In other words, worry amounts to a lot of wasted energy. Motivational author Leo Buscaglia may have said it best when he said “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” Channel your energies into productive action and then let the chips fall where they may. According to the experts, you’ll only be disappointed 8 percent of the time, so the odds are in your favor.
Body
3. Fine-tune foods- Instead of focusing on a structured diet for weight loss, simply resolve to put healthier food in your body. Better nutrition can improve your health, sharpen your mental acuity and shrink your waistline in the process. Don’t aim for perfection, just improvement. Ordering a side salad instead of fries most of the time is a great way to make steady improvement without feeling deprived.
4. Follow your energies– Our bodies are designed to thrive. The key is to listen to your body and then heed what it’s telling you. When you’re tired, rest. When you’re feeling energetic, that’s the best time to exercise – not necessarily when it’s convenient for your schedule. Matthew McConaughey, whose coveted rock hard abs routinely grace innumerable magazine covers, follows a very simple creed, “Just break a sweat, somehow, everyday,” he says. A plan for physical fitness doesn’t have to be complicated, just let your body’s natural energies take the lead.
Spirit
5. Seek the Silence – Incorporate quiet activities into your daily agenda. Something as simple as a leisurely walk through nature can serve as a type of restorative meditation. Mahatma Gandhi once said “In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness.” Silence is the link to our inner sanctuary. It offers the gifts of peace and clarity – but first you must escape the distractions of the outside world.
6. Garner Gratitude- Remind yourself of all the wonderful things that are already present in your life. Adopting an attitude of gratitude keeps you focused on the enjoyment of now instead of delaying your happiness until the realization of future goals. Begin a nightly habit of writing down three things everyday that you’re grateful for. This small step can be amazingly fulfilling and bring happiness back to center stage in your life.
When we take the time to nurture every aspect of our being, not only are we happier but we have more energy to give our loved ones, as well. A balance of mind, body and spirit is the blueprint for transforming dreams into reality. Think of it this way – spirit provides the inspiration; mind provides the focus; and body provides the action. When all three work together we’re balanced, empowered and quite possibly unstoppable.

Marci Wise is a Motivational Author and Mental Health Counselor in the Naples/Fort Myers, Florida area. For more information, please visit http://www.marciwise.com.