This year started with learning to live your best life and appreciating this notion of self-love. This is the concept of the year. Nonetheless, we sometimes are distracted by societal norms that plague our ability to keep up the momentum as we practice these concepts.
If you fall victim to the plague, there are simple (and not so simple) ways to recover. I have an issue with consistency as I navigate through “living my best life” and practicing “self-love” & shit. Here are some practices that guided me in the right direction – from self-destructive to self-constructive.
I STOPPED NEGOTIATING MY BOUNDARIES
As I came into the New Year, I told myself to stop negotiating my boundaries with people. I put an end to allowing undeserving people in my space, draining my energy and emotional currency. I could never afford this.
I find that many people put their boundaries on the line – they make negotiations with people that don’t need them, let alone deserve them. Making those negotiations end up a disservice to you and everything you once stood for. I hope you are following – stop wasting your emotional currency and stick to your boundaries.
I STOPPED INVITING PEOPLE WITH PROBLEMS
Seriously – stop inviting people with problems into your space. If this is not a boundary you set for yourself,you are on your way to a world of trouble. May I clarify that I am by no means saying that you need to eliminate relationships where problems occur. I am saying that if these people are not working (and really working) to provide solutions, then what use is it?
I STOPPED SEARCHING FOR HAPPINESS
I think it is entertaining to ask people what makes them happy and never get an authentic response. Asking people what makes them upset or sad warrants more authenticity than a person could imagine. It says a lot about our society.
What if you could swap out that mindset to a more positive experience? Would you at that point be happy? The second I turned my negative feelings into spaces that welcomed gratitude, the happier I became – the more love I felt.
I am not the type that believes in fairy-tale happy endings, but I say that approaching your days from a brighter lens will put you on the path of happiness – the only person in your way, is you.
I STOPPED OVERWORKING IN EVERYTHING
Most people say that I am an extremely hard worker – I am a guilty repeat offender of bringing my work home with me. The best advice I got from a friend was to leave my work at work. I wish I listened to him sooner.
Stop overworking at work. Stop overworking in your relationships. Stop overworking in your mentee. Stop overworking in all things because that’s when we experience burnout across all levels. Nothing is worse that being the cause of your demise.
I STOPPED INDULGING IN NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR
Life’s already hard enough. There is no need to add on to life’s discomforts by entertaining negative behaviors. One aspect of my life that I started caring more about is my overall health.Areas that I used to neglect, I no longer do. This helps with giving me a sense of control over my well-being.
Do what is necessary to steer clear of negative behaviors. Join a sports club, go to the gym, take up a class, make good friends, treat yourself,and get on a healthy diet. Do all that you need to do to take care of you? Nothing is more important than showing up for you inside and out.
While it may be challenging to keep consistency, it is f*cking worth it. In what ways have you been showing up for yourself?
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