New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

5 Things To Feel Better Now

Here’s to October and the cooler air that comes with autumn. The new season brings time to reflect and try something new.

Here are 5 things you can start today to help you navigate through this crazy thing called life. Remember, it’s about progress not perfection.

1. Be kind to yourself. Easier said than done, I know. Go easy on yourself and silence that inner critic (who needs that kind of negativity anyways). Take care of yourself so you can help take care of others. It’s not selfish, it’s self-care.
2. Be your authentic self. It’s more than your gender, your job, or any other label/category. This is who you are at your core — your true values. It requires being honest with yourself, being comfortable in your own skin, and letting go of the past. Just be you. There’s no one else like you — and that’s an awesome thing!
3. Always be curious. Read, learn, explore. I got my scuba certification at 49 and wrote my first book at 50. Take that trip, spend time with people from different backgrounds and cultures. You’re never too old to learn or try something new. It’s a big world out there — go experience it!
4. Be grateful. When we’re constantly bombarded with ads for the latest and greatest gadgets or social media posts of designer clothes and exotic vacations, it can be hard to appreciate what you already have. Studies have shown that starting your day thinking of just 3 things you’re grateful for can positively impact your mindset for the rest of your day. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and just be grateful for what you have (friends, family, health, your furry family members — whatever makes you smile).
5. Above all else, be kind. The world can always use more kindness. Traffic is crazy or someone cut in front of you? Before getting upset, put yourself in their shoes. You never know what someone else may be going through. So, hold the door open for the person behind you, let someone with only a couple items in their shopping cart check out before you, ask the barista about their day, or just smile at a stranger. Let kindness spread.

BONUS: Get outdoors. Several studies show that getting fresh air and sunlight every day can help boost your immune system and release those feel-good hormones.

And now that it’s fall, there’s nothing more beautiful than Wild and Wonderful West Virginia!