This is the continuation of my last post which consists of a few lessons I have learned over the past year.
VI
We Are All Too Unique to Look For Cookie Cutters
There is no “one size fits all” in life. Perhaps this is the beauty of it. Someone sleeps all morning and writes novels at night, and someone gets up at 5 am, works out, and creates innovations in the space industry. The main answers are always within us. Listening to your rhythms of productivity and paying attention to your energy level during the day is the key to success. The same applies to the fitness regime and nutrition.
To stay healthy, we should nourish ourselves with real food and be active for at least 30 minutes a day — a really broad rule which provides almost limitless choices. While experimenting, I have realized that everyone has their own “recipe” for a healthy lifestyle. The one which you actually enjoy, and which is beneficial for your mind and body. Additionally, it’s something you are happy to commit to for a long time. Of course, your lifestyle will eventually evolve. For some, walking and doing yoga are the best options for satisfying physical activity, while for others, running or practicing martial arts is the way to go. Usually, listening to your body and mind is the healthiest path to finding your perfect type of activity (unless you have specific fitness goals, being a professional athlete, or a supermodel).
I personally feel much happier when I exercise regularly and practice different types of activities. It came with years of trying to find my “happy” regime. Now it is the best mood booster for me.
VII
Self-acceptance Is Essential
I am a completely ordinary person with tons of fears, sometimes laziness and waves of a bad mood. At the same time, I am always trying to give my all no matter what I do. I cannot love half-heartedly, do something that is not 100% satisfying or give back halfway. I am one of those who always sees the potential for growth. Therefore, I rarely rest on my laurels and simply enjoy what I already have. Some people may call it a superpower, others — weakness.
I am what I am. I am just a human.
Once I quit expecting from myself more than I can do/give/be, my life became easier. It happened to be a great lesson for me. Now I know that learning about yourself is important but accepting yourself is equally as important.
Mantras like, “I am perfect the way I am right now” and “I have everything within myself to feel and experience happiness” help me to become more grounded and happy every day.
VIII
Work Only With Professionals Who Know What “Deadline” Means
Just recently I’ve learned another great lesson. I lost time and money. But… I got a valuable understanding that I should always work with professionals. Plus, I realized that I desperately want to become one, so I won’t ever waste anyone’s time.
If you understand what you need, put all your energy in finding the right person. Someone who will understand the same thing as clearly as you do and ready to fulfill the task. Pay the money and get the result. If you miss something in this logical chain, then satisfaction will not happen.
For me, now it’s a golden rule: never again trust someone who promises and doesn’t do.
IX
The Superiority of Classics
After seeing the ballet Anna Karenina, I couldn’t resist the desire to refresh that story in my memory again. Even after spending a few nights reading the original Tolstoy instead of another non-fiction bestseller, I have noticed many pleasant things — thoughts are easily lined up in my head after reading, my Russian language becomes enriched, and generally, I feel more relaxed and inspired next morning. If I find some quiet time for reading in the morning it calms me down and clears my head almost like meditation. I have no idea how this works but would recommend it to everyone.
X
Risk It and Be Patient
The risk is important and necessary for everyone. It expands horizons, opens doors, and sometimes brings more than we could ever expect. Twelve years ago, I was a fourteen-year-old girl who dreamed of studying in England or in the US. Of course, at that point, I had no opportunity to do so. My English wasn’t nearly good and my parents couldn’t afford sending me to a school abroad. But the dream lived within me. Five years ago, I had the opportunity to improve my English tremendously by participating in a student program. Three years ago, I had the opportunity to become a college student in the US. This year, I was accepted to a desirable for me dietetic program at the University of Illinois.
I assume, everything is possible, but not all at once. Everything comes at the most favorable time for us, be patient.
XI
The Habit of Finishing Things
There is no doubt, it’s cool to be productive. It’s great to cross out things from a to-do list and get a rush of dopamine in your brain.
Therefore, this year I became more sensitive to the process of finishing things. It’s not the same as “getting as many things done” (half of which will be starting new projects), but rather finishing things. I am a person who always has a lot of ideas. I can brainstorm all day long (I guess advertising agency can be my backup career plan, haha). But seriously speaking, the key to my productivity was sticking to three main tasks per day which I won’t only happily start, but also happily finish.
Thanks for reading this post! It means a world to me.
Please, share your thoughts with me below! I will be happy to hear about your lessons or insights as well.
Much love,
Zhenya
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