Throughout my adult life, I have learnt more about myself, what motivates me, what makes me thick and what drains me.
At a time, I was a person chasing an unrealistic idea of perfection and I criticised myself so harshly for everything that goes wrong in my life and in the lives of my loved ones,
"Maybe if I had done things differently".
"Maybe if I had been smart enough."
"Maybe if I had listened to that advice."
"Just maybe 'ifs', perhaps things would have turned out better if I had been a better person."
I would spiral into these thoughts over and over in my head until I would almost go insane. For this reason, I wasn't just a happy person, I was thinking along the line of perfection when I was not God Himself.
Then one day, I was being my usual gloomy self, over some failed expectations when Mom walked into my room. She sighed in exasperation because she knew that I was in that 'thingy' state again.
"Why can't you allow yourself be human for once? Humans fail, humans fall and then humans rise again, stop blaming yourself for every negative thing that happens, allow yourself breathe and be free. Live your life"
That was the 'Eureka' moment for me, that was the key I needed to get out of the doldrum of sadness, Mom had given it to me and since then I haven't looked back. Mom’s advice became a pivotal moment in my journey towards self-acceptance and positivity. By that advice, I became a better person to myself, I silenced my inner critic and replaced negative thoughts with things I admired about myself. It was a liberating realization.
Then I began to engage in the activities I loved doing, things that brought me joy and happiness. It was tough at the beginning but everything fell into place with time.
I began to practice positive affirmations in front of the mirror every morning as I got ready for the day. I would declare what I wanted for the day and hoped for the best. I always visualized something positive for the day ahead.
"You can do this, you can do that and even when perhaps things don't go my way, I can always try doing them another way.
I developed a grateful heart, seeing each day as a great privilege. I dwelled more on those things that made me happy, no matter how small. I became a more positive person and life has indeed been good, not perfect, a lot of ups and downs actually, but, good.
Most importantly I have come to love myself, flaws and all and practice kindness to myself, today and every day and having that beautiful reminder that progress, not perfection, is what matters.
Self love is truly transformative. It did wonders for me!
This is a response to the post by @thoughtfuldailypost
Staying in focus, with the Ladies Of Hive mindset. In what ways have you strived to spread thoughtfulness? Whether in your own lives... or when interacting with others? Was your focus attuned to concentrating on empowering positive life stories? Did it create a sense of encouragement, in yourself, or others? Let your readers know about this story of your life!
Thank you so much for reading.
