8 Truths I Wish I Knew Sooner (Part II)
5. Love yourself – Sometimes we are unable to love ourselves due to multiple reasons. Especially for women, there are diverse societal and cultural pressures that causes us to question our physical appearance, and by default, the extent to which we love ourselves. Just when you feel like you have lost enough weight or have purchased the most fashionable set of clothing, another product surfaces on the market and you begin to doubt yourself all over again. I’m not sure how we got to the place of feeling that we have to look a certain way in order to love ourselves or be loved. Looks will constantly change, trends will come and pass, but a woman who loves herself will always stand tall even in the midst of lack. Loving yourself does not equate selfishness, instead it involves embarking on an agenda of self-care.
If you feel better about yourself and are confident in your existence as a human being, it will reflect in how you treat others and how you let others treat you. Self-care involves rest, personal hygiene, mental wellness, healthy eating, exercising, mindful and positive engagement, self-confidence, healthy social relationships and following your passion. The more a person embarks on these things, the higher the chances of “finding oneself” and loving one’s self. Love is deeper, valuable and more expensive than the most exquisite designer clothes money can buy. Loving yourself is the greatest gift you can ever give yourself. Really, you don’t start living until you start loving yourself. So today, chose to truly love You.
6. It’s NEVER too late to fulfill your dreams – Whether you are 18 or 90, it’s never too late to fulfill your dreams. As long as you have breath in you, and you are willing and motivated, anything is possible.
7. Dream small – many times we are told to dream big. While this is an excellent idea, we can sometimes be overwhelmed with the idea of a “big dream”. We feel our accomplishments must have a worldwide impact, be announced on social media and/or solve a global crisis. While there is nothing wrong with such aspirations, I would like to indulge you to dream small as well. If possible, dream big and dream small at the same time. Dreaming small entails being cognizant of the needs around you and making a difference in your own smile way.
It could mean hugging someone, saying hello to a stranger, buying lunch for someone, spending time with an elderly person who could use some company, paying the tuition of an orphan or less privileged person, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. If we all shine a light wherever we are, the global impact will be palpable and the world would be a better place for all. So dream big, but also dream small. You may never make it to the Forbes list or any other list for that matter, but you can make it to the list of someone’s heart and that is more than enough.
8. Be Content – Humans by nature have insatiable desires so if one’s happiness is pegged upon having all needs met, true happiness will continue to elude us. This is why contentment is necessary, especially in these crazy times. Contentment does not equate complacency or mediocrity, contentment is a mental state of being. According to the Webster Dictionary definition, “it’s freedom from worry or restlessness, a peaceful satisfaction”. I must admit that it can be tough finding a balance between contentment and actively pursuing or wanting something, but those who crack the code to this delicate dance of life are the ones who make the most of their time on earth.
It is possible to have so many needs and yet be content. Perhaps we can learn a lesson or two from babies. When then cry incessantly, they are either unwell, hungry or in dire need of a diaper change. As long as those basic needs are met, they are back to their “normal self”. I have never heard of a baby crying because they were wearing inexpensive clothes. We were all babies once, but as we got older, we became encumbered with a lot of things and some of us lost our sense of contentment. We became concerned with people’s attitudes and judgements about us. Sometimes, we spend a life time trying to prove a point to others. Yet all along, the only point you need to prove is to yourself. So take time to shave away the clutter, focus on what is important for you, be thankful for whatever stage you are at, work towards your goals but be content in the process.
Till the next post, take care, be kind.
