1. Stop being so serious – take things lightly and with humor

• You can’t control what happens in your life – but you can choose how you respond
• How often have you laughed about a situation you thought was serious, when you shared it with friends later on?
• How often have you realized – when looking back – that it wasn’t really that big of a deal?
• How often have you noticed that what happened to you was actually a good thing and turned out to be FOR you, not against you as it seemed in the first place?

2. Stop taking things personally – it’s not about you

• Understand that people sometimes project, and dump their anger and frustration to make themselves feel better
• They might have had a bad day, or you might remind them of someone that triggers old emotions in them
• You only feel attacked and judged when you yourself believe it to be true

3. Breath deeply before acting

• When something is upsetting you, SLOW down, take a few deep breaths and ground yourself
• Then choose how you want to respond

4. Speak and live your truth

• Be honest with yourself and others
• Spend time doing what is truly meaningful and valuable to you
• Don’t try to please others and fulfill their expectations (in work, relationships, with friends and family)
• Dare to be you

5. Accept change

• Life is always changing
• Don’t resist and try to hold on
• Trust that things will work out
• Allow the possibility that things even get better for you

6. Listen to your gut feelings

• Be aware of the difference between your “inner voice” and your emotions
• Slow down and see how something feels to you before you act or decide
• Use your “inner voice” as a tool to know what’s right for you in this moment

7. Be kind and gentle to yourself

• “Get off your case”
• You are your biggest judge
• Acknowledge your needs and desires
• Allow yourself to be vulnerable, (it is ok to make mistakes, to feel hurt, sad,..)
• Care for you as you would for a child (inner child)

8. Recharge regularly

• Before you are “burned out”
• Do things that are really nourishing you – not just what you think you “should” be doing – sleep in or nap, go to a movie, play sports, talk to a friend, take time out and retreat, read, take a walk in nature, pamper yourself with a body or beauty treatment, sauna, …

9. Don’t try to be “right”

• Be aware that there are as many realities as there are people in the world
• There are only different perceptions, opinions, values
• Let others have their opinion – for your own peace
• Arguing doesn’t get you anywhere

10. Forgive

• Let go of resentments for your own peace
• Try to understand why someone acts the way they do
• Then compassion and “letting go” often follow naturally
• Don’t make yourself sick with ideas about “what could have or should have been”

11. Eat well

• Eat mostly fresh organic vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds
• Eat simply, slowly and enjoy your food
• Avoid white flour, white sugar, coffee, sodas and alcohol
• A balanced diet supports a balanced body and balanced emotions

12. Exercise at least 3 times a week

• Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happy
• Make it fun – don’t force yourself
• Be creative – try alternative exercises like yoga, pilates, rebounding
• Make it simple – walk for 30 minutes

BONUS: Give natural and alternative medicine a try

• Many people get great results from homeopathy, acupuncture, reiki, bach flowers, essential oils….just to mention a few
• Keep searching until you achieve what you want