I love the phrase “it’s whats on the outside that counts” because we all know that as people age the good people we know seem to become more attractive and hateful people develop a permanent scowl. So these are the things I have done and continue to do to improve myself.

I recently heard of this happiness study http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/12/05/happiness.social.network/index.html

So one way to improve yourself is to surround your self with happy, admirable people. I personally have been working on this. When people are negative they will perpetually bring you down. Once you choose to surround yourself with happy, upbeat, wonderful people these people will help make you happy, upbeat, and wonderful!

I have also been working to improve my body through exercise and reduced caloric intake. This not only has improved my body but also my self-esteem and my mind.

I try to learn one new thing a year, this year I learned how to make corsets, customize my little ponies, make a dressform out of duct tape, and how to make fascinators. I do not have the study in front of me but I know from my psych degree that if you learn some new task every year it helps to keep your brain young. The bigger the rut you get yourself into the less elastic your brain becomes over time, so learn something fun and work that brain!

I try to think positively of other people (even if they are being nasty). You have to remember that most people that are nasty probably have reason to be. This does not mean you should include them as your friends, but only that you should think well of them and wish them well. Have sympathy for them because we all know how horrible it is at times to be so negative that you have to think negatively of others in order to boost your own self esteem. I also try to focus on their positive aspects as a human. It is tough but if I can do this anyone can! (and it gives you some good karma, we could all use that!)

I meditate every day. It helps with all the other things I try to do!

These are just some of the things I have done to improve myself, what have you done or plan to do in the new year?