Create a practice for self-care.

A lot of folks view self-care as selfish, and don’t put themselves first on their to-do list. But your own self-care is truly a selfless act of social activism. You can serve other people at a higher level when you have the energy, the clarity, the motivation. You generate energy around you. People feel it.

Summer is a great time to reinvent ourselves.

If you’ve been pressed all winter saying, “I can’t find time to do the things I want to do,” now we’ve gained a couple of hours to fit in windows for wellness. And we should really leverage that.

Personal fulfillment usually boils down to taking action.

Every day you get the opportunity to show up, to be different, to be in your own epic-living laboratory to build your confidence and make you feel like you’re most alive.

You never eat alone.

What you put in your body will come out in optimism or pessimism, energy or lethargy, compassion or anger. Our diets are a way of life. Consciously consume calories that will help you deliver on what you want to create.

Be the sermon, not the preacher.

The last thing my teenagers want is to hear me preach about eating well and exercising. Kids are wonderfully open and accepting to seeing models of health, happiness and wholeness.

Master the art of single-tasking.

Don’t focus on how much time you have with your kids, but in the time you do have, do everything you can to be present. When you’re with your child, be with your child. Don’t be with your phone or a screen. Just be there.

We always say to our kids at night, “I’m proud of you.”

But wouldn’t it be wonderful to say it to yourself, too?

I’m becoming less and less afraid of failing.

In order to express all that I want to be and do, I have to fail more often. And I’m really OK with that.

Dr. James Rouse has a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. He is an inspirational speaker, personal coach and author. His latest book, Think Eat Move Thrive: The Practice for an Awesome Life is available at drjamesrouse.com.