Be

During the first few days of every year it seems that I read a magazine article, watch a television commercial or view a morning show that starts off with the phrase, "New Year—New You." These pieces always suggest that the new year is the perfect time to start again, to lose all the weight we ever gained, to find the love of our life, to get a new hairdo, to get rid of the old and embrace the new, and to change into something better than what we were before.

Well, I have to confess, there is something about those four little words, "New Year—New You," that just doesn't sit right with me. They annoy me. Okay, they annoy me a lot. Truth be told, these four little words completely drive me crazy. I mean WHY would any woman really want to be a "new you" in the new year? Haven't most of us worked really hard to create who we are? Why is new better? Why is such complete change so good for us? Isn't it okay to be who we are?

I just don't see the need for all that new stuff. The way I see it you are already wonderful, unique, a work of art, a one of a kind. You are on the journey of creating you, discovering who you are, defining what matters, making relationships and building your life. You have put a lot of time, consideration and heart into all the decisions you've made to create the one and only you. I am pretty sure that all the new stuff and a new hairdo alone won't make you happy. Well-being and happiness come only when you honor your journey, respect your choices, stretch to meet your next goals and value who you are.

You don't need to start over again every year or ever again because your journey began long ago, and all the learning and discovery along the way is yours to keep and use as you continue to create the life you imagine.

So, instead of looking at making yourself all over again this coming year, I'd like to impart just a small piece of advice. My one word of wisdom as you turn toward the new year is BE.

BE You—There is only one you, you are a gift, an original, no one else is qualified for the job! We need you. Be everything that you are. Be happy, be sad, be everything in between. Embrace the world with your own genuine style, do it your way, show us a new way and leave your mark on the world.

BElieve in yourself—Believe in your instincts and in that little voice deep down inside that speaks to you. Let go of fear and let your skills, talent, beauty and ideas shine through. Henry Ford said something that I love: "If you think you can or think you can't you are probably right." If you believe in yourself there is nothing that you can't do.

BE Passionate—Go for it, give it all you've got, live life like it matters, put your heart into everything you do, live loud, reach for the stars, dream big, get excited, go for it, feel life, taste life, hear life and celebrate life.

BElong to something you believe in. Join an organization. Start a club or find a group of friends whose ideas, company and values mean something to you.

BEgin today—Every day is an opportunity to learn something or discover something or someplace. Be curious, play, go out on a limb, walk a different way to work, try a new food at dinner, and keep learning and growing.

BEcome what you dream to be. Set goals, identify what matters, focus on where you want to go and go there. You are in the driver's seat—you are not the passenger when it comes to following your dreams. You are in charge so take a detour, take the back roads, get lost or decide your dream has changed just be sure you stay on the journey.

BEdazzle with your smile and laughter. Laugh until it hurts, until you cry, until you have everyone in the room laughing and you can't laugh anymore. Laughter is an instant vacation so have fun, play and enjoy life. Light up the room with sunshine and flash that beautiful smile. Remember a smile is a little curve that straightens everything out.

BEhave like it's your last day on the planet. Live in the moment, celebrate you and the people you love. Connect, hug, tell people that you appreciate them, sleep late or get up early, watch the sun rise or set. Use your senses and taste, hear and see the beauty all around you.

Say I love you as many times as you can.

For more information on Sandra Magsamen, visit www.sandramagsamen.com