Lux Thinking Aloud Monday Gratitude List 2 2:05 AM Another Monday. A brand new start for everyone. What better way to start this day than having a heart full of gratitude. So here's my... Monday Gratitude List 1. As I've mentioned in my last Monday Gratitude List, I started on a new social entrepreneurship (dream big, start small). Since then, the orders are just coming in. It's amazing! What I love about this business is that I don't just profit from it, I'm also promoting goodness. The company supports The Filipino farmers, uses purely organic and natural ingredients and supports charities including building villages for the poor. Also, I've been a loyal user of their products since they launched. So it's so easy for me to promote them. Talk about profit, pleasure and purpose rolled into one. Update: My online dealer shop Human Nature Lucky Shop is now open! So you can order from me wherever you are! 2. I met two good friends without planning to. It was a brief meeting, just a hi and goodbye kind of meeting. But it's knowing that despite the distance and the long time of not seeing each other, you're still friends that gives a certain feeling of belonging and comfort. 3. Another beautiful and enlightening talk at The Feast with their brand new series Haunted House Talk 2: Monster Kids. The big message of the talk: To hold on, you must let go. 4. I've just received my dividend from my insurance. Hurrah! 5. Receiving heart warming comments and emails from readers I don't know. Oh, such delight! What are you grateful for? See also: Monday Gratitude List 1 Monday Gratitude List 2 Monday Gratitude List 3 Monday Gratitude List 4 Monday Gratitude List 5 Happy Thanksgiving! Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle Monday Gratitude List 10:45 AM Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance. -Eckhart Tolle Monday Gratitude List Normally, people are grumpy on a Monday. It's the start of another pandemonium; Manic Monday. As for me, I choose to start my week with a grateful heart. Gratitude changes your outlook. Gratitude makes you appreciate even what others consider as insignificant things. Gratitude opens your eyes to blessings and makes you anticipate for greater things. Gratitude makes everything seems possible. Here's my Monday gratitude list: 1. I just ventured into a new microbusiness last week. Already, orders are pouring in! My cup overflows! Update: My online dealer shop Human Nature Lucky Shop is now open! So you can order from me wherever you are! 2. If I can only be in two places at once. My weekends are always full of invites for meet ups, reunions and trips. A beautiful dilemma. 3. Having the privilege to attend the happiest gathering of the faithful. Every Sunday, I go to The Feast to celebrate the Holy Mass and listen to life-changing, motivational, inspirational and hilarious talks on life, health, relationships and money. Practical teachings for practical individuals who want to live a phenomenal life. By the way, everybody's welcome to attend. 4. Every time I check my blogger dashboard, I'm grateful to see the number of page views from different traffic sources. I started blogging for my own pleasure, as a coping mechanism, and as a portfolio for my virtual assistant part-time job. Then I started sharing about my own failures, my mishaps and the lessons I've learned. The emails I received from strangers from across the globe are just overwhelming. Sure, there are people who criticize my work from my grammar to my opinions, but they're nothing compared to the "thank you" messages I get. Believe it or not, I also get emails asking for my advice! I don't think I'm qualified enough to do so as I know I have so much to learn myself. But, if sharing my two cents worth can make a difference to other people's lives, I'll do it anytime! 5. God's plans for my life that are yet to be revealed. People are losing hope and faith everyday. I'm just increasing mine every time. God has always been faithful to me even when I was not. I've ran away and fell a thousand times, but He has never stopped chasing me and picking me up. How can I say no to a love so great and faithful and true? What's on your gratitude list? Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle Monday Gratitude List 3 10:38 AM Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. -Epicurus Monday Gratitude List Monday! Time for another Monday Gratitude List. This Monday is special because... 1. Today is Labor Day in America! No work for me since our company follows the US timezone. So today is "pamper-me" day for me with a girlfriend. Thank you, America! 2. My blog traffic has never been this high! Thanks to all the bloggers from the blogging communities I have joined in for being supportive and generous with their time and inputs. 3. Since I became a social entrepreneur for Human Nature, I get orders non stop. When your product is really good, you won't have a hard time convincing people to try it. They will be coming after you and loyal users endorse them to others themselves. 