Over the last few weeks, everyone’s been talking about how they’re going to be ‘Brand New in 2016’ or how they’re changing something about their life. As we know, New Year’s resolutions RARELY stick. I’m sure most of us have already moved on from them and we’re not even out of January yet. Ha!

Regardless of whether you create resolutions or not, one thing is true – the start of a new year is the perfect time to start fresh. But don’t let the time of year fool you;  you can ‘press restart’ on your life at ANY TIME. And that’s what today’s post is about — how to truly live (not merely exist). Just as motivational speaker Les Brown, states, “life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” Let’s L.I.V.E. life to the fullest!

L

Let Go

“Maturity is when you stop complaining and making excuses, and start making changes.” ~ Roy Bennett, Author

One thing that 30 taught me is that I don’t have time to be afraid to go after what I want — and neither do you. I can’t tell you how many times people tell me that they’d love to travel more BUT (x, y, z) or they’d love to leave their job BUT (x, y, z). Butts are made to stay behind you, so leave that fear and worry in the past. You are the only thing holding yourself back from living the life you desire. It’s okay to try something new — and it’s okay to try it and not like it. At least you got out of your comfort zone. So if you want to travel, let go of whatever’s holding you back; your next trip is only a plane/train/bus away. If you’re tired of being under appreciated at work, let go of the complacency that’s making you stay; your new opportunity awaits.

I

Invest in Yourself

My dad always says, “you’re your best advocate.”

That means that you may have to seek out what’s missing in your life and be willing to achieve it by any means necessary. Ladies, I know we often get bogged down in the routine of caring for others and sometimes forget all about ourselves. I’m here to tell you to WAKE UP. You are just as important (if not more) as anyone else. If you’re not operating at your best, how can you help others? I challenge you to think of one thing you can commit to doing for yourself weekly. Need an escape? Grab a new book and let your mind travel to a place your body hasn’t been. Looking for a new challenge professionally, join a new networking group — either online (e.g., LinkedIn, etc.) or in person. Do whatever you need to do to enrich your life.

V

Value your Experiences

Value your life experiences’s because they’ve helped to make you who you are. And let’s not kid ourselves — there will ALWAYS be struggles — that’s life. The key is not letting them keep you down. Just remember that there’s a lesson in everything, even when we don’t see it. Let your experiences help to prepare you for your next opportunity.

You can’t truly appreciate the rainbow if you’ve never experienced a little rain.

E

Encourage Others

Don’t you love how it feels when you receive special recognition for a job well done? How about the confidence you have when you know you’re outfit is #onfleek? While it’s great to propel yourself to the top, it’s lonely when you get there and realize that you’re all alone. Let’s be our sister’s keeper and make sure someone else feels that love, too.

Now that we’ve discussed four ways to truly LIVE, it’s time to get off the sidelines of your own life story. Wake up and take control! Don’t just exist — L.I.V.E.!!

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