What is it you want from life and how do you plan on getting it?

This is a very important question you should ask yourself before making any major commitments. It is imperative that we all make choices that will bring us closer to our dreams and desires. Every day choices that may seem small can actually play a huge role in your story.

I've had the same conversation with multiple friends about picking jobs that not only interest you, but somehow put you closer to where you want to be. We do not have the luxury of knowing how long we will be on this planet. We only have each moment we are given and nothing more. So you have to plan like you will be here and live as if you won't. A huge part of acquiring what we want out of life has to do with self love. You have to believe that you are deserving of the things you want out of life.

Part of practicing self love is creating emotional and physical limits. This includes your parents, children and friends. You have to take time for yourself and your own mental well being. Even if it only lasts 20 minutes. It's time you are taking to take care of yourself. You have to teach the people around you to respect your time and space as well as you respecting theirs. There truly is no glory in giving so much of yourself that you are completely depleted. People will just continue to take until you have nothing left and then move on to the next person. Your children will grow up and have their own lives and your parents have already been given the opportunity to live theirs. So what are you doing for yourself? What are you doing to make sure you are ok and happy with the direction of your life?

One thing that helps is making list. It keeps me accountable and aware of my goals. Write down what you want from life, what you need, and desire. Ask yourself what are some small changes you can make to put you on that path. I don't really believe in New Year resolutions, I believe in next day changes. I've never been a fan of waiting to make a change. I like to do something instantly to push myself to take goals seriously. Take the time to wake up 30 minutes earlier than you normally do. Take a moment to yourself, play some music, meditate, work out and enjoy your cup of coffee or tea. Taking these small moments to teach yourself that you are worthy of attention will play a big role in how you allow others to treat you and your time.

Knowing your worth allows you to engage in healthy relationships in all fields of life. You become more self aware which helps you make better choices. Making the choice to only engage with those who provide positive energy is a right you must take advantage of. The way you love yourself creates a blueprint of how others will love and respect you.

Go into the new year with a new mindset about everything in your life. Take accountability for how you respond to every person and experience you have moving forward. If you know that you are in complete control of your own joy, you can no longer hold others accountable. Every person is deserving of love and happiness that may come in many different forms. Recognizing what you want out of life and understanding you are capable of making that happen is the first step. Self love is simply treating yourself with the dignity and the grace of a Queen or King. Understanding that you do not owe anyone your pain in order to create their happiness. Your joy belongs to you, your dreams are for you to work towards, and your love is a gift to give.

You are deserving of all that you accept in this life; good and bad. Keep that in mind when making choices that will ultimately affect your life.