20 Things I’ve Done That Have Changed My Life
Since this is my first self-published blog post, I wanted to share with you all something personal to me as a way to get to know who I am as a person. These are 20 Things I've Done That Have Changed My Life. Each of these items has had an impact on my life creating the "me" that I am today. I hope you enjoy it.
Put myself out there. I lived most of my life thinking I had to hide or had to be perfect if someone did see me. Maybe it took turning 40, but I’m a pretty awesome person to know.
Drink hot lemon water in the morning. My husband calls it my “elixir”. Hot lemon water with local raw honey and apple cider vinegar. Great for digestion, skin and alkalizing.
Kicked gluten. And I’m not talking about eating packages marked “gluten free”. Those aren’t great for you either. Gluten withdrawal is not fun, in my experience, but so worth it!
Kicked dairy. I think I was born holding a block of cheddar, but it was time to say goodbye. No cow’s dairy. Ever. Looking back, I don’t think I ever should have consumed it.
Kicked sugar addiction. I’m not saying I never have sugar (hey, dark chocolate is good for you!). But the “added sugar” addiction is gone and my relationship is much different with the white stuff. It’s amazing how sweet things are once you break this habit. And, now I can have a little bit and not get crazy about it.
Went through with the divorce. Twice. I’m not supporting the demise of marriages, but these decisions taught me what I do want and what I don’t want out of my life. Sometimes moving on is the hardest and best thing you can do for yourself.
Got pretty serious about step-parenting and setting boundaries. No, I’m not their mother, but that doesn’t mean I can’t teach our young adults about rules, responsibilities and respecting family.
Stopped checking my email at night. There comes a point when losing sleep over a late-night email just isn’t worth it. The time is now.
Took my health care into my own hands. I stopped seeing Western medicine doctors – they didn’t suit my needs and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me when I was seriously sick. I was persistent, found other solutions and am back on my way to wellness and inspiring others to do the same.
Revisited my past. Seriously. You don’t ever have to forget, but its freeing to forgive and move on.
Embraced the notion that there are two very different versions to every single story. And everyone has a story. If you want yours respected, you have to respect others’ stories as well. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is thinking we know the others person’s story. It’s their truth, not yours.
Stopped punishing my body. For years, I beat up my body in an attempt to seemingly create the best me. It’s actually part of what got me sick. My body wore down. I learned there’s beauty in being comfortable in your own skin. Really, truly believing this in your core is even more beautiful.
Stopped having unrealistic expectations of where I “should” be or how I “should” look and just did me. This one is non-stop work in progress, but when I stop kicking myself along the way and embrace the journey it’s a much more rewarding process.
Began to speak my truth. And sometimes it’s not pretty. When your truth comes from your authentic sense of self, it’s part of who you are. If your truth is not respected or at least acknowledged, those aren’t your people.
Let people see me cry. This is a big one coming from the girl who is supposed to have it all together at all times (according to me). It’s ok, I cry. Sometimes it’s ugly. Most of the time it’s cathartic. Letting someone love you through a cry is healing.
Stood up for myself. Like really truly did in a way that wasn’t just to fight but in a true passionate way of knowing what I deserve (and didn’t deserve). Speaking this truth altered the course of my life.
Released the negative people and negative influences and those that made me doubt me. We all have them .. the doubters. We have enough to deal with when the negative committee gathers in our own heads, we certainly don’t need outside influences to add to it. Protect yourself from the external so the internal doesn’t get confused.
Married my best friend and love of my life. And it took me 25 years of living and lesson learning to find him again.
Lived by understanding outcomes and consequences are based on my choices. My decision to do or not to do something guides my future.
Listened for guidance. Your gut, fate, destiny, the universe, guardian angels all speak if you listen and acknowledge them. They whisper at first to see if you’re listening. If you tune in they will guide you. If you tune out, they will hit you with it anyway. There’s a difference between a gentle breeze and a storm. While it’s fun to dance in a periodic storm, it’s even more fun to live a blessed life.
