I’m totally addicted to self-development, which is both a strength and a weakness. I tend to overdose on all things self-help, love, and relationships, burying myself in e-courses, books, podcasts, and workshops. I always feel like the next thing I read/watch/listen to will be THE THING that changes everything.
The down side? All of the “research” is really just me avoiding taking action, and I realized that I’ve been in the reflection zone for too long. (I bet you’ve felt this way, too.) It’s about becoming very comfortable with being comfortable, and pushing past my comfort zone takes me a loooooong time.
Ultimately, digging in is what needed to happen. Towards the end of the year, I figured I needed to invest in a psychotherapist. Two sessions in, and I knew it was a brilliant idea (if I don’t say so, myself.) Having an unbiased view on my life was what I needed to sum up all the parts of my story in 2015. Even when it felt like I wasn’t “in action,” I actually was.
Now, I want to share all the gifts that 2015 has brought me in the hope it’ll help you in this coming year. Deal?
- Boundary Setting: Feeling guilty and selfish is a common theme that comes up amongst women who want to create healthy boundaries for themselves but don’t even really know how. I wholeheartedly recommend Terri Cole’s upcoming course called the The Real Love course. It may sound short and sweet but it’s mighty powerful! (And if a 5-week course is too much for you, sign up for her free newsletters.) Boundary setting has been such a game changer for me because it lets me honour and respect my needs, leaving me with quality time and energy for things that I actually want to do and do not feel obligated to do as I breathe a sigh of relief.
- Self Love: I know I harp on this topic all the time, but it’s because for the longest time, I didn’t realize how much of a player this has been in my growth. In order to find “true” love or love that is worthy of you, self love has to happen. It’s non negotiable. How do you foster that? Good question. Reflect, create and act. Self awareness practices help you realize what limiting beliefs are holding you back, letting you get rid of what is no longer serving you, and helping you create a list of desires so you can take action towards those desires. It’s gold. To get started, download my free Self Care and Sanctuary Kit. (I also completely support signing up with a great coach or counselor to help you through this process. You won’t regret it.)
- Explore the World: Very few things bring me as much joy as travelling and seeing the world. It’s truly awe-inspiring and wondrous. Travelling evokes surprise and inspiration within me, two feelings that bring in an element of excitement and motivation into my life. It’s definitely one of my top values and from what I’m hearing, I’m not alone in this. Making time and saving up for travels will enrich your life and help you grow. As a bonus? Surfing the web for gorgeous Airbnb houses is an outlandish amount of fun.
- Creating Rich Connections: Creating connections with like-minded people was my theme for 2015. This practice has been both deliberate and conscious, and I’m sure it’ll serve me well for a lifetime. By joining groups and tribes, learning and attending interesting workshops, and travelling to parts of the world that call to you are some ways to create rich connections. You know the quote by Jim Rohn? “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. Yup. Enuff said. That was enough to make me reevaluate my entire circle of friends.
- DIY Life Formula: What 2015 has taught me is that I am in charge of creating my own unique life rules. To be totally blunt, society’s rules just don’t really work for me. Ultimately, thinking outside the box and finding the path that works best for you is what’ll lead you to the truest happiness. (And yes, it’ll be challenging, especially with the naysayers, but it’ll also be worth it.) What I’ve learned is to pause between rule-breaking and reflect in order to learn the embedded lessons. A true testament to this formula was when the naysayers became followers. Needless to say, my heart did a joyous leap. My work here is complete.
