How To Make 2019 Your Most Beautiful Year Yet

It’s a brand shiny new year, my friends, and that can only mean one thing…we have 365 more chances to live our best and most beautiful lives! Ha, I sound like one of those Jenny Craig infomercials that you casually see start to pop up more often come January 1st. But truly, a new year means an abundance of possibility and a fantastic excuse for change.

I have never been a huge fan of new year resolutions. I find it so strange that we basically disregard time and tell ourselves that we have to wait until a certain date to start living a better life. It’s all very strange BUT when in Rome..

…and would you look at that?! It just so happens to be a new year so I’m going to share my ideas with you on how to truly start living your most beautiful life (spoiler alert: it has absolutely nothing to do with beauty products.)

Let It Go

Disney lover or not, my girl Elsa knew what she was talking about when she climbed up that mountain. Whatever or whoever wronged you in 2018, you need to let that ish go. We are not getting any younger, the world is getting crazier by the day and we truly never know what tomorrow may bring. As difficult as it may be to forgive someone that has caused you pain, you must try your hardest in 2019 to forgive and continue to heal. It is a process, my friends. These things don’t happen overnight but they can happen over time. And it’s only January…we’ve got all the time in the world! Let it go.

Revamp your morning routine 

Are you setting 4 obnoxious alarms, checking your phone the second you open your eyes, grabbing McDonald’s as you’re rushing to work and crashing at 2pm? Yeah. Let’s change that.

I want you to think of your morning routine as the core of your day. Everything that you do in the morning will set the entire tone for your day. Nobody wants a frantic day filled with anxiety induced thoughts and chaos. Try getting up 10 minutes earlier and setting aside some “me” time. Even if you have 3 kids, a job that starts at 6am or didn’t sleep well the night before. Try to take 5 minutes in the morning to journal, read the newspaper, listen to some Billie Holiday while cooking some eggs or take a quick bath. Anything to show yourself a bit of love, get organized and appreciate another day on this Earth will set you up for a beautiful day ahead.

Get out of your comfort zone

Ah, this is one of my favorites. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being comfortable. After all, that’s kind of what we all strive to achieve, right? Finding comfort in a partner, in having a roof over our heads, food to nourish us, plans for the future. It’s not a bad sentiment. But you know what will really kick 2019 up a notch? Incorporating a few experiences into your life that totally terrify you. Well, maybe not terrify, per say. I don’t want you going out and wrestling a shark! I just want you to do things that give you that giddy “wow, I did that,” kind of feeling. Scared of flying? Book a trip that requires a flight (I promise, you’ll be ok.) Go to a group fitness class at your gym (even if you stand in the back,) ask for a raise, wear red lipstick, cook invigorating new recipes. Just do a few things here and there that keep life fresh and fun.

Eat Well

Notice I didn’t say “eat healthily” or “go Keto.” The concept is simple. Eat well. Eat the most beautiful, fresh foods that you can find and afford. Listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry and eat without guilt. There is no “good” food and “bad” food. There is just food. Eat what your body is asking for. If 3 days have passed and all you can think about is a cheeseburger…eat a cheeseburger! And enjoy that burger! Have salmon or a salad the next day and be thankful that you’re able to incorporate all of these wonderful foods into your diet. The moment we begin restricting ourselves is the moment that we start to lose control and our cravings hit the roof. Just eat well and enjoy life (perhaps with a side of vino.)

Do all things in love

I won’t take us to church with this one but it really is a beautiful and simple concept. In all that you do, try to do it in love. One of the most influential people in my life, Mr. Rogers, once said, “Love is at the root of everything. All learning, all parenting, all relationships…love or the lack of it.” Approach all experiences, things and people in your life with love and you may just see how much easier it is to have a good day even when the cards aren’t in your favor. I always say “if you can’t find the light, be the light.” Be someone’s light this year. Now THAT is beautiful.

I hope these ideas give you a bit of inspiration to live your most beautiful life in 2019. Not all days are sunshine and rainbows and they don’t have to be! Just try to find and spread the light in each and every day. I think one of the secrets to life is knowing it’s good when it’s good. Nothing lasts forever and everything is temporary so get out and enjoy the beautiful moments that 2019 wants to bring you!

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” -C.S. Lewis

Love and light, Carrie xo