I was recently reminded of an article I wrote nearly five years ago with Susan Olsen Bishop for a SmartWoman magazine. Reading it now made me laugh…, partly remembering the raucous fun we had writing it in a Starbucks downtown. But also because I really needed to hear a few of these this year, and you have to laugh when you need to HEAR the same advice you GAVE… five years ago.

Ten Things to Throw Out with Your 2005 Calendar

Your thin jeans.
Don’t put off living and loving your life while you wait to fit into some ideal version of the perfect you. If you can’t enjoy your life today, 10 pounds won’t make a difference.

Your parents.
You’re an adult; it’s time to start living by your own rules and expectations. Toss out everyone else’s “shoulds” and write your own script.

Excuses.
It’s a lie that there’s not enough time, money or energy to get what you want. Each calorie, cent or minute spent is a vote for what you choose to be a part of your life. If you cast your votes for your core priorities, you inherently create a life full of what you want.

Pecks on the cheek.
Give’em the real thing. If you’re going to kiss someone, make it good. Don’t dilute the power of love and compassion with impotent expressions. Kiss big. Hug hard. Live deliciously.

Something you think you can’t live without.
When you give up the thing you think you need the most, you find out what you really have. Trust that you’re already more than you’re wildest imagination can conceive.

The voice of reason.
Logical thinking is the #1 enemy of greatness. Sometimes the voice that keeps you safe is really only serving to keep you small. You’re ducks will never be in a row, so march on “as is.”

Your wonder woman costume.
Fact: You cannot do it all (see above). So lose the golden lasso and take a moment to notice all the juicy joy around you that you’re usually too busy saving the world to notice.

Your poker face.
Hiding your true feelings wastes energy. Besides, who decided it’s not alright to be sad, grumpy, ecstatic or angry? Let your feelings show and let people see the real you.

Your meeeooowwwwww…
C’mon ladies, cut the judgment, lose the comparisons, and whip out some good ole fashioned compassion. We might make different choices, but that doesn’t have to mean that one of us is wrong.

Your diary.
The old stories you hang on to are weighing you down. Let go of the past and live in today. It’s all you have.