4. I hear stories about women who are struggling in their relationships (or a lack thereof). I can only thank God for bringing me where I am right now. No, I don't have everything I want but He sees to it that I have exactly what I need. 5. I met two of my closest friends whom I haven't seen for a long time. We went to celebrate mass, attended The Feast and swapped funny and stories and juicy scoops (who's dating/flirting with who haha) over sumptuous local pizza and pancit at Buddy's. It was my first time to dine there and I wasn't disappointed. The service was superb, the food was heavenly, and the place looked festive. A new found favorite! There's something about gratitude that magically changes everything. It makes you more open to more blessings and makes you see more opportunities. Start your week with a grateful heart and watch how it turns your life around. Some photos from yesterday Us at The Feast Buddy's in Makati Pizza has never tasted this goooooood! Lucban longganisa (sausage with special spices) with kesong puti (cheese from unskimmed carabao's milk) with bell pepper. #foodgasm If you think this pancit couldn't taste better, pour on some Lucban vinegar. Excuse me while I drool. Great to be united with good friends over great food Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons My Birthday Gratitude List 5:07 AM I don't mind getting older; it's a privilege denied to so many! -Chris Geiger Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Turning another year is a HUGE blessing. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed to wake up or live long enough to experience more of God's love. I am more thankful as I get older because I see the value of small things. I know that they are what really matters most.Here's my birthday gratitude list. Birthday Gratitude List I am thankful for... My perfectly imperfect family. Long time and I made new friends. My faith has grown not as big as the mustard seed but is stronger than it used to be. The right people He has brought into my life, helping me realize and acknowledge my purpose. The heartbreaks, losses, rejections, failures, and betrayals. They made me wiser. My freelance business and the people I work with every day. My investments. The successes and the failures. Great books that have helped mol, entertained and kept me company. Hot tea, especially on cold days. Our crazy loyal dogs. God's Divine Provision. All the trips I made this year and those I look forward to in the future. The courage to face my fear. My resilience in facing challenges and the will to move forward. The silence and peace of living alone. Good health. The rising traffic in my blog (I have you, readers, to thank for that!) The good and bad feedback I get. They help me to be better. Good food I get to enjoy with good company. My thriving social business. The passion in my heart. God's love that's everlasting and overwhelming (indeed, You are enough for me) GiphyI am SO blessed! Thank you is not enough, but that's all I've got. Thank you, God, for loving me this much. I could not ask for more. Happy birthday to me, indeed! I'm thankful every day, but more so on my birthday.Do you have a birthday gratitude list? Share it in the comments below.
How-To 11 Best Practical Life Advice To Live A Happy Simple Life 5:37 PM 11 Best Practical Life Advice To Live A Happy Simple Life Why do some people radiate happiness effortlessly? They seem content and unfazed no matter what life throws at them. They don't have it all figured out, but they're navigating life as cool as a cucumber. Maybe they know something we don't. Or maybe they just follow these 11 best practical life advice to live a happy simple life:1. Embrace minimalism.Less is truly more. Do you need that sixth pair of shoes or another coffee mug? Declutter your surroundings; declutter your life. You'll be surprised by the clarity it brings. Minimalism isn't about deprivation; it's about cherishing what truly matters.2. Nature is your friend.Time spent among trees, on the beach, or in your small garden is never wasted. Breathe in the fresh air, and feel the sun on your skin. Listen to the birds singing or the waves crashing. Not only is it a great stress-buster, but it also reminds us of our connection to the world around us. And that's not just rubbish voodoo. Science shows that the negative ions in nature give us positive vibes.3. Exercise is NOT optional.It's not about having six-pack abs or running a marathon (unless you want to, of course!). Find an activity that gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Choose something that you enjoy doing. Otherwise, it won't stick. Dancing, swimming, or simply walking briskly can do wonders for your body and mind.4. Learn to cook.It doesn't have to be gourmet. A few simple meals will do. There's something empowering about creating your own food, knowing what goes into it, and savoring the fruits of your labor. Plus, it's often healthier and cheaper than eating out. Go on, give the pots and pans a shake!Gifer5. Practice mindfulness.Be in the present. Worrying about tomorrow or regretting yesterday steals your joy today. Try meditation or simple mindfulness exercises to get started. Focus on your breath, then expand to your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations.Practicing mindfulness is easier than you think. According to Smiling Mind, it could be as easy as focusing on one thing, like breathing or bringing your full attention to everyday activities.6. Ditch perfection.Perfection is an elusive and unrealistic ideal. Instead, strive for progress. Making minor improvements over time can lead to significant change. Remember, life is a journey, not a destination. Keep trying and celebrate small victories.7. Express gratitude.Find reasons to be thankful every