Perhaps now is the time to know that stranger in the mirror … she is wise, funny, strong, loving, dedicated, smart, and so much more!  When you begin to put her first and light the fire within her soul … magic happens and the sparkle returns.

Create a gratitude list and post on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, and workspace wall.  The mind is powerful.  Change your thoughts … change your life.  Read your gratitude list several times a day to feed your mind, fill your soul, and awaken your heart.

Know your strengths and overcome your fears. When feeling depressed, our focus is directed to our weaknesses or what isn’t working in life versus being committed to our strengths.  What are your strengths?  Add strengths to your gratitude list and begin to capitalize upon these skills.  Notice how living in your strengths allows you the ability to overcome your fears and feel empowered.

Serving others is an incredible honor and humbling experience.  Allocate a day at the local organic garden, volunteer hours at the animal shelter, tutor a student, or be a mentor.  Decide to “pay it forward” each day through simple acts of kindness and service.

Physical activity is essential to emotional, mental, and physical wellness.  Attend a dance class, join a walking group, or learn yoga.  Go hiking, ride your bike, or swim laps at the local pool.  The key is to improve your metabolism, increase oxygen flow, and inspire healthy habits.

Be creative. Do what you love and the fire will spark within!  Journal writing, sewing projects, reading mystery novels, creating art or playing music … ignite your creative passion to feel alive.

Meditate to quiet the mind of daily stress, restore energy, and balance hormones.  Meditation is simply focusing upon the inhalation and exhalation of breath.  Allow your breath to release all thoughts, beliefs, conversations, and emotions that no longer serve your mind or body.  Meditate to bring clarity to your life.

Nurture your body and mind with clean drinking water, fresh fruit and vegetables, restful sleep, and pampering.  Limit computer, television, and social media time to allow your mind to rest from constant media exposure.

When the stranger in the mirror appears … be grateful.  She is simply telling you to nurture yourself, honor your body, and wake up! to life.