Written by: Maryann Rivera-Dannert, MSL, CLC, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
We are all well into 2022 and you’ve probably forgotten some of the goals you set, about prioritizing your self-care and loving you a little bit more.
Life passes by so quickly, and we often wonder, what have I been doing? While this phenomenon is common for both men and women, I believe more women tend to let go of themselves, their goals, while everything and everyone else becomes or stays a priority. Whether we are taking care of our children, spouses, businesses, employees, clients, etc., we abandon ourselves and desires. Reality knocks the wind out of us, when we slow down for a second, and realize days, weeks, months – and maybe even years, have zipped by. And our desires are a blurry memory we had once upon a time. Whether you call them dreams, goals, resolutions, desires – they are all things you want to accomplish in life.
I want to share with you 10 simple ways to slow down and show yourself some much-needed love, because let’s face it – if the sirens aren’t blaring and we become intentional, we will continue to push our wants and needs to the back burner; slowly growing resentful and frustrated.
1. Spend time alone – Enjoy the silence and stillness around you. Feel and listen to your breath, to the birds chirping, to the wind blowing. Tune in to your mind and listen to the whispers of your Higher Power. When you spend time alone, you reconnect with your self – mind, body, and soul.
2. Go for a walk outside – Vitamin D is an instant mood booster and walking is good for your heart. When you’re in the outdoors, you are engaging all your senses. Moving your body also enhances creativity. So, if you’re especially feeling stuck – get up and go for a walk. Take note of what thoughts pop up.
3 . Journal – Our minds process thousands of thoughts daily. And while some of those thoughts are your own, if you’ve opened any social media app or watched the news, many of those thoughts do not belong in your mind and are occupying useful space. Write in your journal – how are you feeling, what do you want or need, write down things you are grateful for. Also, do a brain dump exercise. Write down everything on your mind and leave it in your journal for 24-48 hours and then revisit with a clear mind.
4 . Smell some essential oils – Chamomile reduces stress, sage helps with relaxation, citrus increases happiness, rosemary helps you focus. There are various types of oils – have fun picking your favorite and enjoy. Your senses will thank you.
5 . Tackle one goal on your list – The hardest step is always the first. So just start! Pick a goal, and maybe pick one you know you cannot fail at; the fact that you accomplished the goal will boost your confidence. When you have confidence, you are more apt to continue. But you must start somewhere.
6 . Go watch a movie or go out to eat alone – This idea is especially great if you’ve been wanting to watch a certain flick or try out a new restaurant and no one wants to go with you. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is go alone. Enjoy your own company, because here’s the truth – the relationship with yourself needs to be the most important and nourished one; yet it is often the most forgotten.
7. Make a donation – There’s scientific proof that when we give, it boosts our self-esteem, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress (Google search). The amount is not important, and, it does not have to be a monetary donation. You can donate your time, clothes, etc.
8. Review legal documents – Unknowns are all around us and the last thing you want to do is be caught unprepared. Reviewing, or having a will written, health proxy developed, etc., is important and you will be well prepared for when the unknown and the unexpected happens.
9. Write a letter to your future self – Pick a time in the future, whether it’s a year, five or 10, and add a current photo of you to the letter. Talk about what you see, feel, hear and what you are working towards. Write out what you hope to have accomplished within said timeframe – put the letter and photo in an envelope and put it away. Maybe secure it in a safety deposit box, or a safe or even behind a treasured framed photo. Set a reminder on your phone and make a note of where the letter is located.
10. Plan a mini “me vacation” – Just pick a place and make it a place you’ve always wondered about. Book a hotel, scope the city out and stay out of social media. Enjoy the beauty and treasures you’ll surely discover and capture it all in your journal and by taking pictures. However, do not post any in real moment photos. Wait until you’ve returned and reflected from the trip. Ask yourself: How did you feel getting out of your comfort zone? What were the highlights? What surprised you about the location you settled on? What surprised you about yourself? Maybe you can even use your getaway time to write the letter to yourself.
I want you to walk away with realizing that the relationship with yourself is the most important relationship you will ever engage in. If we remove all the hats we wear mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, employee, business owner, etc., we are left with just us. Love, nourish, and cherish the special bond with yourself. You are worth it.
If this article made you pause and think and you would like more content like this, let’s connect via Instagram, Facebook, Website, LinkedIn. If you are ready to silence your insecurities, build healthy boundaries and live your best life, book a complimentary discovery call with me.
Remember, you are Fearless and Fabulous, you are a priority, and you matter!
Maryann Rivera-Dannert, MSL, CLC, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Affectionately referred to as the Fearless Living Coach, Maryann Rivera-Dannert is the FEAR-less dealer every woman needs in her corner.
The Fearless Living Coach learned early on how to be what she would later become. Striving to be better than what life handed her, the conquering spirit within arose and gave her the courage and realization she needed to recognize her unique value as a woman. With a background filled with adversity, instability, and dysfunction, Maryann had much stacked against her. Yet, she didn’t allow what happened in her formative years stop her from becoming who she is today.
Maryann is a certified life coach who holds an MS in Leadership and a BS in Organizational Management. She is a 5x published author and 3x best-selling author. She has been featured in various publications and Maryann is also the host and creator of the Fearless Fridays with Maryann podcast which seeks to empower and transform women to living their best life, today.
