Top 5 things you need to start 2020

These items can help you start the new year with self reflection and care.

Are you looking forward to the new year and resetting you routine? This post is helpful to get us right in 2020. These are not expensive or hard to find, but they can assist in moving you into a positive direction to accomplish your 2020 goals and aspirations.

"A little progress each day can add up to big results."

Journals and more journals!

Sis, journaling daily is the key to self-reflection and self-care!

There are many ways to journal and many types of journals to choose from. Think about what you want your new daily routine to consist of; what goals and changes are you seeking for 2020? This can help you narrow down what type of journals are for you and when you should journal throughout the day.

For me I have two journals that I use daily...My self reflection journal where I used prompts from favorite bloggers or you can always get journals that already include daily prompts. I write in this journal every night, but for many they choose to write everyone morning as they start their day. I am no morning person, but if that's you, yassss sis all power to you! If you are in need of prompts and topics to write about please check out hertruth's journal prompts.

My second I use daily is a food journal. Now before you celebrate me too much let me be honest, I do not use it 100% of the time; that is just not realistic to my schedule. I used it mostly Monday through Friday and I just list out what I am eating throughout the day. Something about knowing I will need to write down what I consume keeps your girl in check!

The biggest motivation is that I set water goals and tally up how many bottles of water I consume each day to try to beat or meet the goal set that morning.

If you do not have a schedule conducive to writing daily, no worries! My recommendation to you is choosing 1 day a week to take 20-30 minutes to write. That could mean every Wednesday during your lunch break or every Sunday morning after you sleep in, whatever works best for you, just remember to carve out time for yourself.

A cute planner!

Am I the only one who enjoys scrolling and searching for the perfect planner? One that speaks to you and you won't get tired of looking at it all year? I look for my yearly planner on Amazon because that is where I get just about everything else I shop for. Many go to Target, which I am fully in support of, like who doesn't love a Target run!

Choosing a planner is dependent on your needs for your schedule. There are many types but mostly it's between a monthly, weekly, or daily planner. If you are someone like me who needs space to write out everything for the work week, a weekly planner would be best. Maybe you need to just keep track of what happens day to day a daily planner with more write in space would be the answer. For those that just need to remember what's going on each month, get a monthly calendar.

Do keep in mind that most calendars include both a monthly and weekly layout which can be beneficial if you need to see the whole month in review but also view your tasks week to week.

Sage or Incense to cleanse your space!

Cleansing your space before and after the start of a new year is vital to a good restart! Sage is commonly used to remove negative energy, generate wisdom and promote healing. Recently sage has become more common and you can now find it everywhere, from 5&Below to Walmart, even Amazon. It seems a few years back it was exclusive to "earthy" stores and smaller shops; nevertheless I think buying from a smaller store is great for supporting local small businesses.

If you are not into the smell of sage you can also use incense; which is also sold in many stores and can be found just about everywhere. Even the gas stations! Incense is aromatic biotic material that releases a fragrant smoke when burned; it is known to be used for aesthetic reasons, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremony. It can also be used outdoors as insect repellent! I use them after cooking a meal to reset the smell of my home.

At least One Self Care Treatment

Start the year with rewarding yourself for coming this far.

If you have made big plans, goals, resolutions for yourself in the new year make sure you include time for self love and care. No matter how busy you are MAKE THE TIME! This may seem simple but take a moment and think about the last time you did something for you. Sis, it's been a minute right? A healthy routine requires self love and that can be a monthly massage appointment, mani/pedi, taking a painting class, facial, therapy etc.

The key is to find something that is what you want to do, not for anyone else but YOU. Many of the choices we make surround around our kids, significant other, friends and family. When you make the decision to do something for yourself things will align in new ways that will better you all around.

Accountability Partner

You can't do it alone, lean on someone you trust.

Please know that with success you must have a support system. Aligning yourself with people you trust is key. Among your circle pick someone to lean on that can also lean on you in return. Maybe you both share the same goals...maybe you have completely different goals. That part doesn't matter because all you need is a system that holds you both accountable.

For myself I have a goal of overall better health...specifically to lose weight, eat cleanER, and cut out junk food. My best friend/accountability who is currently working 7,000+ miles away in Fiji has the goal to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well. We agreed to "check-ins" every 2 days; these check-ins are us simply sharing what workout we did, goals we may or may have not met, motivational messages and room for venting about work.

The key to making this work is honesty! There are days we both slip up, but we own up to it and share what we plan to do to make up for it. For you it could be monthly/weekly check-ins or maybe just signing up for a workout class together. Make a agreement with each on what you need; words of affirmation, shared time, or just reminders. The beauty in this is your friendship will grow stronger and maybe a friend to far to see feels closer than ever before.

-Whitney Sierra

1.20.2020