Let’s face it, the idea of having a New Year’s Resolution went out of style years ago. We know that to be healthy requires an everyday commitment, not a once a year decision that maybe lasts for a couple of weeks, if that long.

But come on admit it, the New Year begs for a little change. A tweak here and there…a few small adjustments to that everyday routine. So just for the fun of it, I have come up with 10 simple things that could make each day a little more fun and at the same time, make your life a little more balanced:

Wake up. Get up an hour earlier. This is such a beautiful, quiet time of day! Feel the vibration of the Universe as it is waking up.

Breathe. Once or twice a day, stop and take a moment to breathe. Yes, I know you are breathing, but actually feel yourself breathe. Feel the life-force in your body. Remember this is a gift and taking a minute or two to enjoy it once a day may make you feel more alive than you have in years.

Simplify. Make a list of the 5 most important things in your life (besides work). Be specific: such as exercising an hour a day, lovingly preparing 3 fresh and healthy meals a day for your family instead of eating out (know where your food comes from and how it is prepared), spending a few hours a day playing/conversing with your spouse, kids, friends; volunteering once a week for an hour or two; or playing in a tennis league, reading a book, or taking a walk. Whatever you feel would bring you the most joy! Commit to the five things. Everything else is just not that important.

Clean. Clutter can contaminate and just consume your energy. Clean your house: drawers, closets, under the bed! Clean your car, garage, and storage areas! Clean off your desk, your computer files, and the file cabinets. What you don’t need or use anymore can be used by someone else. We live in such excess! Really how many TV’s, computers, coats, shoes, blankets, books, magazines, small appliances, and the list goes on and on, do we need. Donate! The ASPCA is a great place to give. Help out some of our fellow earth inhabitants.

Save. Stop spending money! Susie Orman says 8-9 months of expenses in savings. No credit cards. Only buy what you can afford and pay cash. See how many days you can go without spending a cent. It may surprise you.

Be Quiet. Wean off the electronics, turn off the TV, the radio in the car, the cell phone. They zap your energy. And for those of you who still drive and text, talk on your cell phone at your table in the restaurant, or on the treadmill at the gym, you zap everyone else’s energy.

Eat less. We really don’t need that much. The earth cannot sustain our overeating habits. Eat organic, eat fresh, and eat local.

Smile more! Find something joyful to share, perform a random act of kindness. Give your emotional self a break. Love the one you are with…You!

Be present! Pay attention. Live for the moment. Do what you love and love what you do!

Grace! Be grateful. Accept the grace every day that is meant for you. It can come to you in many forms, a sunrise, a song, a smile, a thought! It is all around you. Be open to it and it will find you.

These suggestions might not be what you consider New Year’s Resolutions. I am not asking that you lose weight or stop smoking or exercise more. In fact, I’m not asking that you try all 10 suggestions. Just pick a few for now and make them habits. I believe it’s just a matter of time before you will see your life’s opportunities more clearly, hear voices that inspire you, smell more success than you could ever imagine, touch and be touched by others in ways you never dreamed possible and taste the true sweetness of living a life of purpose. When this clarity comes, so will balance! And the best version of you will appear!

May you have your best year yet,

Happy New Year!