Lifestyle

After two months of silence, I’m back.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve tried to write a blog post over the past couple of weeks. The whole beginning of 2020 has honestly been the worst. If it’s not one thing it’s another. I was able to push out a few posts the first month but then my creative block completely took over. Then of course when I was finally pushing through and implementing my tips to get my creative juices flowing again, I received news that broke me. One of my best friends had passed and I had to go through the motions of grief. I feel like I totally lost myself there for a bit.

I’ve mentioned in previous posts that writing is my escape and is that one thing that gives me a purpose in life. After being down for so long, I knew I needed to get back out there. I feel like I’m in a much better headspace and just writing this paragraph is sparking something inside me. Although, when I’m writing this, the world is going through chaos. The coronavirus is spreading, people are panicking, schools/jobs are closed, and there are people who have just lost a loved one. The world is still a dark place and I know people probably are going through a rough time. So I’m taking my experience lately and I’m giving you all 10 things that I hope will help you find yourself.

Start a list of things you love about yourself.

When you’re not feeling like yourself, you often forget about all of the amazing qualities you have. Sit down and just start writing down everything you love about yourself. You’ll soon remember how awesome you are. Need some inspiration? Check out my list of Positive Affirmations!

Start a list of things you could improve on and how you can improve.

Improving ourselves is just as important as recognizing what we’re good at. What’s one area in your life that you could improve? If your mind is drawing a blank, here are some common areas I feel like we can always improve upon.

• Procrastination
• Standing up for ourselves
• Keeping up with a regular exercise routine
• Making and keeping goals
• Going to bed earlier
• Eating healthier

Remember, when recognizing what we can improve on shouldn’t make you feel less than. As humans, we always have room to improve and that just makes us better!

Start journaling. Get your thoughts out.

Even if writing isn’t something you’re a fan of, getting your thoughts down is important. We often just stay stuck inside our heads. The problem is, it can be a jumbled mess up there. At least that’s the case with me and I know I’m not the only one. I find writing my thoughts down (no matter how it comes out) is freeing. I find so much more clarity in my feelings and I feel a lot better after.

Of course, journaling may not be for everyone but I encourage you to just try it for a few days. Here’s an example of what it could look like:

“Today I felt _____. This is what made me feel that way _____.”

Practice healthy habits

For an entire week, my butt was pretty much glued to the couch and eyes stuck on Netflix. I was the ultimate couch potato feeling sorry for myself. Finally, I realized how gross being so lazy and unhealthy was making me feel. So I started by drinking more water. Then I started taking my daily vitamins. I started going on walks. I started working out again. Finally, I felt more energized and more motivated to just live life.

Practice these healthy habits:

• Eating healthier
• Exercise (even if it’s just a walk)
• Take your vitamins
• Drink more water
• Practice having a positive mindset

Challenge yourself

One thing I like to do often is challenge myself. This doesn’t have to be anything complex. For example, when I’m working out, I may challenge myself to do 20 sit-ups instead of my usual 15. Maybe it’s drinking an extra cup of water a day. How about writing a blog post with over 1,000 words when your usual length is around 500? When you challenge yourself and exceed your expectations, it’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment.

Change it up

Changing things up in my life is probably one of my favorite ways to get out of a funk. Sometimes we fall into a routine and life doesn’t seem exciting anymore. Changing something in our lives can spark some inspiration that we need. Some ideas are:

• Get your nails done
• Get your hair done
• Redecorate your house
• Get a new wardrobe
• Make a new friend
• Start a new hobby

Choose a new skill to practice

Expanding your skillset is something we all should be doing. There is so much to learn at all times and we’re really doing ourselves a favor when practicing something new. One benefit is, you won’t have a reason to be bored. Another is, this may open more opportunities for you in life. For example, if you succeed in a foreign language, you can help tutor others or take advantage of it job-wise.

Some ideas for new skills to practice:

• A new language
• Writing
• An instrument
• Public speaking
• Gardening
• Photography
• Graphic Design

Forgive yourself for things you’re holding onto.

This one has been the most important to me lately. When I first learned about my friends death, I beat myself up for the first couple of days. I kept thinking about what I could have done differently in our friendship. It’s such a human thing to beat ourselves up over something we cannot control. That’s what we need to remember though – we often have no control over what happens.

Forgive yourself. Let go of the negative and let the positive take over.

Hang out with friends and family

When we’re feeling lost and not ourselves, we tend to isolate. It’s easy because you won’t have to talk about things or put on a fake smile but when you’re surrounding yourself with the right people, you’ll find that it’s more helpful than you think. Whether it’s having a movie night or going on a shopping trip, surrounding yourself with people might make you feel less alone and give you a little bit more purpose in life. You do have people who care about you so embrace them.

Do what you’re passionate about.

Writing is my passion. Creating content is my passion. Sharing helpful info or just a random story to an audience is what I love to do. When I stepped away from it all, that’s when I felt lost the most. Whatever your passion is, keep going and don’t get in the habit of not doing it.

It will get better.

As I end this blog post, I want all of you to know that it will get better. No matter what is happening around the world or in your personal life, it will get better. If you’re feeling lost, you’ll find yourself again. Don’t give up.

Lots of love.