How many times do you wake up dreading to get out of bed? Life is lackluster and you have nothing to look forward to, so you will yourself to go back to sleep for 10 more minutes, five more minutes…any extra time to avoid facing the day. Then, realizing you got yourself in a predicament where you don’t have time to pack a lunch, take a shower, get dressed and put your face on…spring out of bed, rush around like a chicken with…well you know the saying…and have a hectic and crazy start to your day.
I’ve done it. I’ve gone through seasons of my life where I dreaded most days. Always wanted something more. Never happy with what I had. It didn’t matter that I have a wonderful husband who supports me in all I do…even when I am failing. It didn’t matter that I have a beautiful, warm-hearted, spirited daughter with a witty sense of humor. A job that pays well, health insurance, gas in the car, sun on my face, a roof over my head, food on the table…I could go on and on about the things I have that couldn’t pull me out of the rut I was in.
So there I was 30 years old, miserable, overweight and moody. Depressed, really…thinking terrible thoughts about myself and my life…when it hit me.
I AM SICK OF MYSELF.
It was true. I couldn’t stand to be in my own head. I was so negative and “woe is me” that I couldn’t stand being in my own company any longer. You know it is kind of like body odor…when you can smell yourself, you know it is really bad…well that is how it was with my attitude.
So I decided to make a change. One small step, day by day…one foot in front of the other. It has been about 11 months since I started making changes and I am here to tell you even the smallest changes put into practice make a HUGE difference. So if you are in the same spot I was in I have some recommendations for you:
- Be purposeful with your thoughts and actions
- Have an attitude of gratitude
- Exercise
- Cut out the junk
Be purposeful with your thoughts and actions: If you catch yourself falling into a slump of negativity change it. You’re the only one that can. How you ask? Find something that makes you happy. Listen to music, find some cute pictures online of puppies, kittens or babies to look at, give your significant other a hug for 15 seconds or more. All of these things have been proven to raise spirits…hugs can even release endorphins into your blood stream to make you feel happier…hugs and happiness – YES 🙂
When you wake up in the morning train yourself to have your first thoughts be of something you are grateful for. Once you get in the hang of it add another something, try to shoot for three things you are grateful for each day when you wake up. It doesn’t matter if you are not in the house you want, you are in a house. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have your dream job yet, you can be thankful for your connections at work. Having an attitude of gratitude will change the whole path of your day. Additionally, positive energy attracts positive energy. Being grateful is positively a way way to attract positive energy.
Exercise, oooh…I lost some of you here didn’t I? Yeah…I didn’t like to exercise either. But I am not asking you to get out and sign up for a marathon. Take a walk, 10 minutes to start. You’ll be surprised at how much happier you feel. Then pump up the pace, go longer…add some strength training. YouTube has so many options for free! Want to see some other programs that work wonders, check out DropDeadHonest’s blog post. Â She breaks down some popular programs…what they do, her take on them and if she would recommend them.
Last but not least, CUT OUT THE JUNK! Now this doesn’t necessarily mean just junk food. Although cutting out fried, processed foods will make you feel better, food isn’t all I am talking about. Junk is any and all things weighing you down. It could be habits, negative thoughts about yourself or others, gossiping, or toxic people. Toxic people is a HUGE one in my opinion! Don’t allow people to be joy suckers in your life. You deserve better. YOU DO! Tell yourself you do…right now…say it…I DESERVE BETTER. Now hold onto that and don’t let anyone steal if from you.
You are awesome. You were created for a purpose. Somewhere along the way, you lost sight of that. I’m here to help you remember it is okay to be down and out but we are going to get back on track. We are going to remember our worth. Remember who created us. Who’s image we are made in. We are fearfully and wonderfully made! Hold onto that. I have to. I hope you do to. This is my journey, how I am changing…what I have done to improve my life. I want you to join me. Are you in?
findingaprilmay 