Image via Clover Vintage
The road to self-improvement seems to be a continuous, mystical act in our lives. It’s almost as if we’re never exactly sure if we’re doing the right thing, at the right time, but we keep going in hopes that we guide ourselves in the right direction. And then next thing we know, we’re a completely different person from who we were last month, last year… Almost unidentifiable. Who was that individual? Why did they say those things? Why did they hang out with those people? These questions seem to appear in my head as I look through old photographs, old conversations, and all of which is reminiscent that comes my way. I suppose it boils down to slowly developed, small increments — our precious, overlooked hours, and the gradual evolution of self. One of my main goals in life is to become the best woman I can be. I know for certain that I still have a very long way to go, but I do try to carry my day-to-day life as a genuine, kind, caring, thoughtful person. Perhaps it was the lack of these people in my adolescent years which has shaped me into such a huge heart, or simply my innate character — I’m not certain. Whatever it is, I just want to make my life and other people’s lives as light as possible, whether they require it or not. Here are the some foolproof ways to improve your life and become a better person, which in turn, will allow your lovely energy to radiate onto others.
Practicing gratitude is possibly the utmost important virtue we can have. It helps us slow down and reminisce on our journey and the beautiful, helpful souls that have come across our paths to get us to where we are today. Whether it be an appreciation phone call, surprise flowers, or a simple prayer to emit positive energy towards our loved ones, gratitude helps us see the world differently, allowing us to open up and become more vulnerable, which allows others to express their gratitude for our gratitude. Boo yah! Chain reaction!
“This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”
– Howard W. Hunter
A clean, organized space will also create a clean, organized head space as well. Less is truly more, and once you pinpoint and recognize the necessary, you will not allow any of which doesn’t belong. This includes junk in both your physical surroundings and your mental core. Don’t know where or how to start? Here are the first 3 steps to take to become a minimalist.
“Remember, the things with which we choose to surround ourselves tell our story. Let’s hope it’s not “I choose to live in the past,” or “I can’t finish the projects I start.” Instead, let’s aim for something like, “I live lightly and gracefully, with only the objects I find functional or beautiful.”
– Francine Jay, The Joy of Less
We all come across disrespect in our lives, whether it be from our family members, coworkers, and perhaps even friends. Some of these comments can be expressed unknowingly or mistakenly, and some, sadly, out of an absence of a moral compass.
However, not everything deserves a reaction. (Unfortunately?) sometimes you have to accept people for the way they are, and not go into combat with them every single time they express their intolerance or ignorance. You have to listen to your gut and figure out whether speaking up will actually influence the rude individual to change or become a better person, or if it will only spark an unproductive, snappy retort.
In conclusion, speak up when necessary — Whether it be for yourself, or injustice around you, but understand that in some situations, it’s better to leave people to do the same lame sh*t they always do.
“Standing up for yourself doesn’t always involve verbal confrontation. Sometimes it’s about not wasting energy on people who are negative.”
– Sherry Argov
ELIMINATE NEGATIVE ENERGIES
Your space is sacred. You need to be fiercely territorial with yourself. Do not allow negative energies and individuals envelop your space. At the end of the day, your space, your well being, is all you have. You have one short life to live, don’t spend it being drained or hating your existence because of other people’s energy. Continuing a low frequency relationship is detrimental to your growth, your health, and is crushing to your spirit.
“Here’s something they don’t teach you in high school – Life is too short to waste it on trying to make things work. Stop trying to fit into a pair of jeans you bought 5 years ago; give them to a charity. Stop trying to make yourself listen to classical music; Mozart is just not your thing. Stop trying to like celery, no one likes it. It’s all a huge grown-up conspiracy. And most importantly, for the love of god, stop trying to stick around hoping people will ‘become’. He will not become kinder to you; she will not become funnier; they will not become warmer. Stop trying to change people. Either accept them and love them for who they are, or just let go and say your goodbyes. There just isn’t enough time.”
– Marina V., findingwordsforthoughts.tumblr.com
LEARN TO LAUGH AT SITUATIONS THAT WOULD NORMALLY MAKE YOU ANGRY