7 Simple Ways to Be More You (and to remember who you are)
1. Write yourself down.
3 pages every morning. Don’t edit, judge, or share. Instead just write yourself down each day. Write about what’s on your mind, what made you smile or cry, or what you had for breakfast. Write about your crazy dream, pet peeves, or anything you want. It doesn’t matter where the commas go, or if your words seem unreasonable, harsh, silly, or angry. Just keep writing down your heart.
The daily writing helps you notice how you feel, who you are, when you are lost, and when you are found.
2. Spend time with people who lift you up.
Spend time with people who will love you for you. Spend less time with people who won’t. Choosing to spend less time with people who sabotage your happiness doesn’t mean you can’t take time to lift people who can’t lift themselves. Give your change, a smile, a sandwich, or a few volunteer hours to people who don’t know how to surround themselves with people who lift them. You’ll be surprised at how they lift you too. Love your people so much and don’t forget to let them love you back.
3. Stop proving yourself.
You don’t need to prove how good you are at your job by doing more and acting like someone who isn’t. Thanks to simplicity, you can tap into the quiet and came back to love.
4. Let go of the excess.
Keep releasing the excess, the extra, and the stuff that doesn’t mean anything to you. Give yourself all the space, time and love you need to remember who you are. For awhile, this might mean saying no more than you say yes. It might mean letting people down, spending more time alone, or admitting weakness and asking for help. Take all the time you need because once you get back to you, you’ll be able to give in ways you never imagined.
5. Put your hands on your heart.
Create a daily heart listening ritual. Start by sitting quietly for a few minutes with your hands on your heart, and your eyes closed. Listen. You may not hear anything at first, but if you keep showing up your heart will reveal answers you’ve been waiting for. Keep a journal nearby so you can write down your heart’s words. Your heart knows who you are — now you just need a little time to know your heart.
6. Be a gentle warrior.
A gentle warrior is loving and kind. A gentle warrior is also fiercely protective when it comes to the nonnegotiables that allow her to live a happy, healthy, meaningful life. You can be both. Creating rules or guidelines for how you live and work helps you thrive.
7. Do what’s best for you.
Find great inspiration and guidance from hearing other people’s stories, talking to friends, and listening to advice. but when you want to know what’s best for you, put youry hands on your heart and turn to the person who knows you best. The more you remember and connect with who you are, the more you will trust yourself to know what’s best for you. Your heart knows.
Forgetting who you are and living outside of yourself, outside of your heart is exhausting. Do whatever it takes to come back and be more you.
