Stop Waiting to Love Your Life

Are you waiting to love your life? Are you waiting for a raise, more time, tomorrow to arrive, or a “sign”? I hope not, because sometimes the thing that prompts you to finally take action is a tragedy. I am not trying to be dramatic – in fact, quite the opposite! I want to share the message that there is no better time to love your life than now, even if things are challenging. 

Finding Space for Happiness

I try to be positive most of the time, which can be difficult when events are out of my control. Since May 2019, my family and I have experienced trauma four times; in fact, we are in the midst of one of those traumas right now. It takes a lot of work some days, but I am proud to share the tools that have allowed me to find space for happiness even on the darkest of days. 

1. Look for the silver lining. Even in the most stressful situation, look for the tiniest sliver of hope, positive aspect, or goodness. This isn’t meant to downplay what you are going through, but to give you something positive to hold on to. A memory? A lesson? There is always something. 
2. Treat yourself with kindness. When you feel drained, exhausted, and in a complete fog, treat yourself with the generosity and kindness that you would give to others. Be okay with needing extra sleep. Take a nap. Understand that you might not accomplish as much at home or work as you usually would. And know that it is okay to ask for help.
3. Fuel your body. When I am under stress, the first thing to go is my appetite (or I find myself eating a whole bag of salt and vinegar chips). But when I don’t eat properly, my mood and energy get even worse. Eating healthy, nutritious foods (including veggies and protein) will help you heal faster, even if you are only eating small snacks instead of hearty meals for awhile. 
4. Keep moving. During stressful times, it is okay to not maintain your regular level of fitness. You may feel anxious, tired, and not like doing anything but sleep. But our bodies are meant to move, and going for a walk outside is the perfect way to clear your mind or take time to think. Plus, the fresh air and movement will boost your endorphins.
5. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. When you are struggling, you need people who care about you, and who you care about. Surrounding yourself with positive people is also so important. This past year, I’ve learned to let go of those that drained my energy and brought negativity in my life. It is so much easier to love your life when those around you love theirs, too. 

I am not a therapist, but these tools have helped me through the roughest year in my life. I have felt sad, angry, and depressed at times – but I have also found time to heal, grow, and still laugh! I have figured out what is important in my life, and I know that I want to love my life, even when things are hard.

Are You Waiting to Love Your Life?

While I was going through all of this, I considered everything I had been “putting off” and made changes to bring more happiness to my life. 

How about you? Are you enjoying every day? Are you taking care of yourself? 

Why Wait To:

• Do the things you dream of doing?  
• Spend time with friends and family?
• Take better care of yourself? 
• See doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals?

Why Waste Time: 

• Worrying about what others think of you?
• Judging others?
• Stressing about little things that really won’t matter in a few hours, days, or next year?
• Making things more complicated than they have to be?

I know that life isn’t sunshine and rainbows, and I believe that it is important to work hard at whatever you do. But balance is so important! I encourage you to include fitness and nutrition into your balance (because that’s what I do in my career!), but also to find a happy rhythm in your life. 

If you get anything from this at all, please don’t put off enjoying experiences with those you love, because that is what you will look back on and remember.