"Oh Lord - know yourself, know your worth." - Drake It's been a minute since I've penned a personal post, so here it goes.
For the last month or so, I've really taken the time to reflect on my worth as an individual, and how I am adequately projecting that image to the world. Being the self-aware individual that I am, I've found that re-discovery periods like these have sent me down a rabbit hole, which can sometimes make the process even more difficult. But I've learned that being open to the journey and specific about what you want are vital keys to the exploration phase.
Speaking from experience, it is uncomfortable, daunting and down right scary to look into the mirror and ask yourself, "Who are you? What's your purpose? And where in the heck are you going?" If you know me, I am my own worst critic and I tend to put and insane amount of pressure on myself. Especially when you're uncertain about what is next, it can cause you to grow anxious about everything around you. But once I've got out of my own way, I've noticed that my load is a little lighter, and I'm much more focused on the things I want to accomplish.
If you've found yourself in the re-discovery phase, here are five quick tips that have helped me put things into perspective and move forward purposefully:
- Have quiet time. This could be in the form of writing in your journal, reading, yoga, meditation, prayer or just sitting in silence. While I love hopping out the bed and turning my swag on, I've done my best the last few weeks to take a moment in the morning to sit cross-legged with my eyes closed and just breathe. No scrolling through my phone for Twitter notifications or checking emails, just taking in the silence and stillness that is around me. It centers me, and allows me to gather focus for the day.
- Kick comparison to the curb. "Comparison is the thief of joy." It's so easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others. But once you start looking over your shoulder at what the next Sally, Sue or Sam is doing, you lose sight of what it is you're supposed to be doing. While it's good to look up from your every once in a while, it's important to stay focused and keep pushing forward.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Yes, it is okay to ask people for help when you are in the midst of a struggle moment. I've said this time and time again, and have to constantly remember to take my own advice! Those that love and care about you want to see you succeed! I'm stubborn as all get out (I'm working on it, lol) but what I've learned is that the worst thing someone can tell you is "no." And when they do, keep asking until you get a "yes." It doesn't make you less that or weak to raise your hand. I've learned this the hard way several times and now that I know, I want to encourage you to not be afraid to raise your voice when you don't know the answers.
- It's okay to say no. The moment you realize what you truly want, you'll be surprised at how many opportunities pop up in front of you. Most of them will be good, but others could simply be distractions that could slow you down. Maintaining specificity is like self-discipline - once you've set your sights on a goal, you don't want to let anyone or anything move you away from it. I've learned that if something doesn't feel right, I'm not even going to take a step toward it. Say thanks, but no thanks, and keep on trucking baby!
- Let it go. Anything that has happened in the past can and will not define who you are. Take the lessons learned, apply them to where you are now, and continue to move forward with your head held high. Letting go doesn't just mean physically detaching yourself from things and people, but it also means releasing toxic thoughts. Negativity is a TRAP, so it's vital in this season to surround yourself with people and things that are only going to lift you higher.
I'm a firm believer in speaking things into existence, so speak positivity and life over your situation! Trouble don't last always and the best is always yet to come.
Here's to an amazing rest of the week!
Chasity