Being a student for many (maybe too many) years already, I have learned a lot. But life remains my best teacher. I believe that reflecting on my journey helps me grow. Today, a few days after my birthday, it feels like a perfect time for self-reflection. In this post, I am sharing some of the most valuable lessons I have learned for the last year (2018 self-reflection post is here).
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The Ultimate Value of People
Over that past 365 days, I was convinced once again that the most important part of my life is PEOPLE. My friends, relatives, soul mates. Those who are always with me, regardless of the time zones between us. Those who accept and support me in spite of everything. Those who love me for who I am now… no matter how many heights I have not yet taken, and how many ambitious life plans have not yet been fulfilled.
This is an incredible force that lightens up every day. This is what gives me energy to create, smile, become better every day and move on. Surrounding ourselves with your people is the greatest investment for the future.
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Let Your Body Be Your Temple
If we treat our bodies with kindness and respect, if we are sensitive to its needs, then it will organically reward us with an abundance of health, energy, and good mood. Based on my personal experience, it’s important not only understand what is healthy and what is not for our bodies but also practice mindful flexibility and letting go of stress around food. It usually comes along with improving the body-image and stepping away from a dieting mindset with numerous restrictions. Smooth transition to a loving relationship with yourself where choosing foods and activities that make you feel amazing should become a priority. The more love and self-respect we cultivate, the less we will have problems with eating behavior and lifestyle choices.
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Emotional State Is the Priority
It may sound like a common truth, but this year I’ve had significant enlightenment regarding the importance of paying attention to the emotional state and understanding that makes me happy. The thoughts and information we allow into our consciousness largely determine the quality of our state. If you begin to track your thoughts, as well as their potential impact, you can reprogram your brain. Sounds intriguing, right? I definitely have not yet mastered that skill yet, but the constant practice, focusing on the positive, and quietly letting go of the negative, instead of fixating on it, helps me be happier every day. It’s also vitally important to find what feeds you personally and include these activities and practices in life on a regular basis.
IV
The Power of Gratitude
Going down the list of what I am grateful for today was a game changer for me lately. Practicing it regularly is the most effective tool to get rid of a bad mood and anxiety. Every night or morning we always have something to be grateful for. Small things are counted! That is what can psychologically carry us out of even the worst situations in life.
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Let Go of Judgment and Respect the Journeys of Others
Of course, in the era of social media and all available Internet, you can always find people who by 25 years have built business empires, created life-saving charity projects, or have come up with a wildly popular application for iPhone. It seems like they knew what they wanted since they were born and did not make any mistakes along their way to Olympus glory. And now they are smiling at us (mere mortals) from the pages of their social media profiles. It seems that they are unshakeable people and they have it all. And as a rule, no one sees or shows the reverse side of that journey — nervousness, difficulties, fails, sleepless nights, sometimes ruined relationships… Even though it’s obvious that success rarely comes from nothing, it’s tempting to believe in the fairytale.
The most important lesson for me was the importance of developing a compare-free and judgment-free approach to such information. When I hear and read stories like that I am simply trying to be happy for those people without thinking about myself. They found their way, they are happy, yaaay! Sometimes their stories become a source of inspiration for my personal development. But… it’s important to understand that it does not devalue me. Moreover, it does not relate to me at all. In my opinion, the most beautiful things are created by people who have remained faithful to themselves, their unique dreams, and inner guidelines. There is a limitless power in neglecting the external noise. No matter who you are and what you are doing, stay true to yourself.
To be continued…
With much much love,
one year older Zhenya 😉
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Now, what do you think? What did resonate with your heart?
Let me know in the comment section below or drop a line on social media! Can’t wait to hear from you!
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