Let's be real for a moment, life is hard...for all of us. Sit back for a moment and truly think about everything we encounter every single day. Sitting in traffic, spilling your coffee, debt (lots of debt), final exams, work, bills, bills, bills. And if that wasn't enough there are cringe-worthy events that are happening in this world every day that are a lot more serious than us spilling our coffee; bombings, shootings, and now racist snap-chats on college campuses! When is enough, enough? How do we all realize that we are not here in this world for very long and need to make the best of our precious time?
If you are anything like me, you most likely put every other facet of your life first, before yourself. Well STOP! I know it seems selfish but it has to happen. Some people see self-care as they see flossing, you know your supposed to do it, but never really do. The best way to keep our lives on track is to remember, this is our life, and it is the only chance we got.
I would love for us all to have a one-way ticket to smooth sailing for the rest of our lives, but that's not the way the cookie crumbles. Life is tough but we are going to survive it, together. Here is a list of things you can do RIGHT NOW, to start showing yourselves some love:
1. De-clutter
I know you think you need that sparkly-sequined skirt from 3 summers ago, but trust me, you don't. De-cluttering your closet, your desk, your make-up, anything, will make you feel lighter almost instantly. Plus, brownie points for donating!
2. Watch Your Favorite Movie
Okay, Okay, so I might have seen Beauty & the Best 72 times, or any Disney movie for that matter. But c'mon can you blame me? Besides now I can very poorly sing any Disney song word for word at the drop of a hat.
3.Take a Bubble Bath
There is nothing like an old-fashioned bubble bath. Heck, use the awesome-smelling kids bubble bath! It smells amazing and you'll have plenty of bubbles to make a beard with!
4. Turn off the Phone
Let's face it, our phones, laptops, and all other electronics have become our best friends. Some of us admit to being lost without them. Sometimes it is AMAZING to unplug. You will feel so free not knowing what the rest of the world is up to this very minute.
5. Be Grateful
As much as there are a lot of negative things in this world, we have a lot to be happy about too. Take a moment to write a list of 10 things you are grateful to have in your life. It could be family, pets, or even the delicious cup of coffee every morning.
6. Vitamin D, lots of it
As the beautiful weather of Fall approaches now is the perfect time to step outside and just take a deep breath. Pretend you are 6 years old again and lay on best hill you can find and just look up to stare at the clouds.
7. Try a new Recipe
Whether it's a hot apple pie, or an awesome healthy dinner, cooking a brand new meal will definitely help balance the soul. Grab one of those Pinterest recipes you saved and go for it! Even if you burn the whole meal, it will still be a funny story to tell!
8. Be Thankful
Take a moment to write a good old-fashion Thank You Note. Thank You Notes have become somewhat outdated and it is time to bring them back. Thank someone for the coffee they brought you, or helping you on a project, or for just being in your life!
9. Create a Vision Board
There is something about planning for our futures that really give us a fresh new perspective. Write a list or make a new Pinterest Board or even tape some pictures to your wall of some goals you would like to achieve in your future. Long term or short term! It could be that adventurous trip you've been wanting to go on, or that new car you were saving for, anything you wish!
10. Try Something New
Most of the time when we get out there and face our fears, a positive experience comes from it. Try something you have never done before, go to the movies alone, hike in a new spot, try a new food, or talk to someone new!
11. Buy Fresh Flowers
I absolutely love a fresh bouquet of flowers in my room. It completely brightens up my day and looks so pretty! They will probably look even more special knowing you bought them just for you.
12. Go For a Drive
I do my absolute best thinking while driving. A long drive is definitely a good time for some self-love and life evaluating thoughts.
13. Go For a Walk, a Long One
This is a win-win situation, you'll get your dose of vitamin D, fresh air, and some quality you time. If your feeling energetic feel free to turn it into a long run or jog! Then you will really get those endorphins!
14. Volunteer
Let's be honest, as much as we complain, there are a lot of people in this world that have it worse off than we do. Volunteering is a great slice of humble pie.
15. Give a Compliment
Everyone deserves a little love, especially ourselves. The great thing about compliments is that not only do they make the other person feel good, they make you feel great as well! Who doesn't love spreading around love and peace?
