When I was young, my ultimate sacrifice was always the same: Chocolate. Sometimes I was successful. Mostly, not.

Now, this ritual holds more meaning as I choose to give up something that no longer serves me. Think about a self-defeating belief or behavior or destructive habit. It might be your tendency to judge others, worrying about things you have no control over, or spending too much time watching TV or on Facebook. Then, contemplate what you’ll receive in return. Perhaps a sense of peace or more time to focus on what matters.

To make this sacrifice easier and to fool that part of you that resists any kind of change, assure yourself it’s only for a week, or month or maybe 40 days. Use strategies like affirmations and visualization to strengthen your resolve.

I’m still deciding what I’ll give up but I already know, whatever it is, I’ll get much more in return. And I know it won’t be chocolate.

Over the years I have invested lots of time and energy to raise my Joy Factor. What I have noticed is that sometimes I have to “clean out the closet” to make room for new thoughts, perspectives and beliefs to live a life I love. Here are a few tips from a master on what you may want to “get rid of” in your internal closet of a mind to allow space for all that you deserve and desire. Enjoy!

Over the years I have invested lots of time and energy to raise my Joy Factor. What I have noticed is that sometimes I have to “clean out the closet” to make room for new thoughts, perspectives and beliefs to live a life I love. Here are a few tips from a master on what you may want to “get rid of” in your internal closet of a mind to allow space for all that you deserve and desire. Enjoy!

Louise Hay has taught me so much since I was first introduced to her in the early 80′s. She shares the key to joy and how to obtain it in this video. It all starts with loving yourself. Louise teaches you an affirmation/mantra that I continue to use today. Take a few minutes and enjoy her wisdom-who knows, it could change your life.

Jessica states everything that she loves. Being in a place of gratitude is the best fertilizer for affirmations. She completes her high energy, joyful process in a minute or so and off she goes on her day.

Saying affirmations is just one piece of the puzzle. The secret to having your affirmations come true quickly is to make sure the atmosphere in which they are placed is fertile. Affirmations are very similar to seeds you plant.  If you plant your seeds in bad soil, they will not grow very well. If you put them in good soil, they will be abundant. The more you choose thoughts that raise your Joy Factor, the quicker the affirmations will work.

Louise L. Hay, who is the grandmother of affirmations, says, “It takes some time to go from a seed to a full-grown plant. And so it is with affirmations – it takes some time from the first declaration to the final demonstration. Be patient!”

You do not have to wait any longer to see Jessica’s affirmation - watch and learn from a master.

I spent part of the weekend with my niece, Emily. I took her to Breakfast with Santa in downtown Decatur on Saturday. She is 7 and this is probably the last year, she will believe in Santa.  I let myself experience the weekend through her eyes-it was so much fun! The wonder, the delight, the curiosity that she had about Santa was adorable. “Is Santa watching me now?”  That was the question of the weekend.
I would ask her, are you being a good girl? She affirmed yes with enthusiasm. We would giggle!

What does being a good girl mean as an adult?  I like to think that if there was a Santa, I would be on the nice list vs. the naughty-even though I know I have my naughty moments. As I ponder, what nice girl means to me, here are a couple of things that show up:

I do my best to love myself and others unconditionally-some days it is easier than others. Anne Lamott says that the mind is like a dangerous neighborhood, you should not go there alone. When I do, I can make stuff up that stops me from loving unconditionally.

I am generous, funny, loyal, kind, thoughtful, honest, joyful and always looking to improve what I feel is not working in my life. When I honor these qualities, it is my true authentic expression.

It feels wonderful to take a minute and write my list that I would give to Santa.  It is a glorious affirmation of who I am and who I will continue to be.

What qualities would be on your list of being a nice person? Write down a few and notice how these simple, yet powerful words will raise your Joy Factor.

Emily talked so much about wanting an Easy Bake oven,I think my “little girl” wants one as well. Chocolate cake anyone?