1) Wake up with Intention

I believe it was the monumental beauty, Mary Kay Ash who gave the advice of making a ‘to-do’ list of 6 things each day. Whatever they may be, list or not – wake up with a plan. It doesn’t have to be big, just attainable. It’s good to have something to aim for each day. You can set goals at work, or goals for building your personal empire. You can have one goal a day or a mental (or written) list of things you want to achieve. Every one of your actions has a purpose.

2) Drink hot water with lemon

As much as I love a hot cup of tea in the morning, I’ve trained myself to drink hot water with lemon first. When you wake up from a night’s rest, your body is dehydrated. Lemon benefits the body by providing digestive aid, and it’s a liver cleanser. It’s also rich in Vitamin C and can help purge toxins from your blood and promote clear skin. Badass. If you drink just one cup of hot water with lemon your body will thank you for it. Then you can feed your caffeine/coffee/tea addiction after. Cheers!

3) Look good

First let me say that this is a completely subjective point. When you look good, you feel good. And if looking good to you is wearing high heels, false eyelashes and whatever else every day – you go girl! If looking good to you is wearing no makeup, yoga pants and your hair in a bun every day – you go girl! If you’re like me and don’t fit into any of those categories – you go girl! If you do – you go girl! (See what I’m doing here?) Life is too short to be unhappy with yourself. Walk outta the door each and every morning looking and feeling good!

4) Have a power song

You know that one song that really touches you? The one that you sing and dance to in your car and don’t care who’s watching? You may even cry a bit at how it moves you. Or it may bring out that diva alter ego that hides inside sometime. That’s your power song. And no, you don’t have to have only one. Create a playlist or CD of all of your power songs. I have countless playlists ranging from post-breakup to going to job interviews. Let’s swap and share.

5) Don’t forget to breathe

So while you’re busy kicking the day in the ass and accomplishing all your goals in your power outfit(s) with your power song(s) playing in the background . . . . don’t forget to breathe.

Your breath is your life force, it contains vital energy and helps bring us closer to our body and ourselves. When something may not go your way, notice your breath. Is it shallow? Short? Or are you about to hyperventilate? Stop and take a moment for yourself….telepopmusik said it best, ‘Just Breathe’.

6) Stay positive

Relating back to how sometimes things don’t go your way. It’s important to remember that negative thoughts create negative events…so stay positive. There is always a plan that’s working in your favor. So relax, remember to breathe; and fill your mind with positivity. Don’t let one bad event turn your whole day around. Joy belongs to you.

7) ‘I am’

It’s really easy to get caught up in whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish or be. With the power that our mind holds, our internal thoughts affect us and can either make or break the attitude that we have for the day. Instead of focusing on what you are or aren’t, just focus on the fact that you are.

That’s it. “I am”. Nothing needs to follow after. Focus and affirm your right to be here and alive in your own beautiful body. I find that repeating this throughout the day causes a lot of my actions to come from a deeper place. Use your head to live with your heart.

8) Do something for your future

Whether it’s setting money aside into a savings account, educating yourself in your field of interest, adding new possibilities to your ‘goals’ journal (if you don’t have one, I recommend you start one! J ) choosing to exercise over watching that T.V. show, or just meditating, ….don’t go to bed without doing something your future self will thank you for.

9) Give, share, love

What we put out, we get back. The world is in need of more loving, selfless, caring energy. Smile at that stranger in the elevator and wish them a wonderful day. Carry a few singles in your car so that if you see a homeless person, you can give him spare change. Or if you’re the type to buy them food – better! Never hesitate to compliment someone and express a kind word. You never know what someone could be going through. Have you noticed that people can walk on the same street or crosswalk and not even acknowledge each other?! It drives me crazy!

You can never go wrong with sharing your blessings and it’s not about how much we give; but how much we love to give.

Tal // Full-time dreamer, Tal enjoys the simple pleasures of tea and sunflowers. Her passions include skincare, makeup, and holistic living. A proud geek, you can tweet her Lord of the Rings or Mean Girls quotes (and other things).