Younger From the Inside

The biggest value of looking better in the eyes of others is the shift you first need to make from inside yourself.

1. Random Smiling

Lighten up. Research shows that actions often inspire feelings. By acting happier you feel happier. Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile… but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

2. Loving Heart

They say that when you die, the only thing you’re allowed to take is all of the love that you felt when you were alive. Get in the habit of looking deeply until you see some small aspect of good in every situation, in every person, and in every stormy day.

3. Drop blame and shame

Avoid being defensive. Smile, think, learn, and be gracious. Look at criticism or mistakes as a learning opportunity. Your job is to get on with your mission—to create a ‘valued-presence’ regardless of what happens around you.

4. Accept what is

Resentment and anger tends to hurt you more than anyone. Accept yourself—the good and the bad—but always look at past events as an atmosphere of growth.

5. Gratitude and Appreciation

Stop focusing on what you don't have. Reevaluate and appreciate what you have. Anxiety, disappointment, and resentment can squeeze your heart so much that you miss the beauty that’s right in front of you.

6. Practice confidence

Fake it until you make it. If you can’t do something for some reason, if you are nervous or upset about something, then immediately practice ‘full disclosure’ but without excuse, blame, or confrontation. People love you more when you are open about your weakness.

7. Looking good is feeling good

Dress a little neater then you want to. Take a little more time fixing things than is normally your habit. Keep it simple but always take it up a notch.

8. Eat as if your body was a Temple

Treat your body with extreme respect. Lack of nutrition and over-eating accelerates aging. Learn to see and eat food in a sacred way. Think deeply about what you want your food to accomplish.

9. Get Physical

Get your body moving. Dance, walk, stretch, swim. Exercise floods the brain with nutrients and oxygen. It loosens your spirit and puts shine in your eyes. Exercise is not about loosing weight—it’s a celebration of an amazing system, about living better.

10. Pass it On

Helping others feel better about themselves, or helping them squeeze through a tight spot, somehow lightens your own load and enriches your existence.