5 Things to Quit in 2019
INHIBITIONS + INSECURITIES
For most, so much of our time is spent worrying about what other people think of us. For me, it was my appearance, my body, my work ethic, my ability, my parenting style - the list can go on! It is so easy to get wrapped up in other people’s perception of us, but why do we allow this? And how do we put a stop to it? What I’ve learned as I am wrapping up my 20’s is that there is no one else on this planet who can be a better version of me than ME, and that I was created in the exact way I was meant to be. So, why would I ever want to change this?!
GUILTY FEELINGS
Concerning EVERYTHING. Motherhood. Marriage. Friendships. Work. Home life. I was the girl in college who would feel guilty about missing a class, even though the professor gave us several “free passes” to miss class. I was the mom who felt guilty about picking her toddler up from school at 5:30PM, when she typically picks him up at 5PM. As a woman & mother, what I’ve realized is the root of most guilt in situations comes from putting ourselves over others, even if it is perfectly justifiable and/or much needed! 2018 was a major turning point for me when it came to realizing the importance of self-care and dropping feelings of guilt, and 2019 will be a continuance of this!
JUDGMENTAL THOUGHTS
Of yourself AND others. The Ugly Truth: I am not going to lie and say that I am not a judgmental person, because I am. And yes everyone, IT IS OKAY TO ADMIT THIS! As long as we recognize that it’s something that we need to change. Perfect example from 2018 for me was judging a new coworker before I even had a chance to get to know them (or speak to them!). Sounds awful doesn’t it? I completely judged them based on their demeanor + appearance. And guess what, they are now one of my favorite people to work with! Changing my outlook on judgmental thoughts this year is top priority, and should be on your list as well!
CONTROLLING PERSONALITY
Who else is a type-A, controlling, over-achieving, avid planning, organization freak?! Although these qualities can be helpful in maintaining an ever-evolving, busy lifestyle, they can also be harmful too. In grad school and at work, I would find myself trying to take control over assignments or work responsibilities, although I had others around who were just as responsible and capable. As I was finding my groove in balancing work and motherhood, I would find myself extremely overwhelmed in making sure my household was kept in extreme, pristine order, and assuming all parental responsibilities, even though my husband was there to help. Why are we like this and why do we allow life to consume us? Because we have the notion that we can handle it all on our own, and asking for help may compromise others perception of our capability. Conquer these feelings of being overwhelmed by accepting help from others, communicating, and appreciating the beauty of working together!
THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION
In every aspect of your life. So many beautiful moments are wasted trying to meet crazy societal expectations and fabricated lifestyles. As fun, amazing, and supportive the blogger community + social media can be, it is too easy to begin comparing you + your life to others. It can make you feel like your lifestyle isn’t fun enough, your clothes/make-up aren’t pretty enough, your goals/accomplishments aren’t good enough, and so many other toxic things. 2018 was a learning year for me, especially it being the first year of my blogging journey. What I’ve learned is to “cleanse” myself of these toxic feelings - unfollow, unfriend, and let go of other people that make you feel anything but supported, empowered, and valued.
I hope these tips + tricks are helpful in the pursuit of a happy, healthy, and empowered 2019!