7 Changes For A Better 2012 by Yvonne Conte

It’s a sign of aging when we look at the year and say, “Where did it go?”. But really? Where did 2011 go? I was busy all year. My calendar was full. If you asked me what I accomplished, I don’t have a good answer.

I have decided to do seven things differently from today on. I never want to get to the end of another year and think…gee what did I do with that year? Did I simply spin wheels or did I make a difference? I want to see some real changes, notice an area where my input made a difference. I’ve always been one to choose happiness, look at the positive and be grateful for all I have-it’s been my way of life. This year I have seven things I want to add to my way of life. I want to create some habits that bring real satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment by December 31st.

2012 is the year I will Dream Big! I have a new book coming out soon and this one will be the vehicle that will get me national attention. I claim that in the name of Jesus! I’m dreaming big in 2012.

I vow to Eat to Live instead of live to eat. I want to be aware of the foods I consume this year and make a conscious decision to eat them, instead of eating blindly just because it’s there in front of me. I’m not going on a ‘diet’ because they don’t work. But I am going to change my eating habits. I have read enough books and magazines to know the good foods from the bad. I really have no excuse. Won’t it feel good at the end of the year to say I have a habit of eating healthy?

I’d really like to Take Up a Cause. Vera House has a mission to end all domestic and sexual violence, to assist families in crisis, to support those affected by domestic and sexual violence to live safe, self-sufficient lives, to empower women and children, and to promote a culture of equality and respect in all relationships. I think that’s a wonderful mission and I’d like to spend a good portion of my time this year helping out at Vera House in any way that I can.

This one may make you gasp. I’m going to Take Chances! I’m doing something wild this year. By December 31st 2012 I am going to skydive. Yep, jump out of a plane. Crazy I know but I really want to do it. I can’t imagine how I’ll get the nerve, but I’m going to do it.

This year I want to End All Worry. I have always believed that a person who worries and frets over things must not have a great faith. I don’t really worry much, except, I do find myself worrying about my grandchildren. I’m going to give that up. I know God has my grandchildren in His hands. I have no reason to worry.

The most difficult change I am making is in my ability to Practice Patience. I’ve always been a fast girl. (Not that kind of fast girl.) I walk fast, eat fast, work fast and talk fast. I can get something done before you even realize it needs doing. That’s all well and good but I expect everyone else to be fast too. It is very hard for me to sit patiently and wait for anything but I will. Patience is a virtue after all.

Lastly, I know I need to Be Humble. It’s rather difficult to be an enthusiastic, positive, over achiever and humble at the same time, but I’m told it can be done. I need to believe in myself, but I need to remind myself, I am not doing this alone. All things come from Him. All things.

Here’s wishing all of you a blessed, healthy and prosperous New Year!



About admin

Yvonne Conte is a corporate culture expert, Motivational Keynote Speaker and author who has attracted clients such as Merck and Medeva Pharmaceutical, Xerox, Time Warner, G E Global, Continental Tire, Lucent Technology, and over 800 other leading organizations. Her energy, style and passion on the platform have earned her standing ovations and rave reviews. However it is her personal relationship with Jesus that she is most excited about. Yvonne says, “There is nothing I can’t face in this world because I know He will walk with me no matter how difficult the situation.” Yvonne combines laughter with a message that entertains, inspires and encourages. She sees herself as a comedian on a mission to give audiences a non-surgical faith-lift. Her message; we are not alone, offers strength, courage and hope to hurting women everywhere through her organization Psalm 16:8 Ministries. Her motivational lectures are filled with a unique blend of inspiration and joy about life experiences and God’s never ending incredible love. Her speaking typically includes 60 keynotes a year at major conferences. Her publishing credits includes over 58 articles and essays and six books including her latest, Cry, Laugh, Cook, (Amsterdam-Berwick Publishing) Remarkable Women of Faith, (Insight Publishing) and best seller, Serious Laughter (Amsterdam-Berwick Publishing) which has been translated into Chinese. Her books have been on the curricula at Monroe Community College and Corning College. Her career has taken her to 38 states and 7 countries. She is President of the Westvale Neighborhood Watch, and partner at The Syracuse Vineyard Church. She has volunteered for the Arthritis Foundation Joints in Motion, Heart Association Heart Run, Vera House and Gilda Club. On a mission trip to The Dominican Republic Yvonne was part of community and medical outreach including working with the disabled at La Casa de Ludy Home. She served on the Monroe Community College Foundation Alumni Council and as Director of The Vineyard Art Show. She lectured for Communication Classes at MCC, is the founder and CEO of Humor Advantage, Incorporated, Humor Advantage Speaker Bureau and Psalm 16:8 Ministries and creator of “Humor Advantage Pay It Forward Program”. Yvonne is Nonni to three handsome boys and when she isn’t kissing them, she spends her free time pampering Rhododendrons, Azaleas and her 27 Rose of Sharon Trees.
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