Lighten up 2009

All the doom and gloom of the recession, politics and bad news can really get a person down. The past year may not have turned out the way you wanted it to, but that doesn’t mean it was a complete flop. You made it out alive, after all?

So what can you do to lighten up in 2009 and make this a more fun year? Here are a few ideas:

Let it go

Too many of us let old failures or past mistakes hold us back and stop us from reaching our true potential. Let go of those old demons, forget those past hurts and live for the future. You will be able to look at the world with new eyes and appreciate more of it.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

Sure, you lost the tip of your heel on the bus this morning and your boss is looking at you funny... maybe it’s not because she thinks you’re a clumsy fool, but because she is trying to work out if she has the right sized replacement in her desk drawer. Think positive.

Relax

Stress less. Not always an easy task, but take time out to do what makes you happy and to spend time with people and in surroundings which make you feel happy and at peace. Even if it’s just with a book under a shady tree, or a chat with a friend over a cup of coffee, the small things can help you to ralx and breathe.

Pay up

Pay your bills on time. It’s amazing how calming it is to know that your car payments are made, the home insurance bill is paid and that you have electricity for another month. This leaves you to enjoy the (little) you may have left in your bank account and not worry about making payments later in the month, when your funds have run dry.