(Re)Discovering Yourself

To start off this post, I'm going to just put this out there: if someone looks like they have all their shit together, THEY MOST LIKELY DON'T. I have to remind myself this almost every day due to the constant facade that social media portrays. It's so easy to get caught up in everyone else's life over a screen instead of trying to focus on your own betterment and growth. Not every personal success is something the whole world needs to know. Sometimes it's something you just share with your best friend, or your cat, or you just keep it to yourself. Figuring out who you are, your morals, your passions, etc. is an ongoing process that is *supposed* to be enjoyable, but sometimes there is too much pressure involved. I was recently inspired to make this post, and I hope that some of these ideas can inspire you, whether it be to make some changes or to try some new things.

1. Take out a notebook or a piece of paper and write down everything you're thinking about right this second. Read it over. Cross out the things that won't matter in five minutes. Star the things that will matter in five years.

2. Open your closet/dresser. Grab the first thing that you see, and try it on. If you don't smile while you're in it, put it in the donation pile. Repeat and continue until your wardrobe is cleaned out.

3. Create a new playlist specifically for driving. We are in cars for an ungodly amount of time during our lives; might as well make it as pleasant as possible.

4. Do something that gives you a warm feeling inside. Notice how you feel afterwards. Write that feeling on a sticky note and put it on your mirror.

5. Now do something you absolutely hate. Recognize the pain that comes with it. Now write down that adjective, ________ followed by "is temporary". Put that sticky note on your mirror too.

6. If you are employed, think about the job you're doing. Do you enjoy it at least a little bit? If you can't find anything good in it, it's time to go searching for another one (don't worry, there are plenty).

7. Pick out a water bottle that you like, and fill that shit up. Put some lemon or frozen berries inside if you're feeling fancy. Take it with you everywhere.

8. Make a Pinterest account (it's okay, you don't have to tell anyone!) Create some boards of things that inspire you. Continue to add to these when you need a creative spark. Your mind needs stimulation just as much as your body.

9. If you're thinking about someone, fucking call them or text them already. The power of a thoughtful message goes a long way, and it's so easy to do.

10. Think about something that you want to work towards, such as saving money. Set up little rewards along the way. Don't be discouraged if you fall off track - progress isn't linear!

11. Do you feel like you portray a genuine self on social media? Take a look through your accounts - delete posts if you don't like them. Post 10 photos if you love them. Shut down an account if you don't use it.

12. Tell your family and friends you love them, CONSTANTLY. I don't care if it seems like overkill; the time that you get with each person you care about is finite, and you don't know if the sun is going to even rise tomorrow.

13. Eat cake for breakfast. Make breakfast for dinner. Never feel guilty for indulging in something that you like (but remember, everything in moderation).

14. Go outside alone in your pajamas and watch the sunrise or sunset. Don't bring your phone with you. Watch the colors of the sky change in a heartbeat.

15. Take a long look at yourself in the mirror. Tell yourself one thing you like about you, even if it's small. Do not criticize yourself for scars, acne, weight, or anything else that you put under a microscope. Try and do this once a day from now on.

16. Make something. I don't care if it's food, a craft, a song, whatever you want. The hardest part is getting started.

17. Go to Target or Walgreen's or another store and get some photos developed. Put these wherever you look the most - your wall, your planner, your desk, etc.

18. Think about what you're studying right now, or what you want to study. Do you get excited thinking about it? Does it make you want to learn more? Or does it fill you with an uncertain dread? Take some new classes - see if any of them strike you.

19. Put on a movie from your childhood with your sibling(s) or just yourself. Notice how easy it is to laugh and how it brings you back. Spot the character you relate to the most.

20. Step out of your comfort zone. Stay out an hour later. Talk to someone new. Go somewhere you've never been. Do something crazy, and remember the rush of adrenaline. Chase that feeling.

Until Next Time,

Anna xxx