Living Your Best Life

I am a constant work in progress. Even at forty-two, I am still figuring out who I am.  Becoming the best version of myself isn’t easy, but over the years I have discovered a few ways to live my best life.

Take Care of Yourself First

Just as we are reminded at the beginning of every flight, in the event of an emergency we must place the oxygen mask on ourselves before placing it on another.

If we cannot take care of ourselves first, we are truly incapable of taking care of others. When we value ourselves enough to consider and prioritize our needs, we can become better for others. I’ve finally learned to make time for myself and let go of what weighs me down without feeling guilty. Setting aside time for myself every day keeps me focused on the good.

How does a mom take care of herself first without feeling guilty? Great question! Don’t overthink it. I am not talking a week-long girls trip (although that sounds amazing!). Find small, meaningful ways to keep your battery charged. A quiet cup of coffee, a quick bath, a few minutes of meditation, or a chapter in a book. Don’t wait for the emergency to happen to take care of yourself first. Self-care is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Do it for you. Do it for them. Know your worth. You are the most important person in your life. Love yourself first.

Live With Purpose

I have a sign in my kitchen that reads “Be Grateful for Each New Day”. Each morning it reminds me that we are only given today. Life is what we make of it and I’ve decided to make it great. How I choose to be grateful for each day is up to me.

We have to forgive ourselves, step away from unrealistic expectations, let go of comparisons, and embrace our imperfections to live a purposeful life. Living in the moment reminds me that today is a gift. Most importantly
, it is my gift to with it what I want. And I’ve decided to make it count! Undoubtedly, the days will be dotted with challenges, endless to-do lists, and deadlines. Focus on your passion.  Be intentional and authentic. When I choose to focus on the good, I give that day purpose.  Each day I get to wake up is a day for new growth, possibility, forgiveness, and joy.

Know What’s Important

My village is important. I choose people who choose me. And it’s important to know who your people are. As I get older, it is easier to recognize the relationships that add value to your life and the ones that don’t. Eliminating the weight of toxic relationships is liberating and cathartic. This momma doesn’t have time for drama.

How I feel about myself is more important than someone else’s opinion of me. It’s okay to be human and make mistakes. Embrace your imperfections and learn the lessons the mistakes are here to teach us. Never let your mistakes or someone else define who you are.

If it’s not working for you…let it go! You know what I am talking about. The clothes that no longer fit, the job you hate, the clutter, and the pressure we put on ourselves as mothers. Do more with less. It can be incredibly difficult to realize when something is no longer working for you because it can feel like a failure. We are living our best lives when we make hard decisions that make us better versions of ourselves. Keep sight of the important things in life but know when to walk away and never look back!

Slow Down

Gretchen Rubin nailed it when she said “the days are long, but the years are short“. For me, the early years of motherhood were like watching paint dry. I left a faced-past career to be a stay-at-home mom for several years. At the time, our children were babies and my husband worked 12-hour shifts. Let me tell you, those were long days! Looking back I didn’t always appreciate that chapter of life. Now that our children are older I am constantly looking for the pause button.

When there aren’t enough hours in the day and we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, we lose the enjoyment of the moment we are in.  We forget to slow down and enjoy the time we have with each other. It’s easy to lose the big picture of life when we are caught up in the chaos. I am guilty of worrying about tomorrow instead of enjoying today.  That’s when I know it’s time to take a breath and slow down. Time somehow seems more precious the older we get.

At the End of the Day…

Each day I am on a mission to live my best life. I am focused on making decisions that impact my life in a positive way.

I encourage you to get caught up in the gift of life. Surround yourself in the silver linings. Learn the lesson. Keep your perspective. Forgive yourself. Trust your gut. Be authentic. Love who you are and the life you have.

Be intentional with your day because we only have so many.

Make each one count.