Enjoy the little things in life. Your smile, the voices of your loved ones, the sun rising, then it setting… all the very many multiple days you’ve gotten through and continue to enjoy. Be happy. Be you. Here are 10 ways to feel better about yourself.
1. Smile
Every day feels like a constant struggle. When there are a million roadblocks and thousands of hurdles to jump, remember the good things. Always look at the things that made you the person you are today and the people who surround you. Sometimes you’ll feel like there’s no one. Like there’s no rainbow after a storm and there’s no gold at the end of the rainbow. But there is. The first key is a smile. A smile builds overall character and will raise your self-esteem drastically.
(PC: Lara Sarett)
2. Lose the Criticism
Some people are just mean. But the biggest critic is yourself. You need to wake up in the morning look in the mirror and say “I’m Amazing”. Hoard a selfie album of yourself on your cell phone. Every time you feel down about yourself look at that album and realize how awesome you really are. When times are hard you need to realize you are not selfish for caring about yourself. If you seem like you're okay will criticizing yourself others will criticize you too. So stand up and be like “damn you fine”.
(PC: Cathy Lesser)
3. Confidence, Confidence, Confidence
There’s a huge difference between being confident and being cocky. You can be happy with yourself and proud of your accomplishments. But bragging isn't the way to do that. Post photos, show people you’re happy. Inspire people to do the same. Don’t walk around thinking you can pick up any guy or girl, but believe that you’ll find the perfect soulmate for you. Share stories with friends and be proud of your achievements but don't flaunt them as if you're better than anyone. In a world full of peacocks be an eagle, blissfully beautiful.
(PC: Lara Sarett)
4. Find Your Type of Exercise
No, you do not have to go to the gym every day to better yourself. No one needs to have a perfect body, and frankly no one ever will. Perfection isn't achievable but self-pride is. Exercise your mind by going to school or reading a book. Exercise your heart by falling in love and making friends. Exercise your health by running down the block or taking a nature walk. Sure lifting is great, but if your confident, no one should ever force you into doing something you yourself doesn't want to do. If your mind is not set on doing something then the chances of you doing the exercise wrong is catastrophic. Don’t hurt yourself in order to get healthy. Find yourself in order to be happy.
(PC: Lara Sarett)
5. Befriend Yourself First
Think you have no friends? The most important friend to have is yourself. Don’t go searching for the perfect friend. The perfect friend will come to you. Over time you’ll realize many people don’t understand you. But the people who are meant to be in your life will stick around no matter what in thrown in the way. You can never betray yourself. So remember when times are hard, you are your #1 fan. No friendship is more important then yourself. You can move on to bigger and better things alone when all else fails, you don’t need others dragging you down.
(PC: Lara Sarett)
6. Love vs. Lust
When you think you’re meant for someone but that person wants nothing to do with you, let them go. Don’t lustfully hold on to someone who don’t care about you. When the time is right to fall in love you’ll know. There will be no tugging on the heart strings it will feel easy and will happen unexpectedly. It’s a two-way street if both people are unhappy then the relationship will be just that, awful.
(PC: Lara Sarett)
7. Frolic in Food
Organic food isn’t meant for everyone. Try new things. Craving fries? Eat them. Life’s too short to worry about cheat meals. Don’t be unhappy about your food choices, fix them. You don’t have to eat healthy every single day. It’s not always about portioning either. No you shouldn’t eat McDonald’s every day unless you’re craving a six-pack of chicken nuggets instead of a six-pack of abs. But you don’t need abs, you need confidence. So if your confident and happy eating out every night. Then so be it. Don’t feel down on yourself for one bad meal, change it the next time. There’s plenty of choices out there, search for your favorite.
(PC: Lara Sarett)
8. Explore New Things
Sick of the everyday daily routine? Take an adventure. Climb mountains, make memories. No I’m not saying do illegal things. You don’t need to break the law in order make memories you’ll never forget. Although if you end up in jail, I’m sure your jail-mate will make you really remember it. But seriously, have fun. Enjoy nice days outside. Dance in the ran. Swim with the sharks, or fish. Be adventurous.
(PC: Emily Bushika)
9. Keep Your Mind Open
Being one sided is no fun. Why believe that something has to be a certain way? When new situations arise weigh all the options before jumping to conclusions. Know that every story has two sides. Every day has multiple adventures. Life is full of many memories. The mind is a sponge is absorbs everything that is taken in so only take in the stuff that is worth remembering.
(PC: Lara Sarett)
10. Lay Back, Enjoy the Ride
Now lastly, imagine you are on a deserted island. Remember when people asked what you would bring if you had to choose only five things? I hope you chose wisely. You are only getting those five things on this island. But if you chose your necessities, you’ll be happy. Remember no material things should make you happy.
(PC: Lara Sarett)
