I had a little treat myself moment yesterday.
A delightful, refreshing, and much needed treat.
It didn't take much. After months of working seven days a week, eight hours a day, and spending any and all spare time trying to nap, cook, commute, and catch up on some private time, I decided that I was long overdue for a little pampering.
So I booked the appointment, a simple hair appointment for a casual Sunday afternoon.
Not only did it give me a new look and boost my self-confidence, but it ended up setting the precedent for a change in lifestyle, something I've been needing for quite some time.
I'm well aware of the fact that it's been a hot minute since I last caught up with you, and to be totally and completely honest, it's mainly due to the fact that I've been coming to terms with some... personal issues.
Like that doesn't sound inconspicuous or anything.
What those "personal issues" are, I have yet to discover, but I do know that they're the types of things that have been causing me doubt, uncertainty, insecurity, and they've enabled my emotions to ride at a particularly off balance level.
Writing, as I've told you time and time again, has always been a process that heals me. My fingers fly across the keyboard and as my situations come to life on screen, I find peace in whatever I'm going through once my words appear before me.
Lately though? It hasn't been helping as much as it used to.
I’ve found myself at a loss as to how to positively finish a post when I doubt that the outcome will end positively. So I feel conflicted, not wanting to encourage and inspire people how to feel better about things, when I can’t even believe them for myself. And due to these clashing thoughts, I've decided to take time off and step back and do some soul searching.
Now, however, I can proudly share with you some secrets that have already helped me establish a healthier lifestyle and better outlook on life. Little steps I've taken in order to work through said mysterious issues.
First, I wrote a list. You know me, I have to see things on paper! On that list were various choices I knew would positively impact my life and make my days more productive and enriching.
The first was easy, and obvious: cut back on work. Yeah working 54 hours a week is a proud number that makes me feel like an adult in the working world, but it honestly isn’t worth the exhaustion and stress that comes out of spending that much time working and not enough time focusing on me.
The second had to do with saying no. Saying no to going out when I didn’t want to, saying no to certain situations in which I had previously been a doormat on, and saying no to anything that didn’t positively boost my spirits.
The third was communicating more, not just with myself, but with others. Opening up to friends, seeing someone professionally, anything that would allow me an opportunity to not harbor unhealthy thoughts and feelings inside.
The last was self care. This meant taking the time to go hiking, buying myself treats that would make me happy (which could be something as simple as buying myself more pillows), and not being shameful about being selfish every once in a while.
I've seen a difference already, albeit there's still lots of work to be done. I've always valued my honesty with you and I feel invigorated at these steps I've taken towards my self-care and knocking down whatever these personal issues are.
And all the while, I've got a killer new 'do to accompany me...
