New Year. New Me? Maybe…
New Year. New You. It’s everywhere. Lose weight now! Find romance today! Start the year fresh with X, Y, or Z change! It’s exhausting at times. For me, the start of a new year is just as good a time as any to take a moment to reflect on what happened the previous year and start planning for the upcoming year.
As I approach a milestone birthday this year (it’s the big 50, in case you were curious), I’ve started thinking about my own experiences. Here are 5 things I try to practice every day to help me navigate through this crazy thing called life. Believe me, it’s a work in progress.
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 decided to go to graduate school as my youngest was finishing her senior year of college. We both recently got our scuba diving certifications and my mom is learning how to knit at 78. You are never too old to learn or try something new. It’s a big world out there — go experience it!
4. Be grateful. In a time 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. This one can be hard for me, especially before coffee. Traffic is crazy? 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.
What else would you add?
