2020 had its fair share of global challenges, but 2021 is a chance for a fresh start. In this new year, take some time to reflect on what really matters. Ask yourself if the concerns you have today will matter 1 year from now. In 5 years? How far can a new home, car, or job take you in the grand scheme of life? If today was your last day, how would you spend it? Perhaps more importantly, who would you spend it with?

The world is filled with people worrying about things that are out of their control, holding on to moments passed or anxious about what’s to come. But if you sit in silence long enough, you will undoubtedly feel the power of God carrying you and guiding you. Life is full of ups and downs and the honest truth is that a new year won’t change that.

However, if you look within to discover what truly matters, and become rooted in the present moment without judgement or resistance, then you will begin to flow with the Universe rather than against it. Here are 10 ways to live a more joyful and fulfilling life in this new year of 2021.

1. 1. Meditate Regularly
   The past year has led to people feeling lost, scared, confused, misguided and without clear direction, all of which can lead to misplaced emotion and misaligned action. But the only person who can fix that is yourself, because the all answers are within yourself. Take some time to sit in stillness and meditate on your faith that will always guide you home. Know that you cannot lose yourself because you always are yourself; the problem arises when so many worldly things cover up your true self. Meditation can release those layers and bring you back into connection with your truth, serving as the foundation for everything else.

1. 2. Live Your Truth
2. Figure out what is most important to you and what you’re truly passionate about, and then do it fully to your best ability without worrying what others think. Be confident and live with purpose on a daily basis. Failing to align your daily actions with your values can create severe anxiety as your subconscious mind tries to steer you in the right direction.

“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” -Buddha

1. 3. Stand Up For What Is Right
   Act morally, ethically, and humbly in remembrance of your roots and where you come from. Make an active effort to be of good character, hard work and honesty. Stand up for what is right and be a voice for the voiceless. This may not always be the easy way, but it is better to walk alone on the right path than with a crowd going in the wrong direction. Prioritize your truth and peace, and do not engage in what does not feel right.
   
   
2. 4. Practice Altruism
   Many of us spend so much time consumed by trying to seek happiness that we forget the only true way to get happiness is to give it. Spend time with your family, give without expectations to your friends, and forgive those who have wronged you, because holding on to anger can never bring peace. Foster genuine connections and value quality relationships rather than the quantity of your followers online. Show respect and kindness to all people without judgment, and be the person who consciously spreads light and hope in dark times. 
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   5. Appreciate The Little Things
4. You do not have to wait for a new year, dream promotion, or a perfect relationship to have something to be excited about. Find appreciation for the simply joys of life, like spending time in nature or watching a sunset, a nice meal with someone you love, a good book or music, fresh water, cuddling with a pet, a nap to rest when you are weary, the ability to see, think, feel, take a deep breath, and love. Gratitude will not only help you to appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you do not, but it will also create an energy of positivity and attract further abundance.

1. 6. Reflect On Your Own
   Whether you are single or not, do not underestimate the value of spending time with yourself. Even if only for a few moments, set aside time daily for your mental health. You can reflect with a journal, plan out your goals, evaluate where you are and where you’re going, and what you need or want to change. Take control of your mind because that is what creates your life. In the beginning, it may feel uncomfortable to sit with yourself and think about these things, but the more you do it, the better it will feel and the easier it will become.

7. Take Care Of Your Health
With all that we know about the mind-body connection, it should come as no surprise that your physical health plays a vital role in all other aspects of your life. Your body is the connection between yourself (soul, mind, emotions) and the outside world (people, places, situations). It is the vessel you have been given during your human experience, so the better you take care of your physical health, the better you will be able to handle your own emotions, your relationships, and stressful life situations. Not to mention, the numerous other benefits of exercise, which you can read about here.

8. Be Present
Accept each moment as it comes, and mindfully go with the flow of life without resistance, expectations, judgment or fear. As long as you try your best and remain conscious and aware, do not dwell too long in the past or lose yourself in worries of the inevitably uncertain future. No matter where you go, who you are with, or what situation you may encounter in life, you will always be in the present moment with yourself. As Eckhart Tolle would say, you might as well make the present moment your best friend and your home.

9. Remember The Big Picture
You are an eternal soul on the temporary journey of life, a journey in which few things truly matter. Remind yourself what a miracle it is to even be alive on this planet and wake up every day with countless blessings and freedom. While you are here, it is okay to relax and enjoy the ride – you don’t have to be busy all the time to be successful or productive. In fact, relaxing provides ample time to reflect, which is what can guide you to find inner peace and create a truly successful life. It does not matter what people think, because everyone is chasing peace, but only the people who realize they already have it are the ones who find it.

You may also like: 5 Essential Happiness Habits

10. Maintain Balance
Too much of anything is about as bad as too little of anything. Make an attempt to care for each aspect of your life on a daily basis, no matter how busy you may get. Try to keep a balance between working hard and having fun, between going out and relaxing in, between taking things seriously and laughing it off, and between trying your best and letting go of what you can’t control. Try out these additional tips to bring joy to your daily life, for life is a succession of moments to accumulate to create a more joyful and peaceful life.

• Spend time in nature
• Get 8 hours of sleep
• Start a new hobby
• Make a new friend
• Spend time with an old friend
• Partake in a random act of kindness
• Play with a pet or a baby
• Travel somewhere new
• Listen to your favorite song
• Smile, even if you don’t feel like it

Following these tips will certainly help you to live a more fulfilling and joyful life, but even that should be balanced with taking things lightly and not being too hard on yourself, remembering that humans are imperfect creatures and even that should be loved and embraced.

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XO,
Fatima – founder & editor