Keyword: Unofficial.
10.) Delete the negativity in your life
The first step to being happy is washing the slate clean. And by that, I mean forgetting about those that did you wrong and forgiving yourself for your mistakes. Ending toxic relationships can be tough, but believe me, when the past is put in the past, life gets better. Surround yourself with positive objects such as salt lamps, mugs with cute quotes on them, good smells, and every other physical item that makes you feel happy. Of course, we all have our moments of negativity, but don't get too upset about McDonald's giving you a small fry instead of a medium or someone cutting you off in traffic. Let those little issues float away and carry on with your day.
9.) Make a schedule and STICK WITH IT
Okay, I will admit I suck at this. I always start plans and never really go with them. For example, I have tried so many times to start doing a devotion and actually work out. However, when it comes time for me to do these things, I often put them off and just simply discuss the idea of doing them. DON'T do this. Procrastination ruins lives and while it is so easy to fall into, please please stay focused.
8.) Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself can be hard. Especially if you are like me and try to do a million things for a million different people and never truly focus on yourself. There is a balance of taking care of others and taking care of you. Seek that balance. Drink more water, wear comfy clothes, feel good on the inside and outside.
7.) Know that you are important
No matter who you are, I guarantee that you have people who love and support you. Reach out to those people when you are feeling lonely or need help. Never feel afraid to ask for care because that is one way you could be hurting yourself. Everything you do is valued by someone and just let that soak in.You are a precious treasure and it's time you start seeing yourself as that.
6.) Make time for fun
I have always been what many call "uptight". I hold myself to really high standards and I don't like it when I mess up or lose focus of the game plan. However, this causes a lot of stress because I get scared to live life in the moment. I have tried really hard recently to let loose and have fun. Do what is fun for you. Have a movie night or go out on the town with friends. Again, do what makes you happy.
5.) While fun is, well, fun... have time for self-reflection
I really love writing for The Odyssey because it's kind of like a really cool, super broad form of a diary. Obviously, I won't tell you who my crush is or ramble about what I've done each day, but it is definitely nice to have a comfortable space to express myself. Make a space to express yourself. Go outside and read a book. Drink tea and draw what you're feeling. Go to a yoga class or meditate if you are into that. In order to learn how to be the best you can be, you must learn yourself first. The two go hand-in-hand.
4.) Take chances
So many people say that life is about making mistakes and learning how you can fix them in the future. And while I disagree to some point, honestly, you have to know what is wrong and what is right. Now, I am not saying to get crazy and be reckless, but get out of your comfort zone and live!
3.) Embrace change
I am definitely at a crossroad in my life. Transitioning to college has been, well, certainly an experience. I say this now because at first I was very stuck in the past and scared to move on from what I knew in high school. This held me back from some opportunities to meet new people and make new friends. However, as time goes on, there are still things I am not too excited about, but I am just letting them happen. When you question your own judgement, sometimes it is okay to put your foot down, but it's always nice to see the world from a new perspective. Keep an open mind.
2.) Love more
This one is pretty simple, but sometimes can be the hardest. Love more. Love yourself more, love others more, love living more, love God more, love everything you possibly can because not everything gets enough love. I am not talking about romance, nor am I just senselessly throwing this word around, but just in general, give more love. You think you run out when things break your heart, but I promise you that you have more love stored in you to replenish the love you lost and give someone else in the world more love.
1.) Fill this in yourself.
I know you're probably thinking that I have missed something, and I want to know what you think everyone can do to truly become the best person possible.