day, even for the little things. This simple act shifts our focus from what's wrong to what's right in our lives. How to practice gratitude every day?Keep a gratitude journal. Dedicate a few minutes each day to jot down what you're thankful for. It can be big things, like a promotion at work, or small moments, like a delicious meal or a child's smile. Over time, this positivity will spill into other aspects of your life.Give generously. Giving doesn't necessarily mean material things. Give your time, give your attention, and give a kind word. The act of giving promotes feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Remember, the more you give, the more you get.Nurture relationships. People matter. Nurture the relationships that add value to your life. Laugh with them, cry with them, grow with them. Investing time and energy into these bonds can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.Verbal appreciation: Sometimes, a simple "thank you" can go a long way. Don't hesitate to voice it when someone does something nice for you or if you just appreciate having someone in your life. The other person will feel appreciated, especially if their love language is Words of Affirmation.Acts of kindness: Pay the gratitude forward. If you're grateful for something, doing something nice for someone else is an excellent way to express this. This doesn't have to be a grand gesture – even small acts of kindness can significantly impact. It could be helping neighbors with groceries, volunteering your time, or simply making someone smile.Tenor8. Cultivate patience.In this fast-paced world, patience is indeed a virtue. Understand that good things take time. Be patient with others, your goals, and, most importantly, yourself.9. Laugh out loud.Laughter really heals. Laugh at the silly things, the absurd things, and even at yourself sometimes. It's a stress reliever, mood-lifter, and a natural botox. How to laugh more often:Seek out humor intentionally. Whether it's a hilarious sitcom, a side-splitting book, or jokes from a friend, aim to have a daily dose of hilarity. Laughter may be the best medicine, but it's also the cheapest!Surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Not everyone can be a stand-up comedian, but everyone knows someone who's effortlessly funny. They're more infectious than the common cold and a lot more fun!Learn not to take life too seriously. If you spill coffee on your shirt, consider it an impromptu tie-dye session. If you trip on a flat surface, call it gravity testing. Laughter often springs from unexpected places, mainly mishaps! So get over the embarrassment and remember everyone has their share of unfortunate events. It will make a good story, you'll see.Laughing yoga. Yes, it's a thing! Laughing yoga sessions might seem silly initially, but they're a surefire way to get your giggle motor running. Plus, it's exercise – who knew laughing your socks off could help you get some abs?Giphy10. Invest your time wisely.Ever done an activity that drains you more than it refreshes you? You may have taken on multiple commitments and obligations, overextending yourself and leaving little time for self-care. How about trying to rest and feeling like you ran a marathon instead? Maybe because instead of resting your mind, you're mindlessly scrolling social media and seeing posts that rile you up. Choose activities that genuinely energize and fulfill you, and let go of those that drain your time and energy. 11. Be at peace with yourself - your past and your future.Find inner harmony by accepting and making peace with who you are and what you can't control. Embrace the lessons from your past, live fully in the present, and look forward to what lies ahead. By cultivating this mindset, you can foster a sense of tranquility and contentment within yourself, paving the way for a simpler and happier life.Leading a life without complications and unnecessary stress can be surprisingly simple and achievable. It's about making small yet powerful changes to your lifestyle, mindset, and habits. Begin with one or two of these tips, then gradually incorporate more. Because, at the end of the day, the key to a happy, simple life is a habit of constant, gentle self-improvement. It's about consciously taking small steps towards a better you. What's the best life advice you've received?
Fashion & Style Simple Things To Do To Improve Your Life Right Now 9:00 PM You may have written down the things you need to leave in the past for a lighter life journey (like I did). But how about things you need to do and bring with you? Here's a list of some simple things to do to improve your life right now. Simple Things To Do To Improve Your Life Right Now Be grateful Bring gratitude with you. I've always been a believer of the power of gratitude. It makes you a blessing magnet. Gratitude fills your heart with joy and makes you ready to receive more. It is a product of abundance mentality and changes it your perspective on life. The more grateful you are, the more you attract the things you are grateful for. That's how the universe works. (Thanks to Bo Sanchez for this wonderful idea) Be teachable Bring your openness to learning and willingness to be taught. If you believe you know everything then you stop growing. Be humble enough to know that you need other people to teach you, that each person you meet has a lesson for you to learn, that you don't know