28 reflections in (almost) 28 years - Part 2

No need for a long introduction.

Without further delay, here are the next 7 life reflections

8. It's okay to say "no"

For many years of my life I was terrified of using this word. So I would say yes, all the time, to almost everything and anything. There's something about saying no that makes you feel as though you are disappointing people, which is not a legitimate reason, especially if it isn't wise/it'll go above and beyond what you can offer of yourself at that time. Burnout is a very real thing. It's okay to say no sometimes.

9. Be present

If you are in the presence of people put your electronic devices away! Why meet up with people, be physically present, but emotionally and conversationally absent?! Unless it's an emergency, whatsapp and social media can wait for a few hours. 

10. Set realistic goals

In 2015 I set an absolutely ridiculous number of new years resolutions - in excess of 50?! Needless to say the majority of them were not achieved. Obviously! It's great to be optimistic, but it's sensible to be realistic with goal setting. It's unrealistic to say you'll run a marathon if you struggle running for the bus! Evaluate your current situation, start small and build from there.

11. Schedule periods of rest 

Rest days, holidays, lie-ins or simply doing a chilled activity for a few hours. 
The older I've become, the more busier I've gotten and the more responsibility I've taken on. So if rest is not planned, its unlikely to just happen. 

12. Perspective is everything

The world is much bigger than our individual bubble. There is so much happening out there compared to what is happening in our own lives at times. This is in no way to belittle the situations we go through, because they are all to real. But when we are caught up in the trivial things of our lives, let's apply perspective. Take a moment to consider others in positions worse off than ourselves. Pray, give, support. Doing good for others in need helps take our eyes off ourselves.  

13. Listen to listen


Don't listen to respond. Just listen, you'll be surprised at how much more you actually hear.

14. The gym is not that scary

I have hated the idea of confined communal exercise until recently. The benefits of exercise go way beyond weight loss and muscle building. Your overall well being can be improved. I see the elderly, the amateur (including me!), and those who appear to have been practically raised in the gym?! Try it out, because if you're anything like me it may take you 3 attempts to finally start liking it!!

Be sure to check out part 1 if you missed it. Part 3 will feature in next weeks blog!