I was talking to someone recently and they said, “The days go slow but the years go fast”. And with that, I’m reminded as we enter the New Year, that it’s a good time to reflect on how we’ve lived our lives over the past twelve months.

I think it is important to go back and look at your intentions from last year – So you can use 2017 to improve upon yourself, rather than be in regret about what did not work.

I like to look back and see what I am most proud of and what needs improvement. You might like to look back too and ask yourself:

Did I love myself more?

Did I take care of myself more?

Am I proud of what I achieved?

I think some of you reading this may feel disappointed that your New Year’s goals were not all met. Humans have a much easier time picking out the negatives over the positives and yet I know because you are here reading this site you are seeking more positivity in your life. Yay for that.

Since the New Year is a clean slate and many of you feel ready to improve your life, what actions are you taking, changes you are making that will transform what you perceive to be missing from your current state of being into one that feels like you are on the right path?

At the beginning of each year one goal I set for myself is to live the most authentic life I can. While this can mean different things to different people, what it means to me is looking inside and being honest with myself about all that I am as a human being, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

I want to share some things here that I strive to improve upon every year so that I can be the best of me.

The Good: I’m blessed to be a body image coach, speaker and author who teaches women how to have healthy body image and how to love who they are.

The Bad: I still work too many hours which takes away precious time from my precious wife, family, friends and loved ones.

The Ugly: Having moments of entitlement, even if it’s as simple as someone sitting down right in front of me as the movie is beginning. I just dislike it and recognize that as my way of not sharing space lovingly.

We just lost Carrie Fisher and sadly her mom too, Debbie Reynolds. They were both powerful women in their own unique authentic ways. Carrie is more my generation so I can look at her as someone who strived to live her life authentically and in her own way. She did not shy away from her truth as someone who suffered from mental illness even if it meant she could lose acting roles or be publicly ridiculed. The fact is, she was the one who got the last laugh about her issues of addiction and being bi-polar, seizing her power and writing about it in her books which are currently rising to the top of the Amazon charts.

How many people have been helped by Fisher being her authentic self? Quite a few as evidenced by the countless social media comments and tweets by people who found her to be their ally in detailing her journey honestly.

Is there anyone out there who wouldn’t want to have that level of impact in making a positive difference in someone’s life?

So as you move into 2017 with your hopes, your dreams and your fears, one of the most powerful actions you can take is to strive to be your most genuine authentic self. Because after all, everything else is just insignificant.

One of the most powerful actions to take is to be your most genuine authentic self. @laurafenamore (Click to Tweet!)

What is one step you are willing to take right now to being your authentic self?

I welcome hearing from you below.

Laura Fenamore, Body Image Expert, Coach and acclaimed Author is on a mission to help women around the world end the constant battle with their bodies and start adoring who they see in the mirror. Her approach walks students and readers through the heartfelt journey to self-love at any size or age by unlocking the secrets to a lifetime of emotional, physical and spiritual health. After overcoming a lifelong battle with addiction, obesity, and eating disorders, Laura released 100 pounds – keeping it off for more than 28 years. She chronicles this journey to self-love and health in her widely acclaimed book, Skinny, Fat, Perfect: Love Who You See in the Mirror. Learn more about Laura’s programs, or invite her to speak by visiting SkinnyFatPertect.com.

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