Life Tool Kit
Have you noticed how easy it is to put others first, and when we finally need the energy and a good mindset to help ourselves we don’t know where to begin? Why not create your own “designer bag” of self-help tools that you know will keep you focused and that will bring balance when the road in life gets a little bumpy. Call it your personal self-care bag that will keep you positive and grateful, and your voyage full of hope.
You are the captain of your ship. It is your journey through life and you owe it to yourself to live it fully and authentically.
Below are a few life tools that you may wish to consider adding to your bag.
Gratitude
Focusing on our inner world helps us cope with life’s challenges. Negative thoughts hinder us, but positivity helps us navigate bumps in the road. Our brains naturally focus on threats, but gratitude can rewire our thinking by building up positive thoughts and feelings. Even in tough times, finding one thing to be grateful for can plant a little hope and move us closer to a happier life. Train your brain to look for the good by keeping a gratitude journal and looking back on it for a gratitude boost.
Tribe
Choose your tribe wisely. They should uplift you, not drain or resent you. Surround yourself with people who love and support your authentic self. It’s okay to let go of people as you grow and evolve. Ensure that your tribe aligns with your values, such as trust, kindness, respect, and authenticity. It’s crucial to have a friend who you can rely on during challenging times.
Intuition
Have faith in your intuition. When we overthink, making decisions that benefit us becomes challenging. Before making any choices, listen to your gut feeling, your intuition. Have you ever had a hunch that something was amiss? That’s your instinct leading you. Unlike the brain, the gut feeling works quickly as it doesn’t have to analyze the situation first. Intuition is an inner knowing that arises from within.
Self-Talk
Words possess immense power. They can inspire, motivate, and uplift, but they can also cause harm. Be mindful of your self-talk. Are you aware of the way you talk to yourself? Do you use self-deprecating language when you make a mistake or fall short of your expectations? Phrases like “I can’t,” “what will people say?” or “you’re stupid” may creep into your vocabulary. Negative self-talk is something we all indulge in at some point. However, I have a trick that works for me. Whenever I hear my critical inner voice, I say to myself, “I love you, Evelyn,” and I am amazed at how quickly my mind shifts from self-judgment to self-acceptance. Give it a try and see for yourself.
Mindfulness
Practice mindfulness by being aware of your thoughts and emotions in the present moment. Meditation and focusing on your breath can help you release negativity. When your mind becomes noisy, take a moment to be still. Sit in silence or spend time in nature, immersing yourself in the beauty around you.
Journaling
Journaling can help you process challenging situations in your life. Putting pen to paper can clear your mind and make your thoughts more organized. Don’t hold back when writing; let your thoughts flow freely. If you’re worried about someone reading what you’ve written, you can tear it up, throw it away, or burn it after you’ve finished. Let go of what’s on the page and move forward.
Daily Affirmations
Repeating daily affirmations can help maintain a positive mindset. For instance, saying “I am creating a wonderful life story” or “I bring value to the world” can make a significant difference. Choose an affirmation that resonates with you and repeat it throughout the day as a reminder.
Self-Love
Practice self-care daily. Spend at least 15 minutes alone with your thoughts without any distractions, and find peace in nature by going for a walk or simply observing your surroundings. Take a relaxing bath at the end of the day to reflect and let go of negative thoughts.
Self-Respect
Do you treat yourself as you would treat your best friend? Do you value and defend your own happiness, or do you let others dictate it? Reclaim your sovereignty and set healthy boundaries to protect your self-esteem. Boundaries serve as a way of outlining how you want to be treated, establishing what is and isn’t acceptable. By doing so, you make your standards clear, ensuring that others don’t cause you emotional or mental harm. Although others may not appreciate them, standing your ground is critical for maintaining balanced and healthy relationships.
Values
Define your values and the way you want to live your life. Values are like a compass that guides you in making better decisions as you navigate through life. Take some time to jot them down and keep them visible to remind yourself.
Attitude
Take responsibility for your attitude. You are in control of your own life, and if things are not going well, it’s time to take proactive steps. Blaming others and making excuses will only keep you stuck in a negative mindset, but owning your situation will empower you to make positive changes.
Enjoy curating your own collection of positive self-care and life tools. May they assist and support you during difficult times. There are some fantastic tools listed here, which Evelyn recommends incorporating into your routine. Don’t hesitate to add your own personal touch to your collection.
For assistance in creating your personalized toolkit, feel free to email Evelyn.