If you’re reading this, you probably have a desire to maintain a
positive perspective on life. You get up everyday with the intention of
living your life to the fullest. You don’t want drama or chaos to
invade your mind. But you have some regrets – and surely some bad
habits as well. You’re constantly having to make choices and sometimes
it’s hard to keep yourself happy without disappointing others and vice
versa.
I’d like to share eight principles to help you simplify your life and
live mindfully. The key to living without regret is being true to
yourself – plain and simple. Everything falls into place after that.
Save. We all know that rainy days are sure to come
but knowing that you have a nest egg to fall back on is immensely
comforting. A disciplined approach to saving will do wonders for your
peace of mind. Even if you can only save five dollars here and there, be
consistent about it and increase the amount when you can.
Spend. Don’t take yourself so seriously that you save
all of your fun for some far off day in the future. Why not appreciate
your hard work now? Treat yourself every now and then. Wear your sexy
panties, just because. Save up and buy yourself a designer bag, just
because.
Be honest. First and foremost, know thyself. Then,
say what you need to say. Ask what you need to ask. Don’t be afraid to
change your mind and speak up about it. Wave your flag confidently, no
matter what color it is.
Go to the doctor. Nothing is more distracting than an
ignored health concern. Don’t put yourself at risk because you are
afraid of what you will find out. Stick to your periodic wellness
visits and have problems checked out promptly.
Stay in touch. I’m sure you’re busy. I know that I
am. Don’t get so busy that you forget to connect with your loved ones.
Tomorrow isn’t promised.
Don’t procrastinate. Unfinished tasks cause
unnecessary stress. How many times have you waited until the last
minute to do something and realized that you need more time? Or
that the resources you need are now gone? For me, this has been one of
the most difficult habits to break. I struggle with this on a regular
basis. Got any tips?
Don’t overpromise. Be realistic about your
priorities. You can’t put yourself at the mercy of what everyone else
needs from you. If you don’t have boundaries and a good amount of
self-awareness, you will end up disappointing yourself and others.
Forgive and let go. The biggest distraction
from today’s joy is the pain of yesterday. How much time do we waste
feeling victimized? Plotting revenge? When you forgive, you are
proving that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Yes, pain does
indeed change you. It makes you more beautiful, if you let it.
is co-authored by Kim Jackson and GG Renee with the intention of
connecting with women through messages of self-love and personal
freedom. We believe that true beauty starts on the inside and radiates
outward, so maintaining emotional health and balance should be an
essential part of every woman’s beauty regimen. We use this platform
as an opportunity to share our personal experiences, and to help other
women who are seeking guidance to find their own truths and live
fabulously.
Damn all of this is on point!! Great article.
Ashley L
I'm definitely trying to do a lot of these things right now. Right now all of my money is being saved for one thing in particular, paying off my tuition. But once that is done I'll start saving for myself. But either way I have money set aside just in case I need it for anything and I'm happy about that. I don't have a lot to spend but I do here and there. There's this bag from Forever 21 I'm about to get. It's not much but it's gorgeous and I know it will make me happy 🙂 I had to be straight out and honest with a person recently and they didn't like what I had to say, but I felt a lot better because I'd been holding in some toxic feelings that I really need to let go of. And in that same situation, as soon as I said my peace, I was no longer upset and forgave the person. Even though they're probably still upset with me, I'm feeling a lot better. Still working on the other things on this list. The only thing I've really been procrastinating lately is my house chores, so I guess that's not so bad. But don't tell my house that, lol.
I am sooo guilty of procrastination, over-promising, and not going to the doctor. Thank you for the helpful push to really start living a better life.
Commit to passion! Whether survival, love or ambition, I find that passion-fueled choices keeps me focused when I want to be all over the place which has fueled light years of regret in the past. I don't always make the right choice but I make fewer personally dissatisfying ones. This article was so timely, much appreciated!
I use to be the type of person that didn't forgive easily. Since I'm not the kind of person that goes around hurting people's feelings. It would always hurt me so much more when people gave no thought to hurting me.
But I have learned that forgiveness is for you and not the other person. Also, it doesen't mean that those folks have to stay in your circle to forgive them.
When I learned these 2 things it was less stressful for me to forgive!;) Plus, hanging on to that baggage on hurts you in the end! While the people your mad at are moving on with their lives….not even thinking about you or your hurt feeling! #cray
This was excellent! Thank you.
balance time to self analyze and moving forward!!
Reading your article this morning was like a breathe of fresh air! 🙂 Thank you!
Nice article. Let go…forgive…keep steppin'. I think holding on to negative things from yesterday regardless of whose "fault" it was will ultimately prevent future health and happiness. And no more woulda-coulda-shoulda.
Again, nice refresher article!
just what i wanted to read this morning and ut was very refreshing. thank you
This is a right-on-time article for me. It's very important to say what you need to say. Today is my 15th wedding anniversary and last night on the eve of our anniversary we had one of the most painful and meaningful conversations ever. It's important to tell the people who mean the most to you that you love them, want them, and need them in your life. It's also important to forgive and let go because death renders all anger impotent. Thank you for this article!
I love this: "The biggest distraction from today's joy is the pain of yesterday"! Thank you for that nugget of wisdom. It is so true!