Three words I am carrying into this year: simple, present, consistent.
Already I find myself feeling, looking, and doing better than I ever have before.
With a history of OCD, ADHD, and an eating disorder, my thought patterns and stress coping mechanisms haven't always been the healthiest. But the journey to freedom has been well worth it. My message is simple: there is a way through life's challenges. We can learn not to act on unhealthy impulses. The key is to first go within, before responding to external factors.
First, ask yourself: "Am I keeping it simple? Does my reaction to this situation equal the level of worry I am experiencing?" Take a minute to breathe mindfully and assess before you react. Stilling the mind helps you focus on what you can and cannot control. Try keeping it simple, and watch your relationships improve.
Next ask yourself: "Am I present? Am I really listening to what is being said, to the feelings behind the words, and to the silences in between?" I often go for slow walks along the beach just for the sake of it, opening my ears and eyes to things I'd usually ignore. I journal. I play. I stretch. I pay attention to my body's cues. Our bodies are intricately designed to tell us what we need. All we have to do is not stand in the way.
My last word is consistency. Building healthy habits and achieving your goals doesn't happen overnight. It comes with practice, persistence, and patience — with yourself and those around you. Baby steps. One at a time. Do what you can, start from where you are. And no matter how many times you fall, your experience can be used to help someone else, and you will eventually rise above your challenges.
The world is experienced eight billion different ways, every single day. You get to choose how you are going to experience the beauty that has been laid out before you in this day.
Keep it simple. Stay present. Be consistent.