My New Year's Resolutions

 Stay Positive

My best friend has a favorite 311 quote “stay positive and love your life.” She introduced me this lyric and I think of it almost every day, but the simple motto “stay positive” is something that my mom really instilled in me growing up. Her determination to implant positive thinking in me is something I am so thankful for. That motto has gotten me through a lot of ups and downs and it is probably the number one reason I am where I am today. However, I feel as if I may have forgotten the importance of it this last year. I need to remember that when times get tough it is easy to complain and focus on the negative, but nothing is going to get better unless I 1. Find a solution and 2. Keep my head up. 

In 2012 I was more than a little guilty of wallowing and not doing anything to find a constructive change, so my number one intention of 2013 is to stay positive and do what it takes to be happy. This year I vow it to myself, to my loved ones and to my customers that I will spread optimism.

“She loved life and it loved her right back”

  Listen

I want to listen, not hear, others talk in 2013. I want to really concentrate on what others are saying, actively respond to it and use their words to see the world through their eyes. I know this will take a lot of effort and practice, but I am determined to be a better listener this year. Whether it is my husband, my family, my friends or Longhorn Fashions customers, I want to engage and come out of the conversation with a clear understanding of what the person wants and where they are coming from.

             "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

— Winston Churchill

  Be true to myself

I want to be true to myself, my faith, my beliefs and my priorities. 

My faith has always been an integral part of my life and I think I put in on the back burner last year. This year I want to stay strong in my faith and not be afraid to talk about it or practice it openly. Being naturally shy I feel as if I keep my beliefs hidden at times. I don’t need to scream them from the roof top, but I also not need to nod in agreement when I don’t actually agree. This year I will be proud of my beliefs. 

I felt like I was spread a thousand different ways last summer and fall and sometimes I over committed or felt guilty when I had to turn down an invite. This year I want to be true to myself. If I want/need to skip that happy hour or dinner, I want to do so with confidence and understanding that it is for the best. Time to focus on my priorities and my passion, Longhorn Fashions.

"Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it."--Hardy D. Jackson

Spend quality time

The past two years my new year’s resolution has been to spend more time with my girlfriends. I still want to focus on this, in addition to spending time with my family, but this year I want to do something different. I want to focus on quality time. In reference to number 3 it no longer matters if I make it to every happy hour or say yes every time someone asks me to go to the movie, instead I want to make sure the time I do spend with my loved ones is quality time. I want to put away the phones, cut out the gossip and talk about things that are real. I would rather have five minutes to give someone a hug and really see how they are doing than two hours chatting about shoes.

“Character cannot be developed in peace and quiet” – Helen Keller

  Keep my feet moving

If there is anything I have learned over the years, it is the importance of endorphins.  I can tell a huge difference when I make time to go on a walk, hit the gym or take a Barre class. No matter how busy this year gets I want to keep my feet moving.

“Exercise gives you endorphins--endorphins make people happy.” Legally Blonde

What are your New Year's resolutions for 2013? I hope you all have a happy, safe and blessed year. 

Tessie