I cannot believe that 2010 is already coming to an end. It has been such a whirlwind. Most folks are starting to think ahead, establishing new years resolutions and envisioning the changes that will come with the new year. STOP!

Before you barrel forward into the future, it is important that you take time to reflect upon the past. Regroup. Reevaluate. Rejuvenate. Then, you can switch your focus to what the new year beholds. Use this list to jump start your journey into 2011!

regroup

It is important to regroup so that we don't experience burn outs and are well-equipped to take on the wonderful (and sometimes not-so-wonderful) things that our futures hold. In order to regroup you must take a break from the hectic world that continues to spin around you. You must stop, reflect and just be. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Spend a day or afternoon all by yourself. Don't use that time to work, but instead do some of your favorite things.

2. Commit to be content. Stop trying to figure out why things happened in the past, good and bad. It won't get you anywhere. Accept those circumstances and move forward with a newfound commitment to contentment.

3. Grab a journal and write out everything positive about 2010. Think big! Include any professional achievements and examples of personal growth. Now, pat yourself on the back.

4. Do you have a favorite space in your house? Has it become buried under the year's clutter? Clear it out! Then, treat yourself to something new for your personal space.

reevaluate

We should not live our lives haphazardly, but with purpose and "nothing breaks" in between. Try these activities to help you reevaluate 2010:

1. Are there areas of your life that you want to improve? Write them out. Then, list actions that you can take to improve those areas.

2. Write a journal entry or just reflect on what makes you happy. Is it spending time with family or volunteering? Did you do enough of that in 2010?

3. Spend time thinking about the people that you have in your life. Are they positive folks? Do they nurture and support your dreams?

rejuvenate

 We have taken time to smell the roses, reflected on our year and determined what we want in the future. Now, let's energize and move forward!

1. Do something fun that you haven't done in a long time.

2. Pick up a therapeutic hobby.

3. Improve your brain's function by incorporating brain foods into your diet.  Some quick examples of brain foods are grapes, sunflower seeds and peaches. One of my favorite resources for nutrition is "You Are What You Eat" by Dr. Gillian McKeith.

If you found this post helpful, be sure to drop a line or two in the comments section!