Making Resolutions you can actually KEEP

I’m losing ten pounds, leaving my partner and am forgoing my lifelong relationship with salted cashews – again.

“Box of Crayons,” by Melissa Mason
Acrylic on Canvas, 52 x 70 inches
MelissaMason.me

How many times do we make that New Year’s list of resolutions and by spring time it has melted away with the last of the snow?

The answer to making resolutions you can truly keep is another addition to your Spiritual toolbox – It is Self-Love; in this case, Loving Yourself Enough to Say, “No.” That begins with following the counsel of the Rune Othila – severing ties things and people that no longer serve your well-being. It may even mean saying “no” to things you really like, but aren’t aligned in your overall goals. While this can be challenging in the short term, it really is the ONLY way to truly put yourself first and stick to your resolutions. With only so many hours in the day (and days in your life, hello!), if you don’t say “No” to specific situations and people, how can you possibly say “Yes” to yourself enough of the time to do what is truly best for you?

If you aren’t used to saying, “No,” it is wise to begin slowly. Try the words on like a new pair of boots: Wiggle your toes, get used to the feeling, and take small steps – in no time, you’ll be walking a lot taller.

Here’s to Saying, “Yes” to you in 2017!

Blessings,

Melissa Mason is an Abstract Expressionist artist creating gestural, large-scale works that are in public and private collections nationally. Her work is incredible: to see more, visit MelissaMason.me

About the Author: Elizabeth

Elizabeth Bryan-Jacobs is a nationally known artist, creativity facilitator and bestselling author, currently pursuing a master’s degree in art therapy. Through her own recipe of art-making, mindfulness and nature, she supports individuals in awakening their inborn creativity. Her combination of practices opens a path inward to inner wisdom and insight that helps transform challenge to change. The result is a greater sense of presence, connection and empowerment, as well as the abiding joy that is the core of the creative process. Elizabeth is also the author of bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Soul Models: Transformative Stories of Courage and Compassion. Elizabeth’s passion to share the benefits of creativity, mindfulness and nature inspired her to pioneer Creative Awakenings: Where Spirit Meets Science, a series of innovative, transformational seminars. She has shared Creative Awakenings for nearly two decades, privately and at exclusive venues like Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA, The Golden Door Spa in San Marcos, CA, the Ojai Valley Spa and Resort as well as with numerous corporations. To support wellness during challenging times, Elizabeth now offers Awakenings Circles. These online, mindfulness-based creativity programs and practices help guests dig deeply on their journey in connecting with what matters most. Elizabeth is a renowned sculptor and artist with works in numerous private and corporate collections, including Dell Children’s Hospital and Healthline Media. Along with her husband, artist Bobby Jacobs, she is also the co-founder of The Spread Your Wings Project, a non-profit devoted to sharing the benefits of community art-making in response to the challenges faced by our nation today. The couple builds massive pairs of angel wings in community with vulnerable populations for fundraising purposes. For more information, visit TheSpreadYourWingsProject.org.