Another year has come and gone. And with it, many ups and downs, wins and losses. But, we are moving on. I’m definitely an advocate for taking lessons with you in the new year, once you have properly learned them. What I am not for (although I have done previously), is continuing to beat myself up for past mistakes.
Let it Go!
So the first thing we have to do to live our best lives in 2018 is to stop crucifying ourselves for previous mistakes. We’ve all done things we shouldn’t have, said things we cannot take back and been in relationships that we knew were toxic. But that is all in the past. We are learning, growing and becoming wiser with every new opportunity.
So give yourself a bit of grace, learn to forgive others as well as yourself and MOVE ON.
Stop The Comparison Game.
I don’t consider myself a jealous person at all. I’m so happy when other people are winning, especially other women. I have to admit though, every once in a while, while scrolling through Instagram, I find myself playing the comparison game. Why is her business seemingly more successful? I wish I could have clear skin like her, etc. Then, I snap back into reality. Crystal-Marie, what are you thinking? You cannot compare your life to someone’s retouched highlight real. So use social media for what it is – an awesome tool to connect with and be inspired by people you would otherwise not get to meet. But don’t get distracted comparing your purpose and path with someone else’s.
Let Your Haters Be Your Motivators!
On the flip side of that coin – stop caring about what other people think! I don’t know how many times I have let something someone said stop me from pursuing a goal or just discourage me altogether. Misery loves company. Believe it or not there are people who don’t want to see you winning. They have their reasons. But their reasons don’t matter! In this new year and beyond we are going to stop letting other people project their fears and jealousy on us. Pursue greatness in the face of adversity and become an inspiration to those same people who said you couldn’t do it!
Get Your Self-Esteem in Check.
Some seeds were planted in planted in 2017 that are going to sprout up good fruit in 2018. This is going to call us into a higher level of self-esteem. We cannot afford to play it small! So we won’t. Be honest, you’ve played it small in some areas of life. You know you have that super awesome business idea and you spent all last year talking yourself out of pursuing. Well sis…this year dare to be fearless! Pursue your dreams and goals as if someone’s life is depending on it. Because someone’s life IS depending on it! Someone is waiting to be inspired. Waiting to see you succeed. So that they too can have the courage to believe in themselves. Courage is contagious! Spread it like wildfire!
Get Your Look and Emotions Together!
While we’re letting go of past mistakes, stopping the comparison game, not caring what other people think and fearlessly pursuing our goals, we must do all these things while keeping ourselves mentally and physically healthy. This is the foundation of living our best lives in 2018. We absolutely cannot do that if our physical bodies are weak and our spirit is constantly wavering.
I’ve gained some serious pounds in the last year. I cannot tell you how discouraging it has been for me to look in the mirror. But, I had to LET IT GO because it was taking a toll on my mental health. So my first step was to buy clothes that fit me well. Because looking in the mirror at clothes that were six sizes too small was not helping. And honestly, after buying clothes that are my fabulous new plus size, I look and feel so much better. Do I want to stay this size? No! But while I am, I want to look and feel my best. You cannot help anyone else if you are not taking care of yourself first. Appearance opens a lot of doors so use it for what it’s worth. When you look good on the outside you will feel better on the inside and vice versa.
I’ve also been doing a lot of praying and talking to God lately. This has me more at peace. Peace in my heart has led to more clarity and creativity which in turn has made me also pay appropriate attention to my outer appearance, made me more patient with myself and others and given me joy beyond explanation. Honestly, your inner peace and physical health go hand-in-hand. So this year, let’s live our best lives by getting our inner peace and health together.
We each have a purpose and we fit into God’s plan. He has something tailor-made for us to do that is amazing. To do what He has planned for us, we’re going to have to level up in many areas of our life. Day by day, little by little. We are going to make progress on our growth. I’m rooting for you to live your best life in 2018!
Are you rooting for you?
Share your tips to living your best life in 2018. Email The Diva Inc. Magazine at [email protected] or snail mail us at: PO BOX 1353, Palo Alto, CA 94302.
