1. The rule against being unequally yoked with someone applies to more than just our personal, intimate relationships.

2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” When I was younger, I always understood this to mean that I was never to marry someone who wasn’t Christian. Now that I am older, I realize that this verse is saying that we must only attach ourselves deeply and spiritually to like or similar energy. Whether it is who we hang out with or who we marry, when we are connected to people who share the same kind of positive, productive, hopeful and optimistic energy that we have, a more pleasant and fruitful experience is possible.

2. If you want different, you have to be, and work to actively become, the very change you seek.

So many people want change or want something major to happen. We cannot change others, and we may not always be able to control the circumstances around us; but we can work to control ourselves through the habits we form for our lives. If we want a better or different existence, we must model our habits and the things we do according to the conditions we seek. You cannot draw to yourself, and keep, what you cannot handle. For those who want success, start living and thinking and acting like a successful person so that when success comes, you are ready!

3. Putting yourself on your “To-do” list is important.

You are important. Balance is important. I always thought putting myself last meant that I was unselfish when in fact, making myself a priority means that I care enough about myself, and the people around me, to take care of myself spiritually, physically, and mentally so that I am healthy and present for the things and people in my life. You cannot give what you don’t have and if you are not ok, you cannot make the world around you ok.

4. The company you keep is a direct reflection of where you are going in life.

If all your friends are positive, forgiving, successful, funny, and adventurous, the chances are high that you will also reflect many of these same qualities. Likewise, if most of the people in your life are negative, miserable, or unhappy…you get the point…

5. It’s better to start over with nothing than to carry along unnecessary baggage.

We moved around a lot when I was a kid so I learned early on that if you can’t pack it and carry it, you don’t need it. But even more than that, I have learned that sometimes we carry along the very things that weigh us down and destroy our happiness when letting go and starting fresh may be the very things we need instead. Everything and everyone isn’t meant to travel with us. The things and people in our lives are in our lives for a reason, season, or lifetime.

6. Perseverance pays…and repetition makes a lasting impression.

When you show yourself faithful, the universe will reward you. There is always another sunrise. What you don’t get done today, you can do tomorrow…it all won’t happen in one day. But overtime, with dedication, dreams can be achieved.

7. Grace is a two-way street.

We cannot merely expect kindness, forgiveness, and understanding from others. We must embody these things for others and hope that our example teaches the people in our lives how to treat us.

8. Not everyone can share or hold space for you…and that’s ok.

We are all products of our environments and our conditioning. There are some things people just cannot understand because they don’t have the capacity to understand or perhaps they just don’t have a clue about what you’re talking about. Either way, just because someone doesn’t understand you or support your particular cause or passion doesn’t mean they are against you.

9. Perspective is everything.

How you see things shapes how you proceed in life. If you are limited in your thinking, you will be limited in your living. If you fear life, and think that everything is dangerous, it will be. If you love life and think that everything is an opportunity, it will be.

10. NEVER concern yourself with what others think of you…besides, you’ll never truly know what they think anyway!

This needs no further explanation. You may be able to influence what people think of you but you cannot control what people think of you. What people think of you, their judgements, ultimately has no bearing over you or your soul. Being swept away with all the positive critiques of your life will leave you with a puffed up ego and allowing yourself to be destroyed by the  harsh criticisms will leave you powerless and doubtful. Do you and your part…and leave the rest to be worked out on its own.

Happy New Year folks…and namaste! 😉