Rule #1 - Remember who's in charge of your life. Don't be seduced by the false belief that you have no choice about how you spend your time or energy. You always have choices. They may be tough choices, like saying no to something you'd really like to do so your schedule isn't overbooked, or letting a friend down when you need to back out of a commitment, but don't confuse tough choices with having no choice at all. You're the boss.
Rule #2 - Be gentle with yourself. When you feel stuck, afraid, confused, or frustrated by what's happening or not happening in your life, don't succumb to the outdated belief that a "good kick in the butt" will get you moving in the right direction. Trust me. If butt-kicking worked, we'd all be thin, healthy, and rich :). Instead, choose to be gentle with yourself by asking someone who loves you for help.
Rule #3 - Risk upsetting others to keep peace with yourself.
Rule #4 - Make basic nourishment - sunlight, healthy food, daily movement, and soulful connections with others a top priority. You'd be surprised by how this one rule alone could dramatically alter your whole life in significant ways.
Rule #5 - Be a good steward for your money. Like it or not, the state of your financial health impacts every aspect of your life - either consciously or subconsciously. Everything from where you work, where and how you live, how generous you are with yourself and others, or how well you sleep at night, are just some examples. Think of these tough economic times as an invitation to step up your financial self-care.
Rule #6 - Stop pretending things are okay when they're not. When you don't feel right about something in your life, trust yourself and your feelings and face the truth. Then do something about it.
Rule #7 - Honor the people in your life by being honest. Even when it's hard.
