What’s Your 2011 Health Plan?

I have contemplated how I’d like 2011 to look for me and came up with a few ideas:

2011 Vision

For me, it all starts with a clear vision of what I’d like my year to look like. I meditate on it and experience all the upcoming goodness and emotions as it’s happening in my mind. Then I journal it, making certain to phrase it all in present tense. If this vision is clear enough, the rest of the planning is a cinch. In addition, priorities become more apparent. Everything is a choice so when your vision is crystal clear and you're ready to fully embrace it, you know what to say yes to (everything aligned with your vision) and what to say no to on a daily basis. Update: if you’re curious about my vision, you’ll find it in Why Being Healthy Is Worth the Effort.

2011 Resolution

Normally I stick to goals and a plan rather than break resolutions but this year I was inspired by The Five-Percent Rule written by Wendy Strgar. It’s about committing to a process rather than an outcome, realistic expectations and striving to improve just a touch more than yesterday. My 2011 resolution then is to raise my consciousness level by at least 5%. If you’re confused as to what I mean, check out Steve Pavlina’s post on the levels of consciousness in David Hawkins’ Power vs. Force (an awesome book!).

I’m aiming for Love. Although I’m already a very loving person, I recognise that there’s a huge difference between `being loving’ and `being Love.’ When you’re living in the state of Love, you are                                                                        at peace. You fully and completely accept yourself and others. You live compassionately and forgive easily. You transcend ego.

2011 Health Plan

When living in the state of Love, I see it as treating myself, others and the planet with love and respect. Basically, healthy, balanced living! When I choose to smoke, drink too much alcohol, eat junk food, overeat in general, etc., and because I know what it does to my body, it’s almost as if I’m punishing myself. Although, it’s a little more complicated than that because I’m pampering (feeling sorry for) myself with instant gratification that ultimately packs a latent punch. So resolving to be in the state of Love starts with treating myself with more respect this year. While I’m still working out the details and coming up with dates, here’s my 2011 health plan so far:

1. Develop a healthy routine. (sleep & exercise) Knowing how much our bodies love and respond to a routine and since I work from home, this is my first step to becoming healthier this year. Back in September I started with a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily. I’ll continue this and have devised an exercise routine that includes stretching, weight-resistance and cardio (starting small & progressing – my M2 will help here). In addition, since the day begins and ends with sleep, my first healthy habit of 2011 is to consistently retire between 10-11pm and rise between 6-7am.
2. Stop smoking. (body) This is a biggie and I plan on a spring date because it’s a great time for a new beginning. Plus, it’ll give me a few months to prepare by reducing my intake, working on a healthy routine and practicing healthy stress-management techniques.
3. Practice cycling. (mind) You may remember me introducing you to Bill Bengston or to his work in my list of 20+ gifts for health nuts. Cycling is his hands-on healing technique and while it’s more of a personal goal rather than a healthy habit, it promises benefits like strengthening my mind and manifesting my desires!
4. Practice emotional alchemy. (soul/emotions)For those of you who missed it in my interview with Sandra Ingerman, emotional alchemy is the talent of transforming emotional states. Sandra teaches us a few of her tricks in transforming negative to positive emotions in her book How to Thrive in Changing Times.

All of these healthy habits, tie in with my resolution for treating myself better. Most of it focuses on self-care so even if I increase my self-care efforts by even 5%, I’ll consider 2011 a success!Hopefully this post helps you in some way in creating a plan for 2011. If not, Resolutions for All 7 Chakras and What’s on Your Stop-Doing List? may have something useful for you.