Staying true to ourselves how hard it can be

The hardest things in life are the most rewarding, right? Why is this so? I used to feel guilty for thinking that what was happening in my life was major, when I compared myself to others around the world and what they were being faced with.  I now know that each of our paths is equally as important as the others. Situations and levels of severity are a perception.   

Only we can be the judge of our experiences. This is what makes us accountable.  Staying true to yourself means: knowing that what you are wanting, thinking or feeling is right for you no matter what anyone else thinks. There are no “supposed to” in being true to yourself.

Once we travel over to supposed to land, we are then living in fear.  Fear of not being loved or accepted. This life is for us to enjoy the way we want to.  If that means working at Starbucks, living in a hut in the middle of nowhere or becoming a lawyer.  As long as you are happy that’s all that matters.

No one idea is better than another because no matter what you choose it is authentic to you and your journey. By choosing your path which is in line with your values, hopes and dreams, you are inspiring others to step out of their own "supposed to land."

How lucky are we, if we are reading this post and are in a position to have the options and freedom to do whatever we wish in this life of ours. There are so many people struggling to have food and a place to sleep. If you have the freedom of not living in war or poverty you are a few steps ahead in being able to make different choices for yourself and your life.

For me I found that starting with these few simple tasks lead me to knowing what was true to my path. 

 

 1)   What do I need right now? Am I hungry, tired, or lonely?

 2)  What can I do to give myself what I need?

 3)  Think about how you spend your day, is it in line with your values? Or are you doing what you need to survive?

 4)  Is this person or relationship I am in, helping me or the other person remain a victim or a hero? (Remember whenever there is one there is the other.  Supporting the people we love is important, yes, but when we need to continue to be a victim to get our needs met we are not helping each other. This keeps us in fight or flight mode.)

Once we begin to take responsibility for our feelings and life circumstances we can then decide what is best for us. The better we are, the more we can be there for the people we love. By loving yourself and following your true path, others around you will have the courage to do the same.

 

Better Late Than Never

Does this sound familiar? "I wanted to stick to this new workout plan" or "to be there for myself like I said I would", but…  "I just could not do it"! Maybe I will never change. “Why is it so hard?” Have you carried some characteristics over into this year that you thought you were done with? Or are you just carrying some old habits that you can't seem to shake?  You know, the old familiar patterns.  Procrastinating or falling back into some old habits that we no longer need is something everyone does at times.

Better late than never is a common phrase and one I have adopted as a new mantra. 2016 started with a bang, feeling great! Then out of nowhere some old familiar patterns crept in. At first, I was disappointed and was left feeling a little undefeated. Wondering great, are these qualities about myself that I have to accept as just me?  Then along came the phrase “better late than never!”

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/19-motivational-quotes-from-albert-einstein.html

How this works:

1. You see yourself acting in a way that you swore you never would again, dammit!     
2.   Allow the feeling to play out 
3.  Then you can say, “what if I do this the way I know it should be done?”
4.  Do not let others opinions of you get in the way
5.   Do not let your thoughts of, "it is too late I will wait until next time."
6.   Do what you would do if it meant doing the right thing, act it out

    

It is most frustrating feeling out of control with your life.  It is never too late to do what is best for you or someone else. We can always turn things around and start fresh by doing the right thing. How liberating, it does not need to be this way. A lot of people have taken control of their lives by giving themselves a break.

21 days to change a habit is a common myth.  According to Phillippa Lally who is a health psychology researcher says, "it takes more than two months before a new behavior becomes automatic -- 66 days to be exact."   Having a strategy to help you get back to your goal can be helpful.  Writing goals down is a way to keep yourself accountable. Also planning a reward for yourself once you have reached your goal is a great way to stay motivated. Good luck with reaching those goals:)