Got 2012 resolutions? Make ‘em 2012 REVOLUTIONS.

Out-there diets and fruity fitness regimes that promise to transform your 2012… Blegh. And don’t even get me started on the whole ‘resolution’ thing.

I want to talk about what you are going to do differently this year… and how to make it stick for good.

Who do you want to become this year?

Do you feel that this year is going to be different? Me too… It can be different, but it’s up to you, gorgeous.

Beyond the limitations and memories of failure, stories and current scenarios, you feel there’s something else out there. That “something else” isn’t actually “out there”… it’s in you.

Your answers are within you, waiting to be illuminated.

But you can’t use the same old match to light it. It’s gonna take something a bit
more powerful. The same ol’ way of doing things is just so 2011… or let’s say 1992,
1989, or even 1979….

Are you following me?

There’s a story you’re holding on to that’s making your decisions for you.

Take a moment and ask yourself, “What past story has been holding me in place? What memory is keeping me from starting that new business, leaving my job, making that album, traveling the world, moving to my dream city, taking up that yoga training or feeling good enough to go after my dreams?”

Connect the dots. Take the time to examine the fears or tribulations have kept you from upgrading your lifestyle once and for all. What weighs you down?

Strong emotional reactions tie into the stories that make up our lives. The sooner you can step into honestly recognizing those stories, the sooner you can find freedom.

Create some space.

I understand how easy it is to to slip back into old habits. It takes practice and new tools to jump over to a new groove in the record that plays in your head.

Ask Yourself — What’s the trigger that throws me out of alignment?

Where do you get snagged by teenage rage? Follow that knee-jerk reaction all the way back… and see how that old story is running the show.

You can change.

It was pretty wild when I REALized why I would tweak out when I heard the words “I need to talk with you.” It didn’t matter if it was in person, in an email or a message- I would get tight. My body would contract, my throat would choke up, and I’d think “What the hell did I do wrong now?”

Tired of the stress, I turned inward, took a few breaths and studied my anxiety. Then I REALized: on the night of my brother’s bar mitzvah, my parents turned around and said “We need to talk to you. We’re getting divorced.”

Shit, right? Well that single moment imprinted in my 5 year old brain and stuck. Now I’ve identified the problem. I know how to ease the knee-jerk reaction. Whenever anyone poses that question these days, I take a breath, relax my body and open my heart.

My fear no longer owns me.

Why should your past imprint to own you?

Being the blunt little kid that I was, I had something to say, to tell the world… but it wasn’t well received in my household. Speaking the truth got me into trouble… or worse. I was hit more than once for sharing my feelings.

I never understood what it meant to be “too honest”.

The struggle continued. Later on in life, I was fired from a few jobs, not because my work was lacking, but because I was “too honest”. I left those jobs with my head held high- sticking to your guns and pursuing excellence are damn fine traits in my book.

I was never good at playing the game in the corporate world.
I was never good at being told what to do.
I was never good at fitting into a box.

I know you feel the same way.

Part of radical self-acceptance involves understanding and releasing your fears. That’s where innovation lives. That’s where freedom lives. That’s where real change lives.

You tried to fit into the mold your parents dreamed up for you. You tried to obey society’s fickle rules, to hide your scars from a hard upbringing, to sit at that job that makes you feel like you made it… because someone said so.

Don’t you think it’s time for an upgrade?

Instead of just getting by, playing it safe or repeating the same patterns, let’s upgrade to a wild adventure called YOUR LIFE.

Go from “I should…” to “I will.”

Make a promise to yourself, and leave a comment below to share it with the world. Put a stake in the ground. Let the earth rumble, and hold a glorious closing ceremony for your old self.

Try out these 2012 mindset upgrades:

When you catch yourself “shoulding” yourself, it’s time for action.  Get out of the head space of “I can’t,” “Who am I?” or “They must be right….”  If you want to end that relationship, move to a new state or leave your job, then listen to that voice.

UPGRADE: Insert — “I can, I will, I am,” and DO IT.  Don’t look back. Live it. .

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Go from Numbing Yourself to Revitalizing Yourself.

When you’re not taking care of yourself and your needs, when you’re just getting by — pull yourself out of your funk and own it.

UPGRADE:  It’s ok to feel this way. Go deep into your feelings, and trust the truth is hidden. Feed your soul what it wants; connection, love, acceptance in nature. Meditate more. Surf, dance naked in the forest, paint your body, take a yoga class, run, spend time with a girlfriend, or give back to someone in need.

Choose one thing you want to upgrade this year and stick to it because it makes you feel incredible when you do it.

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Go from Spiritually Bankrupt to Wealthy Soul

If you’re just running around disconnected from your inner self, you’ll burn out. No question.

Upgrade: Invest in yourself. Look at life as a spiritual obstacle course. Use your downs as doorways to your ups, sideways and spirals. Stop. Observe. Ask yourself: “When do I feel connected to nature? Does music plug me in?” What’s a way you’ve always found solace? Start there.

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Go From a Pro Thinker to a Pro Feeler.

This was big for me in 2011. So many of my clients are thinkers who are afraid to feel.

Upgrade: Feeling is good. When you say “I think…” follow with this Q – “How do I feel?” Your feelings are you real wisdom. Instead of pushing them away out of fear of getting stuck — watch them. Your emotions are like the weather. They change, get out of control then settle. It’s all part of embodiment.

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Go from Insulting the Universe to LOVING It.

When you feel or say “I’m not good enough,” you’re insulting more than yourself – you’re insulting the big U — the universe.

Listen in for that child you used to be. She may just be sad and frightened no one will love her. Take a moment and give her love. Really, give her love, reach out your hand and ask her to join you. Ask her to be part of your revolution to be come an evolved you.

UPGRADE: Remind yourself there is only one of you. Your old self is not you. Change the groove to “If not you… then who?”

If you’re good enough to let the sun shine on you, you’re good enough for anything.

Knowing what you have to change is easy… but your tools may need sharpening. There may be an upgrade or re-frame that you just can’t see yet.

Feel like you may need a loving kick in the rear to help you finish what you start in 2012? A partner to help you apply new, out-of-the-box strategies for a successful career and a new sense of beautiful YOU?  Click here to get your cute self on my hot list for a special program I’ve designed for people just like you. You’ll be the first to hear about it.

Challenge yourself to shift in the next 30 days.  Let me know in the comments which shift you’re geared up to make happen. Share, share, share! Your words inspire me, and the community.

Happy New Year!

Love you, beautiful creature.  May you become more of who you want to be.

xxoo,