WELL, I’M NO EXPERT. let’s get that on the record. Truth be told, I’m a recovering people-pleaser, avoider of conflict and stifler of my feelings and needs. I was basically a walking tissue commercial for several years, when I sacrificed my mental and physical health for the sake of my business (10/10 do not recommend).
All that being said- with the help of some amazing friends (and let’s be real, basically my life coach) I’ve been encouraged to make steps towards working on bettering myself as a person. And once you start down that journey (for me it was kicking and screaming) you don’t want to look back. Because you see the VAST difference in your overall mood, well-being, outlook on life and because of this- you show up differently in your life for other people.
I was always taught growing up to put others first, the way Jesus did. And while there is nothing wrong with that, Jesus was also not human. We are all broken and imperfect- and in order to show up as the caring loving humans he wants us to- we have to first fill up our own cup. Take time for ourselves. Say no. Say no AGAIN! Say yes to yourself, even if it’s scary or people do not understand. In short, find the thing that makes your soul excited and do more of that. Listen to your intuition.
So without any further rambling- here are some things I personally do to fill up my cup every day and try to create some of that beauty within.
begin with the right attitude some suggestions for this are limiting screentime in the morning and night to be present (and stop looking or worrying about what everyone else is doing on Instagram)
fill your mirror or a special place you go to every day in your house with your own personal affirmations. sounds cheesy but damn do they work.
find a routine that works for you and stick to it as much as possible. you’ll come to look forward to these things. your body will thank you for the sleep regulation.
Check in with yourself everyday I can’t always write a blog post or journal every day as much as I’d love to- we all know and have those days that are so busy they just escape us, but I find even on these days, I try to make myself a priority list at the bare minimum, so I don’t feel overwhelmed.
date yourself a new one for me that’s been super scary but super rewarding. finding what you love to do and doing it, without waiting on someone to go with you (whether it be a friend or significant other). You can do this whether dating, married or single- as a way to enjoy yourself and be in tune with yourself about what YOU like to do with your free time. Get dressed up, put on your favorite things whether they be shoes, that lipstick you think is “too much” but you love, that insanely cool one-of-a-kind jacket that doesn’t get enough showtime.
physically being more intentional making showers, washing your face, putting on morning and evening serums as a form of a ritual instead of a chore. Feeling the soap hit your skin, the water on your hair, feeling your fingers massage your scalp or your face. spend time just being there and focusing on how good it feels in that moment.
working towards a banging body enjoy the process of working out knowing you’re doing something that’s going to benefit your mental state of being right in that moment, and your physical appearance down the road will be a direct reflection of your hard work and dedication to YOURSELF. Let that sink in! And OWN THAT because you worked for it!