WOW...this post was drafted over two years ago and is still very relevant and valid today. Even though I am in a completely different phase of life than I was when I initially drafted the post. Maybe I am figuring this life thing out afterward, and if nothing else, I am more in tune with myself and what I am meant to be doing with my life. I have left most of the original draft with very minor updates.
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I will probably sound like a broken record to say 2020 was one heck of a year. Like many people worldwide, we entered into a new reality and had to start afresh in many ways. What we thought would be a month or two slowly but surely turned into an ongoing three-year event.
I was still in school at the beginning of the pandemic, so naturally, I saw it as a blessing that I got to work from home while completing my courses, eliminating a lot of wasted time commuting back and forth. As you can imagine, it was hard having the kids homeschooling while working and studying, but I made it work.
Fast forward to completing my degree, and the reality of the new limitations on life sets in. The year 2020, although challenging in many ways, also proved to be a blessing. For one, we got the chance to connect with our loved ones and enjoy and appreciate life's simple pleasures and blessings.
Intentionally and unintentionally, I quickly realized that I had to make changes that impacted my everyday outcomes to maintain my sanity.
So, I am sharing ten lifestyle changes I made and fully embraced that have positively impacted my life.
- Doing more of what makes me happy - It's OK to do things for you. As women, we're good at catering to the needs of everyone but our own. As long as no one is getting hurt, say yes to yourself more, whether in big or small ways.
- Leaning into my confidence and owning it - I can say that I found a new level of confidence in myself and my abilities. Part of it came from being more self-aware, finding my voice, and using it without fear. Part of owning your confidence is knowing who you are and what you stand for.
- Surround yourself with good people and positive vibes -We've all seen and experienced the importance of having meaningful relationships, especially during the pandemic, so I don't need to elaborate further. The people you surround yourself with and let into your space and life affect you as a person; it affects what you put out into the world, so choose wisely.
- Let go or distance yourself from negative people or energy -This goes hand-in-hand with number three. When someone shows who they are, believe them. It may be challenging, but it has to be done. Again, this comes with knowing yourself first and setting firm boundaries. If the vibes are off, if you find yourself questioning yourself, your sanity, your logic, trust, there is a good chance it's not you. You're not crazy. Don't fight it. Just let it be, let it go, whatever it is.
- Protect your space
and time, say NO more - Just like it's OK to say yes to yourself, it's OK to say no to others. At home, work, school, family members, or even friends. Don't stretch yourself or over-commit. Prioritize your tasks and people you give your time to based on what you feel comfortable with and what is important to you, and let the rest fall where they may.
- Mind your business - Need I say more? Or, mind the business that pays you.
- Do not compare;
instead find teachable moments or lessons learned - This was huge for me, especially in the age of social media. The unplanned break I took from social media was much needed for re-calibration at the right time. It's easy to want to compare, but remember that everyone runs a different race at a different pace. Instead, look into that moment that stirs up comparison and find out what you can learn from it, not from a place of competition but from a growth mindset and next steps. If it is your desire to attain whatever you are admiring, get inspired and put in the work rather than comparing.
- Cherish those you
love, say it, and show it - I especially love this and am embracing it even more. There will be good days and not-so-good days with every interaction and relationship, but there is no question where anyone stands at the end of the day. It is known.
- Respect your boundaries - If you don't, how do you expect other people to? It's one thing to set boundaries; it is another to honor them. While you can not make people conform to your boundaries, you can decide where the line is. You teach people how to treat you. If you accept or make questionable behaviors okay, even after clear communication, people will keep treating you that way because they know they can get away with it, and they will continue to push your boundaries. So, instead of setting your boundaries around others, set them around yourself.
- Keep God first - And keep a grateful heart in all things.
So, there you have it, my ten lifestyle changes or lesson from well over two years ago that is still very relevant, and I'm embracing even more today.
Till next time
Christiana
