Deciding You're Worth It

Could it be the answer to all of life's problems?

Welcome to January. This month we will be exploring the intersection of Mental Health + Authenticity. The following weeks are RIPE with guest interviews, and I do hope you enjoy them.

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Good morning, ladies.

Do you know what holds people back in life? From starting their desired business or getting into shape? WE DO.

We hold ourselves back all the time — mostly out of fear or feeling like we just don’t deserve the life that we want.

Holding ourselves back also feels safe. Making any sort of change — even positive change — is terrifying for us.

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Take it from someone who does not cope well with changes in life. Changing my last name? Identity crisis. Getting pregnant? In denial. Moving? Hand me the Xanax. What does help me in dealing with change is reframing my mindset, which is a practice that doesn’t always fare well, but is absolutely the secret to lifting my mood and enjoying my life.

That said, a new year doesn’t mean things will magically get better. A new mindset, on the other hand, just might.

While I am hopeful for a better year ahead, I have some disheartening news for us. Life is going to continue to be stressful. It’s going to continue being unfair.

Because of this, we have to go into this year with a positive (yet realistic) mindset. And that all starts with deciding we’re worth it.

Decide You Are Worth It

Don’t read into this. It’s a simple concept. Just decide you’re worth it, whatever your “it” is.

Here are some tips to get your mind right, first thing in the am:

• Recite affirmations in the mirror (I am fabulous, I am important, I am a hot piece of ass, I will make the most of today)

• Put your favorite song on RIGHT when you wake up

• Visualize your ideal day in the life (you can do this while brushing your teeth)

• Find a way to laugh

• Wear something that makes you feel in charge (tailored blazer, red lipstick)

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

New Year’s goals don’t have to be so serious. Obviously the majority of people (mainly women) vow to eat healthier and exercise. These are not “bad” goals, but would it kill us to be a bit more original?

I’m declaring this year the year of experimentation — with my style, my cooking, my fitness routine, my choice of reading materials, etc.

I am also declaring to be more decisive in my professional life. As a perfectionist Virgo, I will hesitate on the dumbest things like sending an email or making a phone call. NO MORE.

What are your new year’s goals? What are you saying goodbye to this year? What are you welcoming this year?

KEEN REMINDERS

I have been wading in a self-deprecating pool for a good 2 months now, and it’s really time I snap out of it. This typically happens in the dead of winter, so my mood swings are right on par.

The quickest and most effective way to pick yourself out of a self-pity spiral is by taking the focus entirely off yourself, and instead, placing it on someone else.

Here’s a little something I’ve learned the hard way in the realm of self-deprecation:

Obsessing over what you can’t control is pointless. Start focusing on what you CAN control, and watch your mood lift, and your life change — for the better.

TAKEAWAY: If you need help (mentally), help someone else.

My affirmations this year are as follows. Feel free to steal them!

I will feel proud of myself today.

I will take risks.

I will be kind.

You get what you work for, not what you wish for.

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Thank you for reading today. Happy 1st week of the New Year. May your creativity be high and your mood swings low. Also goodbye to sweatpants forever. I won’t miss you, you sloppy, mind-destroying wearables. Anyone else with me on this?

Be you.

XOXO,

Ashley