It's that time of year again. Out with the old, in with the new. It's the time of year when we feel like we get a fresh start. We think about new goals and new year's resolutions. We want to have a better year, feel better about ourselves, and finish what we started last year. We're really going to do it this year!

But do we make the same old resolutions we do every year? You know, the ones that make it through January, but phase off as the year progresses and life gets in the way? I'm talking about resolutions like loosing the baby weight, engaging in a new hobby, quitting sugar or getting organized. Don't get me wrong, these are amazing goals, but instead of just making these new years resolutions, how do we make them real lifestyle changes that stick with us?

1. Get in touch with who you were before the world told you who to be. There is nothing more beautiful than being who you really are. By getting in touch with your inner child and remembering what it was that made you tick, what was it that excited your little heart so much that you sang in joyful glory, that is the ticket. Take some time to think about this. Ignore all the years that you performed what other people wanted you to, how you molded yourself to fit in with the crowd, and how you might have left that little soul you were born as behind when the world beat you down. None of that matters anymore, it's time to allow that spirit within you to shine. Be YOU. Be REAL. The universe will thank you for it.

2. Stop fighting your passions and start making time for them. Whether it's competing in that competition, writing that book, starting your business, traveling around the world or joining that organization - even if it seems out of reach, even if you find yourself exhausted with trying, and burdened by how much time it will take to complete, just do it. Even if you are afraid of failure and not sure if it's even possible to begin with, you know what you have to do. You know what it is that makes your heart sing. Make time for it. Commit to it. Do a little bit every day. Don't think of how long it will take, just start. The time will pass anyway. When it comes to creating, know your limits, then push yourself a little harder.

3. Meditate more. Meditation will not only give you a sense of peace and clarity, it will rewire your brain, so that you can think more positively, with more compassion and look at the world as it is, not as you would have it. Mindfulness brings awareness, and awareness opens your mind and your heart. Living closed up, anxious and unwilling to change, will not help you become the person you were always meant to be. Meditation is the first step towards becoming the best version of yourself.

4. Stop allowing yourself to burn out with too many commitments and too rigid of a schedule. Allow space for change. Roll with the flow. Understand that rigidity is not sustainable, it's not how the world works, and will not bring you happiness. It's ok to offer your assistance to people and causes that matter to you, but it's also ok to say NO. It's helpful in life to make a schedule, and you should stick to it on most days. But some days just aren't going to go as planned and you need to be able to smile through the storm.

5. Slow down and take in the present moment before it's gone. It's okay to have goals, it's okay to dedicate yourself to something. But understand that time passes by so quickly. Before you know it, you may have accomplished your goals, but forgotten what was important in the moment. Your kids need you to be a good example of someone who follows through, but also someone who makes sacrifices to be the mama they need. They need love, attention and to be reminded of how special they are and how much they mean to you.

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To be better people, we have to dig a little deeper, really get to the root of what it is that holds us back or allows us to give up, and what we need to push ourselves forward. We have to be willing to get uncomfortable, because this is how we grow. No pain, no gain. Being better versions of ourselves is not something we just hope for, it's something we work for. This list is a good place to start.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May 2020 be a year of prosperity, peace and joy!