7 Ways to Keep It Real in 2017

Greetings Beautiful People,

Happy New Year!!!! It's 2017!!!! I pray you welcomed the new year in safely and like the BOSS you are!!!! Can I keep it real for a moment? People often indicate a desire to keep it real or "Keep it 100," yet the way most people live and evolve couldn't be further from this authentic concept. I mean honestly, it's easier to be the opposite of real, especially with the rise of social media and online dating which allows you to be whomever you'd like to be behind a computer screen and a keyboard. It's easy to be someone else or an elevated version of yourself, yet it takes great courage to really be REAL. Let's first define real, shall we? Real by dictionary.com's definition is 1) actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact; not imagined or supposed and 2) (of a substance or thing) not imitation or artificial; genuine. Do you see you, by daily operational functions, in these definitions? Are you genuine consistently? Do you sometimes try to add that lil' white lie to your day or profile to seem more interesting? What has happened in our lives that have made the powdered nose more intriguing than natural face? When did we create the mask and how long have we been wearing it? Do we wear it for everyone or just our colleagues? How can we keep it real in 2017? Let's consider these 7 ways to do just that:

1) Focus on YOUR truth. 
(Notice that I said YOUR TRUTH because what you have going on is about you first. Before including your love, significant other, friends or family, you have to first look at what YOU have going on. Is your truth acceptable to you? Are there things you'd like to change? What's keeping you from changing them? Only YOU! You have to first decide what your truth represents and what you want to do to make it better before you let others in, if you let them in at all.)

2) Look in the mirror daily and speak truth to that person.
(Being dishonest to others may come easily for you, yet rarely can you look at your own reflection and be dishonest to that person because you know the real deal. Tell yourself the truth and speak positive affirmations to that reflection so you can focus on being the person you are aspiring to be.)

3) Be a person of integrity.
(If you say you're going to do something, do it. If you find that you're unable to do what you previously committed to doing, it's imperative that you communicate with the people or group of people you made the commitment with. Show up in the world as someone with integrity and others will be able to count on you and be there for you when you need them as well.)

4) Tell the truth. 
(Now this seems very simple, yet if we're honest with ourselves...lies can sometimes be more entertaining. Before you speak it....think about it. Ask yourself, "is this the truth?" "What do I gain by being dishonest?" "Am I okay being dishonest?" "Would I be okay with them not telling me the truth as I'm doing to them?")

5) Stop lying. 
(Again, this goes right along with number 4, yet if you are really ready to be about your business, lying will only complicate this. Before you speak, pause and think about the weight of this lie. As you know, once you tell one lie...you have to tell another to cover that first lie and another to cover the lie that covered the first lie and it continues. Is this really how you want to show up in the world, as a liar?)

6) Operate with passion.
(Ever had to complete a task that you had no passion for? How well did you do it? Did you give it your best or did you settle for sub-par performance even though this would speak to your personal and/or professional integrity? If you are not passionate about it, you may not be the best one to complete the task. If it's work and you have been directed to complete it, put your passion into it as much as possible by speaking positively about the task. This will make the task get completed quicker and your performance will be exemplary, which is always a win win!)

7) Implement self-care.
(I know we all wear a gazillion hats, and we're often running around like a chicken with our heads cut off, yet we have to slow down and take care of self! Each of us only has one self, one mind, one body. We often abandon everything about self and what self needs to be successful. We ignore signs of needing to rest and sleep because we're rushing to meet deadlines. If, for some reason, you were unable to do the things you're rushing to do, they would eventually get done and the Earth would keep rotating. We have to do things to take care of our minds, bodies, spirits in order to be our most authentic selves. Think about it. When you take time to get that massage or pedicure or go on that walk or take that bubble bath, we're less likely to be untrue with ourselves and others. If you're too busy to go to a function or you just don't want to go...say no! When you're taking care of yourself, you don't have to lie to avoid hurting people's feelings. You can simply say...NO! It's powerful and taking care of YOU allows for that freedom to do just that!)

I wish you a lovely and prosperous 2017 beautiful people! I know it's going to be amazing, especially if you allow yourselves to keep it real more than you allow for the opposite. BE TRUE, BE YOU and Keep It Moving! 2017 belongs to you! Are you ready to claim it? Let's go!

Serenity & Sunshine,
Celest Divine
#SheSPEAKS

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