Looking back on my very first job after graduating from
college, I remember feeling so excited and proud of myself for landing a
full-time job. Yet, I went into it knowing that it wasn’t something that
showcased my creativity, nor did it spark any interest for me other than paying
my bills. I accepted the job because of my inability to know my worth, what I
truly want, and what I deserved.
As the months went on, I came to a dark place mentally
and was so stressed out that my job was causing me to panic regularly. I
started to lash out at my parents and yell at my partner, not realizing they
were trying to help. I was miserable and rude to other people, simply because
I’d had another terrible day at work.
I believe it’s important to recognize when your job is
causing you more stress than peace. The reason for feeling this way is
different for everyone. Still, the one thing these individuals have in common
is that they are depressed, miserable, and dread going into work every day.
Ask yourself if this is the type of life that you want
to continue living? Are you in a job that is causing you to lash out at your
partner? Are you always complaining but doing absolutely nothing about it? Are
you having panic attacks at work?
You owe it to yourself to be doing something that not
only makes you happy but also ignites your soul. It’s time to change directions
and move forward in your life because you know you deserve it
Looking back to only a couple of years ago, I was really
out of place with myself. I was so uncomfortable with my own company and
honestly didn’t like who I was. It took me a long time to get to where I am
now, and the journey wasn’t easy. Though getting to know myself has been the
most amazing feeling. Through many challenges, breakups, and some harsh
realities I had to face, I turned inward and accepted myself, for the good and
the bad. I forgave myself for mistakes in the past and moved towards a bigger
and brighter future. I still have goals and want to grow, but I accepted that
the person I am right here, right now, is enough, and I accept and love her
fully.
Maybe you feel the happiest when you are painting or
making music. Or perhaps it’s when you are teaching or helping others.
Write down what sparks your soul and what makes you so
unbelievably happy. How do you feel when you are doing whatever it is?
Don’t feel guilty for spending time alone painting or
cancelling plans to save money to take that teaching course. There will be
people who will try to convince you otherwise but know that you are in charge
of your happiness, and you are not selfish for putting yourself first. Do
whatever that thing is as often as you can because it’s during these times that
we feel our best.
How To Deal With Anxiety After A Breakup
Breakups suck. There is no sugar coating it. Whether you
dated for five months or five years, breakups are hard, sometimes
life-changing, and can take a massive toll on our mental health. It may come
unexpectedly, be a mutual decision, or something you have seen coming for a
long time. Whatever the reason may be, breakups are hard – but let me promise
you that what is coming on the other side is so much better than what is gone.
After my last break up, I was a hot mess. I was not
myself for a long-time having panic attacks regularly, depressed, loss of
appetite and every other feeling that comes with a breakup.
It’s a shitty time, and anyone who says otherwise is
lying. It isn’t easy, and it is going to take time to heal. I don’t want to sit
here and tell you that you will feel like yourself again and get back to normal
tomorrow because that’s not how it works. I’m a straight-up girl, and you will
learn that quickly about me! BUT I have gone through this, and I am here to
help you deal with your anxiety and move forward in your life.
How To Be Mindful In The Kitchen
Being in isolation over the past couple of months has
given me extra time to spend on cooking and learn new delicious recipes. Not
only has it been something I look forward to, but it has also allowed me to
practice being mindful and in the present moment.
For many people, cooking can be something you do on
autopilot. Being so unfocused and inattentive, with your mind always wandering
off from one thought to another. Though, cooking allows us to observe the mind
and be in the now. From chopping vegetables to stirring the pot, mindful
cooking will teach you not only how to be present but to cook with love.
Learning to be mindful while cooking is easier to
practice when you are alone. Next time your roommate steps out or your partner
is sleeping, dedicate that 15 minutes or hour to really immerse yourself into
the practice.
Are you someone who takes multitasking to the extreme
while cooking? Are you chopping the food while watching a movie, while texting
your friends, and really just rushing through every step? These distractions
are causing our mind to be all over the place and taking the fun out of
cooking!
Now the hard part… not being on your phone. I know this
sounds impossible to some, but you will survive without your phone for an hour.
If you have already made excuses as to why you need your phone – I am going to
help you.
How will I know the recipe? Write that shit down, my
friends. Paper and pen. Done.
But I need a timer? May I introduce you to the oven. Hit
timer. Done.
What if I get a phone call? Unlikely in that hour, but
if so, it will go to voicemail! If you are expecting a really, really important
phone call, then maybe dedicate a different time.
If you are someone who gets easily distracted, put your
phone in a completely different room, so if you do get a notification, your
mind isn’t always wandering off to who texted me or am I missing something
important? While you’re at it, turn off the TV and your music as well.
Others, like myself in the past, would hear this
question and start panicking immediately because we don’t have a fucking clue.
We don’t even know our plans for the upcoming weekend, how are we supposed to
know what we want to do, or be in five years? How DARE Susan asks that
question!
Of course, though, we smile, and acknowledge how great
of a question it is, and respond with some bullshit lie with the first thing
that comes to mind. We’ve all been there – well, I definitely have.
We don’t only get asked what our goals are in
interviews, but we hear it from family and friends and even sometimes people we
just met. It often catches us off guard and makes us feel stumped – so unsure
how to respond and quite frankly, annoyed by the question.
Get excited about having goals.
Goal setting shouldn’t be something that makes you
nervous or something you dread. Goals are what give us direction in life and
help us stay organized and on track. They are needed for us as humans to live a
happier and more fulfilled life. Whether big or small, goals help us grow,
teach us lessons, and ultimately help us reach our final destination.
Throughout my travels, I have met so many beautiful,
amazing women. When I look back on my journey, it wasn’t always the place that
made my time there so memorable, but the people I was surrounded by making me
truly feel at home. Whether it was hanging out with them for one night, or
being rommates, I am genuinely grateful for everyone I met along the way.
Allowing myself to be open to new opportunities and
immerse myself into the culture, is what enabled me to welcome in new
friendships and like-minded travellers. Not everyone I met was my best friend,
nor did I like everyone I met. Still, it’s the ones that I did create a
connection with and share those memories with that make my trip so
unforgettable.
Happiness, to me, is being able to be my true, authentic
self around people. Looking back over the past seven months and everyone that I
have met, I smile just thinking about all the memories and how truly happy I
was.
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