Everyone keeps saying it, 2007 is going to be a magical year. Make it your best yet by turning the spotlight on you and get authentic, says life coach Lee Chalmers

Authentic beauty
Have you been looking after your health properly over the last year? Now might be the time to come to grips with your authentic body. People often crash diet because they are unhappy with the way they look which puts strain on the body and usually results in more weight gain. It’s important to realistically understand how you look. If you are curvy, enjoy it! Look for images of beautiful curvy women, rather than focusing on making yourself something you are not. Everyone can be healthy, with their own shape. Understanding and accepting what makes you beautiful, will make you glow from within. Irresistible.

Authentic finance
Many people at this time of year realise that they have spent too much over Christmas and are now in trouble. It’s important, when living authentically, to have a realistic assessment of your financial situation. Sit down today and take stock of your bank balance and credit cards. Remember you are always able to do something about the situation. If you are flush, work out how much you are going to save this year and think about the lovely things you will spend it on. If you are feeling the pinch, don’t be scared to speak to an expert such as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service. They can help you get a handle on it and take away the worry. Taking responsibility for your finances has a powerful effect on your life.

Authentic relationships
At New Year we often think of new beginnings and look to end relationships that have not been working. If 2007 is to be the year that you have authentic relationships, what can you do to ensure it starts right now? Sometimes we just have to communicate something that we have been sitting on. Do you need to say anything to your lover? Being brave enough to say what is really going on allows relationships to move to a new level. And though it may be painful to end, do you really want to spend another year with the wrong person?

Authentic family
One of the most difficult areas to be authentic in is the area of family. So often we get stuck in old patterns when seeing our parents and siblings, that we hardly recognise ourselves. Again, this one can be aided by authentically communicating what we are really thinking. We might be scared that this will rock the boat or cause some sort of rift in our families but what normally happens is the truth opens up a new way of relating to those we love deeply. Would you rather your family truly knew you, or just relate to an idea they have of you?

Authentic friendships
The start of a new year is also a time to reflect on our friendships. We all have some friends who we feel wonderful and unstoppable when we are with them. We also have friends who being with feels like a drag. Often we keep these friendships on because we have known them for a long time. Ask yourself which ones you want to keep and which ones should go in order to make 2007 a joyous year. Again, this might be about delivering a communication that you have been carrying about with you. Maybe you have been blaming your friends for something. Allow yourself to be honest about it all and of course, to allow them to be honest back. You’ll either lose a friend you had become distant from or gain an even closer relationship.

Authentic reflection
Though often ignored, human beings have a need to engage in something which allows them to connect with their inner self. Sometimes called spiritual practice or faith, there are many things we can do to engage this part of ourselves. You might want to try a yoga or meditation class or simply find 15 minutes every morning to sit still and reflect on life. Living with a sense of gratitude has been shown to reduce stress levels and make for a much calmer experience of life.

Authentic career
Finally, are you doing the work you really want to be doing? Most people work because they have to rather than because it’s truly what makes their heart sing. If you were to be living authentically, what would you be doing for work? Start this process by making a list of everything you love doing, all the activities in which time flies and you feel uplifted and free. The happiest people find a way to make a living out of their bliss activities and so can you, it just takes guts and belief. If you could do anything, what would it be? How would you like to feel getting up in the morning?

Authentic Living is about finding a way to really be yourself. There is nothing else to put in, nothing to add, just things to remove that are in the way, usually beliefs we have about what is possible. Give yourself a break and make 2007 the year when you finally make it happen.

Lee Chalmers is a Life Coach based in London. Visit her website www.authenticliving.co.uk and email her at lee@authenticliving.co.uk