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As 2021 is quickly coming to a close, I have decided to share my best advice with all of you. I am no professional, but, as Lisa Borden (@lisaborden) explains, you can be your own best expert. In addition, the number of times that I have been around the sun, my years of experience as a parent, friend, and writer qualifies significantly.
But you be the judge because I want you to think of this blog as an all-you-can-eat-buffet.
Take what you want. Skip what you don’t. Does something doesn’t sound right to you? Is there something you want to discuss further? Ask someone that you trust and start a conversation. You never know what you will learn, especially from someone else’s opinion as you may not even like what they have to say either! If that is the case, don’t despair, and keep going. Whatever topic you want to shmooze about, you will get to the bottom of it and come to your own conclusion. And soon, you too will be your own best expert as well.
Sound good?
Ok, here we go, here is my best advice for 2022 to each and every reader who comes across my blog! My lovelies, what I want you to do is this: Take Inventory of your surroundings, prioritize self-care and trust your gut.
Beginning with the most difficult one, in my humble opinion.
This year has been a challenge for all of us, to say the least. There were definitely some hopeful and appreciative times, yet I am sure a bunch of you could point your thumb down, too.
During the difficult times, did you notice any of your friends that “didn’t show up at the party?” Meaning, when times got tough, did they scoot out of your life so fast that you could see their dust? Or did they stay, really listen, and didn’t leave your side, even if it was through a screen.
What about your job and/or the classes you are taking. I believe that what you do or study must bring you some degree of difficulty because we all know that we can do hard things because the rewards are worth every drop of sweat! However, the questions to ask yourself are: do they bring you purpose? Some degree of joy?
Or, are you turning your head to a place where you would rather be? You don’t have to know these answers, you just have to recognize that there may be a problem. And there is no shame in reaching out for help to make a transition.
When it comes to my best advice, this is one of my favourites. I used to think of self-care as something indulgent, but it isn’t. Ask anyone who works in health care.
Pick your poison. Choose any activity that allows you to let off steam and decompress. This can be anything! Alone, or with someone. Virtually or in person. You are in charge and there is no right or wrong answer. Just take the time for yourself and enjoy.
As for me? Hello, manicure! Bring on the sweat! Unmeditation! Being in here! A great book! You know I had to put that one in! 😉
I have to say, for my best advice, I love this one too! And I have to admit, It’s been so much fun practicing this lately. Trusting my gut has been helping me make tough decisions, and all I have to do is “tune in” to what my body is telling me.
How do I do this?
I sit still and feel if my body tenses or relaxes when I make a decision. If I decide to go one way and I feel at ease, yet excited due to a challenge, I move forward. If I decide to go another way and I feel a negative shift in my body, I say “nope! Not doing that.”
But don’t take my word for it, check out Ellen Levy Schwartz (@ellenlevyschwartz), who explains it beautifully in her published quote from Get Up. The Akira Concept (@theakiraconcept) also has a few words to say about trusting your gut.
There is nothing more rewarding than being able to close the door to a year of your life while carrying the lessons that you have learned into the next one. I wish all of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. As my grandmother used to say, (the one that taught me to make this cake) may you all continue to grow from strength to strength.