top five game changers

What are the five most significant things that got me to where I am today? And what the hell are things? So, today I would like to talk to you not only about where I am at but what got me here. I really did some deep thinking on the aspects of my life that have had the greatest impact and how I could explain them in a way to help others. These are tips, habits, mindsets, and so much more. I spent so long trying to get better and nothing worked but I was able to come up with five aspects that finally did work. I just hope they might help you, too.

1.     Atomic habits

Isn’t this a book? Well, yes, and a really good one at that. Atomic habits by James Clear changed my life and the way I looked at habits. The book is a guide to habits and how you can conquer them. I dream of implementing new habits into my life but for so long, it rarely went past the daydream. When I learned (reading this book) that I was simply doing it all wrong, it changed my life. First off, start small. You can’t improve a habit until one is actually implemented. What does this mean? Well, since I want to exercise more, I started with ten-minute walks. Everyday. When forming habits, the quantity is much more important than the quality. Eventually, you add more time, and the habit turns into twenty-minute walks and then at some point, even a mile run. It takes time to bulk up a habit and it’s so important to first make it easy to do so then you will actually do it (even after the starting motivation is gone). The greatest take away? You can conquer habits. Read the book!!!!!

2.     Patience

At the beginning of my healing journey, I honestly had no patience. All the advice I got from doctors involved a long term pay out where I was looking for a quick fix (which is why I would turn to drugs or food or fucking TikTok). I’m a dreamer and I dream BIG, but I was always disheartened at the slow pace of achieving your goals. Until I learned patience. With patience, anything is possible. Time doesn’t matter. You know you’re going to get where you need to be, and the stress of an immediate solution doesn’t quite matter anymore. It did take me a long time to get there, but now, I can be patient with my rewards and it’s such a better feeling than the thrill of immediacy.

3.     Talk to yourself

In the mirror, in your head, out loud!!! Talk to yourself. Get to know yourself. Respond to those intrusive thoughts. Tell yourself to calm down. Give the advice that you need. Finding my voice in the sea of my brain was so important to my recovery. Every time I found myself annoyed that no one understand, I was there. Whenever I felt guilty about something I never told anyone, I was there. During the sleepless nights racked with anxiety, I was there. With each and every one of my panic attacks, I was there. It all helped me to figure something out- I am expert on myself. I know what I need. I fully understand my situation. And I know just the right thing to say. So, I talk to myself, and I’m kind, gentle, and exactly what I need in every situation.

4.     Routine

How important is this? Very important. I thrive on a fucking routine. I honestly have no idea how I functioned without knowing what I was going to do each day. I feel it on the days I skip my routine and the contrast between days is so stark. What’s the first step? Find a way to organize yourself. This could be a planner that you’ll actually use, a system of writing lists, or just writing a simple morning, evening, or nighttime routine. Find your groove. I would get lost on the internet’s advice and I think it’s important to say that it took a lot of trying before I nailed a routine. It has to fit your personality, habits, and brain waves. Everyone is so different in that regard. But finding a routine that works will change your life.

5.     Brain dumps

For months now, I have been getting to work an hour early and doing brain dumps. It has changed my entire life. It started out so simply- a new notebook and a few tasks taking up brain space. But it has turned into so much more. Now, I literally sit down and write anything and everything that comes to my brain. Projects, tasks, and reminders, but also encouragement, advice, and quotes. I completely empty my brain into the pages of a notebook. It’s only been a few months, but the notebook is almost filled out. You don’t even have to look at the brain dump again. It’s just about clearing your head. And I swear, it will change your life.

I hope this helps you on your healing journey! Talk to you soon.

Xoxo