everything. Because seriously, you don't. Be an eternal student. Learn from your mistakes, learn from other people's stories and examples, learn from the expert, learn from children, learn from animals, learn from the past. Use what you have learned in making better decisions, in improving your skills and thus increasing your career value, in avoiding detours by hanging out with the wrong people and being in the wrong situations, and in speeding up your way to a better life. Be more optimistic Bring your humor and optimism. Author Elbert Hubbard said it best, "Don't take life too seriously. You'll never get out of it alive." Cut yourself some slack. Don't be too hard on yourself (a lesson I needed to learn). Learn to laugh at yourself and your boo boos. Nobody's perfect anyway. Everyone has tripped and slipped---alone or in front of a crowd. I have. Everyone has had a fashion flop history (except maybe for some like Selena Gomez and Audrey Hepburn who can't go wrong with fashion). Everyone has a flaw. You may not be perfect but you are made exactly as God intended you to be. Always remember that things work out even when you think they don't. If your life is on a detour, it is God's redirection, and not His rejection Always look at the bright side. Never lose your sense of wonder. Be more trusting Bring your faith and trust. You may not see where your path takes you. You may be struggling for so long, trying so hard, working double and you are tired and discouraged because it seems nothing is happening. Your life feels like running on a treadmill. You're exhausted but you're still stuck. But you look around and everyone around you seems to be moving forward. Like in a marathon. I know that feeling so much. Have a little faith. Never compare your story with theirs. God has a different plan for you. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9) Things will not always go your way but it always works for the best. Trust the process. Trust God's plans no matter how difficult it may seem. Remember who you are Bring your value wherever you go. Remember who you are. Never shortchange yourself. You are worth more than gold. You're worth every drop of blood and sweat of God's only Son. You are the apple of God's eyes. "The Lord will rejoice over you with gladness, He will renew you in His love." (Zephaniah 3:17) Keep your standards high. Have non-negotiables. "Never apologize for having high standards. People who really want to be in your life will rise up to meet them." (Ziad K. Abdelnour) In short, don't allow other people to treat you like crap. It's not about arrogance. It's staying true to who you are. It's about self-respect and self-love. It's about knowing you are meant to live an abundant life. Are you ready to improve your life right now? It's not that complicated. As for me, I'll be bringing a pocketful of sunshine, a heart full of hope and gratitude, and an expectant mindset. I'll also be bringing my water-resistant elegant black Zaful satchel perfect for anywhere, and my red Roman numerals Quartz watch to remind me that every minute spent on earth is precious. Simple fashion for a look that never goes out of style. What are you doing and bringing to improve your life? Satchel bag and wrist watch from Zaful Photos by Carlo Vicente Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Guest Blogger 5 Things You Can Do To Be Happier Right Now 5:55 PM 5 Things You Can Do To Be Happier Right Now Many of us believe that happiness is a destination that one must reach in order to enjoy it. We’ve been taught that happiness is that new job, that bigger salary, or that handsome/beautiful partner when in reality, true happiness comes from the inside. Since happiness is internal, you can experience it right now. The best part is that no one can take it away from you. Here are 5 simple things you can do right now to experience a little happiness today. 1. Express Gratitude Start each day by saying one thing you are thankful for. Is it your family? Is it your job? Is it your cat? Whatever it is, just express gratitude. In doing so, you slowly began to appreciate the small things that bring you joy. These little moments of gratitude become little moments of happiness. Over time, saying thank you can become a habit and ultimately lose its impact on you. Each time you thank someone, reflect on what their actions mean to you and think about the little piece of joy they have granted you. Gipher 2. Be Generous There is a saying that goes, “you make a living from what you get, but you make a life from what you give.” This saying is true. In order to feel happiness today, try being generous. You can be generous with so many things. Your time, your attention, your words, and your skills are all things that can only be found in one place in the world: YOU! Being generous is a surefire way to be happier, and you have so much to share with the world.Tenor 3. Identify One Thing You Love About You Your uniqueness is a gift worth sharing. At no point in history will there be another person quite like you. You have talents and gifts that make you special. Identify them. Are you patient? Are you empathetic? Are you dedicated to self-improvement? Find your gift and cherish it. Understanding that you are fortunate to be yourself, even in small ways, allows you to be a little happier.Gifer 4. Tell Someone One Thing You Love About Them Just as generosity brings happiness, so does