Every day we have opportunities to grow and create the lives we truly want. Each day we must truly venture to “live by design” in order to create a truly divine and magnificent life. Being responsible and accountable for the day we design and the energy we bring to everything requires that we live consciously aware of each moment and the choices that we make – for they will indeed have consequences.

 1.  Embrace change. A dog is a dog every day. A cat is a cat every day. As humans, we have the potential to change every second of every day. Life is beautiful. Life is wonderful. Life is filled with change. We are humans with the amazing ability to CHANGE, our minds, our will, our behaviors, any time. Learn to embrace change as a life partner and welcome opportunities to grow.

2.  Create your own standards. Why is the color blue called blue? Why isn’t the color blue called yellow? Someone defined the colors just as someone defined the holidays and any other point of reference. The reason we celebrate anything in life is because there was a standard set and people believed it. I believe every day is a new day and a new year. I don’t have to wait until January 1st to plan to make changes. Think about your life and redefine standards so they work for you and the life you want to design.  

3.  Balance Technology. Cell phones. Instant messaging. Text messaging. Computers. Technology has no discretion, humans do. We lived for hundreds of years without 24 hour, 365-day access to people. A ringing phone does not require a response. Take time to become aware of your habits and patterns.  Take the time to sit and talk to people in person and ENGAGE with them only. Turn off the technology. Make the effort to be present when you are with someone; turn the phone off or let voicemail do what it was designed to do, take a message.

4.  Say NO when you want to. We are adults, so we have to engage in adult behaviors. Repeat after me,“I am an adult and totally responsible for my life.” That’s it. Make choices for yourself and not for other people. When you don’t want to do something, don’t do it. An explanation is not required. People adjust over time as our behavior changes. No more excuses. No more doing things you really don’t want to do. Be polite when you tell people no. Take a big step to managing your time and life by making the choice to say no.

5.  Appreciate your time. Are you spending time with people you don’t want to? We have all probably done this at some time in life. Being with people who don’t nourish and encourage you is deteriorating your health. Ask yourself this question, “When I talk to _____, do I feel energetic or tired?” Instead of spending time with people who are sucking the life out of you, spend time with yourself.

Let me know your thoughts by clicking the comment button, I’d like to know what you have to say.

Barbara J. Faison is author of the book, Why Struggle? life is too short to wear tight shoes and the audio program, Be Still: Learn to Meditate in 10 Minutes a Day. Salsa dancing, yoga and daily meditation are some of the ways she lives her life by design. More at www.dontstress.net.