Crush Your New Year's Resolutions (no alcohol required)

Thanks for the comment Maura. Yes, you can carry that positive outlook throughout this whole year--and the rest of your life. We've endured tragedies these last few years too--so many of us have--but we all need to live our lives even more purposefully, in tribute to those we have lost, and the Light that Guides us each day. We're sending you peace, joy, and wisdom. Happy New Year!

This is the billion-dollar question Ben. Thanks for asking. You have to remember your "why"--each day. And, you have to constantly remind yourself why, "your why," is so important, to you, the ones you love, and your community. No matter how hectic it gets--or the disappointment and pain that will certainly come during the year (even the first week of January)--your "why" will always be greater. And, you'll always be worth it. You deserve the glory that fulfilling your resolutions will bring. We can't wait to see the better you!

Thanks so much Lily and Samantha. Those are excellent questions that we should all be asking. Let us start by saying that we all need sugar. Glucose is a key energy source and building block for our body. But, we have to have the unrefined kind. Fresh fruits and vegetables all have sugar, the unrefined kind of course; so, as always, they should be a staple of your diet. Similarly, beans, seeds, and legumes--once they're unprocessed--are also safe sugar, and nutritional, sources. Once you're not allergic, nuts are another excellent source. In any case--including for those with celiac disease or for those following gluten-free diets--beans, seeds, and legumes are optimal. For those with celiac disease, or who are following gluten-free diets, fresh and raw foods are still the best choice, but we want to be more selective. Along with the recommendations above, eggs (particularly egg whites); lean and unprocessed meats; and most low-fat dairy products (please check the labels for ingredients though) are suitable. Satisfactory grains for a gluten-free diets include buckwheat, amaranth, flax, tapioca, and millet (among others). Low-sugar grains that should be avoided for a gluten-free diet include barley, some oats, rye, triticale (a combination of wheat and rye), and wheat. Please, always, diligently read the labels. You can also reach out to us with more questions. I hope this helps.

That's part of mine too. I know about avoiding processed foods, but what are specific foods I should eat?

Thanks for getting in touch Oscar. Yes, taking time for yourself is a huge part of being grateful for all you have, and what you've done. We mentioned the reflection part and surrounding yourself with supportive, grateful, people in the post; but, just as importanatly, is making time for your interests, hobbies, and passions. Do the things that make you feel like "you," at least once weekly, even with family, the job, and practical pressures. You can always find reasonable, economical ways to enjoy yourself and connect with what inspires you. And, that does link back to the money part...always "budget" for your dreams and happiness. You can even make a (flexible) budget each week with these categories--"needs," "wants," and "dreams." And, be honest with yourself, and don't be afraid to question items. You might be surprised...the "need" may turn out not to be one, or at least be negotiable. The "needs" HAVE to be fulfilled; the wants you can indulge in at least monthly (if you choose to, but they can keep you going); and, the "dreams" you steadily invest toward, on a weekly or monthly basis. Hope that helps. Oscar, make it a great year!

Thanks for the question Jessica. Yes, it's one thing to get motivated; but, it's a whole other thing to stay motivated. And, motivating your friends will only bolster your motivation. Get together, at least once a month, to celebrate your victories, even the smallest gains (that are never that small). Reach out on social, via text, etc. to congratulate friends or follow up on progress. Your friend may have a word that'll get you through a challenge or you can play that role for someone else. We would also recommend setting joint challenges or goals, when you can, to always have support--and to keep each other accountable. These suggestions have all been helpful to our team. Thanks again for the question.

Thanks for this question Jake. There were some concrete suggestions provided. Saving every week and eliminating unnecessary expenses actually provide substantial gains, quickly. Boosting your creativity and connecting to that which is beyond yourself may seem like "pie-in-the-sky" stuff; but, they lead to the inspiration, energy, and focus that enables you to craft novel, and, idly, more effective solutions, or pursue overlooked possibilities. Our founder, Arziki Oleyinka Phenyo, started Seminal Wellness in response to the frustration she experienced in the throes of the pandemic, specifically, not being able to obtain quality goods because of stockouts and supply shortages. She didn't wallow in the frustration; she decided to pay it forward. Building and growing Seminal Wellness has not been an easy effort. Like you, and everyone else, these last few years have been tragic and challenging. Our team has lost 18 family and friends to COVID-19; 3 lost their jobs before joining our team; and, one even lost their home (our team member is safe now). On three occasions, we considered not continuing. We shed our tears. But, instead of asking "Why me?" we committed to asking, "Why not me?" For us, that meant, "How could we do better?," and how could we learn from these experiences, including the most heartwrenching and tumultuous ones. We can imagine you've been through your challenges Jake. We also know you've grown through these. What lessons could you share with us? We would all benefit. All the suggestions we include are those that have, practically , worked for us. And, we'll continue to share the tips and takeaways. Thanks again for the question.

That's an excellent question Suman. Actually, setting ambitious goals--and going even way beyond your comfort zone--is part of serving that which is beyond yourself, tip #6. As we told another member of the fam, work diligently, and consistently, toward the "dream" goals; e.g., write at least 10 pages per week for your manuscript, apply for at least 3 grants monthly for the non-profit you'd like to start, save at least $100 per week toward your new business and set up your social media accounts, and website, today. Surrounding yourself with motivated people, who are also invested in your project, is key for gathering the resources you need to fulfill your goals, and to support you through the challenging times (there will be inevitable setbacks). Of course, you want to keep tabs on your progress. This is important for accountability; but, even more importantly, this gives you a chance to change direction and approach--to make adjustments--to ensure you do achieve your goals. Whatever goal you have, the Universe has set an even greater one ;-) Pursue your potential. Thanks again for the question.

You're already doing it Taisha :-D Congratulations on your progress, and thanks for the feedback.

Thanks for the response Roman. Yeah, it's uncertain out there, and going out of your comfort zone--whether it's in undertaking a new workout routine, pursuing a new field of study, starting a new business, etc.--is always daunting. But, here's a little secret: it's always uncertain. There's never a perfect time to do anything. Actually, there is: when you're positive, prepared, and keep your perspective, it's always the right time. And, above all, once you're open--you're asking for help, but not demanding how it comes--the Source will always guide you. Please, go out your comfort zone. It's well worth it.