kindness. When you tell someone about something special you see in them, you turn on a light for them. You let them know that they are special and that you appreciate them. This metaphorical light, in turn becomes contagious and shines unto you as well. This shining creates a feeling of accomplishment because you made someone else happy and a feeling of closeness because you’ve reminded yourself of the value another person brings into your life.GifDB 5. Smile This tip may seem mundane, but it is scientifically proven that you can alter your emotional state just by smiling. By physically acting out happiness, you can actually begin to experience it. TenorBonusSmiling is contagious. When you smile, you subconsciously give others permission to do the same. This means that you will be making others happy with your presence.Do you have a happiness trick up your sleeve? Do share! About the Author: MarQ Jeffries is a poet, writer, and lifestyle coach. You can find out more about him at www.callofliberation.com.
Listicle Monday Gratitude List 4 11:24 AM Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. -Marcel Proust Get your grateful hearts ready! Monday is here! Monday Gratitude List 4 1. I'm grateful for people like Jon Morrow. I've been benefiting a lot because of his generosity in sharing his blogging knowledge and experiences. 2. Writing keeps me sane. The world plus PMS (!) can be really really tough. Thank God writing is so therapeutic. 3. Reaping the goodness that I sow. What goes around comes around. So I make sure that I plant as many good seeds as I can. You'll never know what's going to get you someday. 4. The Word that guides me when everything seems blurry. It's like a lighthouse on a dark stormy night. 5. I am grateful for the supportive and encouraging messages I get from friends and strangers alike. Words are so powerful. It can do wonders. What are you most grateful for today? Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle Monday Gratitude List 5 12:17 PM Mon in French means "my". I declare that Monday is my day. My day to start being grateful for many things. Monday Gratitude List 5 1. My ads finally got approved! What took me so long? I was hesitant because I was thinking small. Blogging is just a hobby, I often say. Then I thought, why not profit from this thing I take pleasure in doing? So I applied for ads and after 20 days of proof that my site is often visited by people from different places, my ads finally got approved. Thank you, God! 2. Yesterday it was raining really hard and the wind was really strong. After fighting the weather with our frail umbrella, my friend and I gave in, closed it and walked in the rain. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed walking in the rain. I forgot how magical it feels. 3. Finally feeling better after almost a week of discomfort. Fever, headache, pain I couldn't quite locate where. A woman's body can get really weird sometimes. Glad it's over. 4. My business is really really really doing well. Thanks to my loyal customers who not only buy the products but also endorse them to others. I'm happy whenever they tell me how happy and satisfied they are. Profit, pleasure, purpose. Value for money! 5. Slept in last weekend. I also watched (for the nth time) one of my favorite comfort movies; Julie & Julia. I love how two lives from different generations seems to be so interconnected. I love how two women made a dent in the world by just being who they are and doing what they love, being perfectly imperfect in their roles. Most of all, I love how perfect their husbands are. Makes me hopeful that indeed Good Men Still Exist. What are you grateful for today? Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Top 10 Ranking Blog Posts In 2023 2:37 PM I looked back at my blog performance this past year and was surprised that some of my top 10 ranking blog posts in 2023 were from as far back as eight years ago. If you missed any of these, here they are! 1. 20 Things Women Do More and Better Than MenI wrote this to celebrate International Women’s Day 2015. The purpose is to highlight what women can do more or better based on studies and statistics at that time. Not to compete and say women are superior beings, which some of the comments and messages I received claim. 😅 We’re all unique and have something to bring to the table at the end of the day. Enjoy reading!2. Korean Citron Tea Health Benefits: Why I Love ItIt was serendipitous when I discovered the beautiful benefits of citron tea in 2020. I drink it for when I’m about to go down with something. It helps. A LOT. Have you tried it?3. How Would You Rate YourselfWhen I wrote this in 2016, this post was about how you perceive yourself and how to celebrate who you are. I rewrote it in 2022 to include how to answer the question during a job interview since it’s commonly asked.4. Human Nature Sunflower Oil ReviewI’ve advocated for this brand because they’re pro-Philippines, pro-poor, and pro-environment. Not only are they sustainable and supportive of farmers and small businesses, but they’re also internationally recognized and awarded. The quality is globally competitive, but they’re cheaper compared to international brands.5. I Choose to Be Happy and 7 Beautiful Choosing Happiness QuotesWritten after a breakup, this is just me rambling about choosing to be happy over being miserable. It has garnered 189k impressions since then. Just shows you how a painful experience can pave the way to something better. I’ve got my ex to thank for that, I guess. 