How I'm Keeping Myself Proud and Happy this Year

Things and habits I'm implementing into my life to help keep myself accountable, proud, and fulfilled.

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As I've gotten older, gone through experiences, taken the time, and put in the effort to really understand who I am, I've come to realize what habits and reminders I need to do in order to keep myself happy. As humans we all are brought up and raised from different walks of life that make us who we are. The experiences, the traumas, the highs and the lows, the ups and the downs. We are the way we are from our past.

Over winter break break I took some time for a much needed restful break. I spent time with family, friends, did some shopping, binged watch The RHOC, and hit up all my local hometown favorites. While I enjoyed my break i was ready to go back after the new year to get back to my space.

Before leaving to come back to Columbia I took some time to reflect on what I want for my life this upcoming year. What I want my life to look like within my career, my relationships, my habits, my behaviors, my faith, my health, and more. I want to wake up every morning, proud the work and effort I've put into myself. I want to go to bed proud of the work and effort I've put into myself throughout my day.

One of the biggest most common behaviors in unconfident people is they don't trust themselves. They make promises to them themselves they can keep or don't follow through with. This causes people to not trust themselves and because of this they become unconfident within themselves. When it comes to my habits and promises I make to myself I'm going to follow through. I want to and I will because I TRUST MYSELF.

These are some habits, reminders, strategies, and efforts I'm implementing into my life, this year to keep the trust I have in myself to keep me happy and healthy.

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1. Getting Back Into Therapy

   I've been there done that with therapy. I was first introduced to therapy when I suffered a pretty traumatic eating disorder at the ripe age of 13. Since then therapy has always been apart of my life since recovered. Therapy shouldn't stop just because something is over in your life. Its a continuous practice, I believe of improvement on your self and the relationships you have.

   
   

   When I was a freshman in college I got a call one day from my mom that my therapist of 4 years had passed away. To say I was in shock is an understatement. I wasn't really sad or upset, more of just shocked and unreactive because WHAT??? All of the work I had put in over the years, all of the milestones, accomplishment's, family traumas, teenage girl drama, fighting, and so much more it was just like it was gone. I felt as if time had stopped, the choice of stopping therapy was made for me, I was out of control, and there was no opportunity for me to continue improvement.

   
   

   Over the past couple a years I've dabbled in therapy but never really found someone I liked. The work that needed to be put in I wasn't disciplined enough to do and I was doing okay so it never bothered me I guess.

   
   

   However this year I have made goal to research, reach out to, and find a therapist, no excuses it is happening. Next week I have my first consultation with someone who I'm really excited to work with and hopefully improvement will be made on myself for this upcoming year.

   
   

2. Workouts that Make me Feel Good

   Working out is hard. Getting up early is hard. Looking good is hard. Not liking yourself is hard. It's all hard. People have the freedom to choose how they want to live their lives and be healthy. Some things that work for Sally might not work for Susie. However when I think about this statement I wholeheartedly believe it's true. However it's important that you find things that can keep you healthy that you enjoy.

   
   

   I have always loved hot yoga because as soon as I walk out that door I immediately feel amazing about my choice and the work I put into going. While it costs me a little bit of money it's something that makes me feel my absolute best so to me it's worth it.

   
   

   Walking. Walking. Walking. Walking is another form of therapy for me. It's a way for me to disconnect and be away from outside stressors. It's also fun to glamorize a walk with a friend by walking to get a coffee or smoothie before you tackle on your day.

   
   

   When we listen to our bodies, we find ways to move our body that we enjoy, we are more inclined to be set up for success throughout our day.

   
   

3. Eating Healthy

   There comes a point where you need to eat healthy to take care your health. No excuses. After the holidays I took a much deserved and needed break to enjoy all the holiday goodies, but now its back to grind of cleaning and healthy eating so I can feel my best.

   
   

   While eating healthy can be hard there are ways and habits I'm implementing into my life to make it easier and more enjoyable. I'm looking up fun recipes on Pinterest, TikTok, etc., making a grocery list of my needs, and meal prepping on Sunday nights. This helps me to stay organized and when I have food that is ready for me after my busy day, I'm more inclined to eat it.

4. Sticking to A Routine

   Since I am a crazy type A girlyyy routine is what keeps me from loosing my mind but it also keeps me grounded and in order. Basically that I have my shit together. My routine Monday through Friday is the same and that's the way I like it.

   
   

   When I fall out of routine I it's very hard for me focus or feel good (this is something I need to work on in therapy). Sooo in order for me to do my best I know what I need to do and that's stick to a routine that makes me feel my best productive self.

5. Rest!

   Taking a break is just as if not more important than your routine, eating healthy, and working out. Because in order to live a healthy well balanced life, rest is needed. This is also you reminder that it's okay to allow yourself a break and to not be so hard on yourself, your future self will thank you.

   
   

   In order to keep myself healthy and at my best I need to be taking care of my mental and physical well being. That is for me getting enough sleep, taking a rest day from the gym, or simply just laying in bed. While I know that when I stick with my schedule and routine I do feel my best, sometimes in order for that to happen rest is needed!

   
   

   This is a PSA for anyone struggling to allow themselves a break, you deserve it and give yourself some grace. Your routine, workout, healthy eating, etc. will all be there tomorrow!