So everyone has survived the holidays and have probably even made some resolutions.  I tend to do that at least 2x a year - in January and again in September.  September and that return to school still feels like a new year for me.  And to me it really helps to keep me on track with my goals because a lot can happen in 9 months!

One tool that I have found very helpful on my work commute and that might help other people is a dictaphone.  It is a little hand held device that you record into and can play back.  I use it when I'm driving.  It is a great place to put practical reminders like don't forget to pick up the mail on the way home.  I get quite inspired as I'm driving and it is also a great time to review my affirmations.  I can delete things as I absorb the information.  Remember you have to keep things fresh just like you do with your workouts and your meals.  So you can't possibly use the same affirmation forever!

Now maybe you don't have a long enough commute to find it beneficial but maybe there are other times during the day you could use it.  On your lunch break if you are out walking.  Or at home just before bed?

BOOK REVIEW
I use a book to help me find some great affirmations and I promised I would talk more about books in the blog.  So here is a recommendation.  It's a book that has been republished since the 1970s so that says something!  You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay.  The premise is that with positive thoughts directed at specific areas of your body you will be able to heal it.  Or the flip side that your negative thoughts have caused an illness etc.  I just opened the book to the back to a random page where the ailment is listed, then the probable cause and then the new thought pattern. 
The problem - Heart Problems             Probable Cause - Long-standing emotional problems.  Lack of joy.  Hardening of the Heart.  Belief in strain and stress.          New Thought Pattern - Joy.  Joy.  Joy.  I lovingly allow joy to flow through my mind and body and experience.
Now I think that is a wonderful affirmation whether you have a heart problem or not.  I read through the affirmations and choose them whether they pertain to me physically or not. 
A very powerful one for me is "I now move into my greater good.  My good is everywhere and I am secure and safe."  For me acknowledging that we are here to use our greater good has been the first step to moving toward my garden retreat.  Do you know what your greater good is?  There is a great question to start 2009.  Knowing, clarifying and searching for what your greater good is.  Then letting it come out.  And of course without safety and security you can't move forward.  See how the affirmations can take you a step in the right direction!

The rest of the book has various exercises that I wanted to use with my clients but never got the chance.  If anyone is interested in the exercises let me know.  I'd be happy to discuss them with you.  Of course I would love to hear your comments on your favorite books.  Remember I have a list of about 65 books to read and I love to keep adding to it! 

Instead of quotes I have randomly chose 3 affirmations from the Louise Hay book.  Who knows, they may be exactly what you need to help you start your new year!
I now take charge of my mind and my life.  I am a powerful, dynamic woman!  Every part of my body functions perfectly.  I love me.

I love and approve of myself.  I am doing the best I can.  I am wonderful.  I am at peace.

My thoughts flow freely and easily.  I move through ideas with ease.