😄 DOWNLOAD FREE 31-Day Challenge for Happiness Happens Month6. A Letter from My Future SelfThis is another desperate attempt to console myself while in the middle of mending my broken heart. When things aren’t going well in the present, it helps to look forward to what you hope for.7. My Birthday Gratitude ListFrom a heart bursting with gratitude, realizing how blessed I still am despite what I was going through that year. DOWNLOAD FREE Gratitude Affirmations8. Life Lessons from MaleficentI was pleasantly surprised that a cartoon character I was curious about from childhood had an enticing, heartbreaking story. This has reminded me that no one is inherently evil. This is still one of my favorite villain origin stories.9. 10 Signs Your Partner is a ManchildI thank my guest blogger, Tracey Clayton, for this entertaining and insightful article. Maybe it’s time to accept guest posts again. 🤔 What do you think?10. The Power of an IntrovertThe moment I discovered I am an introvert was a light bulb and an angel singing in the background moment. I finally understood why loud music and the crowd make me tired and sleepy. I embraced who I am and stopped trying to prove to people that I am not boring. 😅 Just because I love solitude and quiet doesn’t mean I’m not having fun. Top 10 Ranking Blog Posts in 2023Thank you for being part of my 2023 blogging life. These blog posts ranked because of your kind comments and quick visits. Which of these were you able to read before? I created a 2024 planner for you as my end-of-year Thank You gift. Hope you use it to create your masterpiece of life next year.GET MY FREE 2024 PLANNER
How-To Here’s How You Can Become Your Best Self In 2021 8:18 AM There’s never a better time to wipe the slate clean and start again than at the end of a year. After everything that happened in 2020, that’s especially the case this time around. The last 365 days certainly haven’t been great for many of us, but that just gives us all the more reason to approach 2021 with the determination to be our best selves. If you’re interested in how to put 2020 behind you and make the most of the next year, here are some ideas to consider. Here’s How You Can Become Your Best Self In 2021 Set Worthwhile Goals Most people set themselves goals at the start of the year, such as losing weight, taking up a new hobby, or finishing a passion project. The problem, though, is that these goals are typically less motivated by what people want to do, but rather by what they feel they have to do. It’s no good setting yourself resolutions that you aren’t completely sold on because otherwise, you’ll just end up ditching them before the end of January. Sit down and ask yourself what it is that you really want out of the year, and then focus on your goals for the next 365 days. Speak With A Therapist Too many people view vulnerability and a willingness to seek help as a weakness when it’s actually a sign of strength. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you’re struggling and allowing others to get you back on your feet. Whether you were having trouble before 2020, or the last year was the cause of it, it may be in your best interests to speak with a therapist. If you’re looking for someone with decades of experience in the Austin area, you’ll find a good match in therapist Dr. Mike Brooks. His client-centric approach to therapy will help you to break through whatever’s holding you back, so you can end 2021 feeling like you’ve conquered some of your demons. Find A Work-Life Balance If it weren’t for our jobs, a lot of people would struggle to pay the bills. However, just because work is an essential part of our lives, that doesn’t mean it should dominate our every waking moment. To be the best version of yourself in the new year, it’s important that you learn to balance your work priorities with your personal ones. You need to remember that relaxing and doing the things that you enjoy are just as important as reaching those deadlines and hitting your targets. If you find it impossible to take a step back from work during your downtime, you may want to consider whether your job is really what’s right for you or not. How can you feel truly fulfilled if you never have any time for yourself? Share Your Gratitude A lot of people went into 2020 believing that it would be the year they finally got everything that they wanted. However, by December, many of them realized just how grateful they were to have all the things that they do in their lives. All those months being locked inside and trying to stay safe during a worldwide health crisis really put a lot of things into perspective. For 2021, one of the best things you can do is hold onto that gratitude and share some of it with the world. Gratitude combats negative emotions, so if you treat every day like it's Thanksgiving, you might find the new year a lot easier to deal with than this last one. Plus, there are probably plenty of people in the same position as you who could probably do with a reason to smile. There are so many ways that you can become your best self, some of which might require more than just a new year to be realized. These are great starting points to consider for the start of 2021, though, and they should help you to find plenty of happiness and fulfillment moving forward.
