Ever have a crappy day where you just don’t feel like being around anyone or even sometimes yourself? Or you wake up in a fowl mood and you’re not really sure why? I used to have days like that. Sometimes I had more than I’d like, or more than other people would like for that matter. Being married made me a better human, to myself and to others. I was single for six years in Boston before I got married so if I was in a bad mood or cranky – no one knew (so I though). Then I got married and learned more about myself than I wanted to at times. There was another person who was now directly affected by my moods and actions and wasn’t afraid to speak the truth to me. I wanted to be the best version of me possible, which meant I had to own up to things. This was not fun.
Working on yourself is a lifelong process. It’s not an overnight success story just because you decide you want to be better. It’s a journey over time that requires work. I probably started working on myself in 2004. Just a little bit, but nothing too life altering because you all know how much I love change (haha). When I lived in Boston I had several incredible clients who asked a lot of probing, life questions. These questions made me think about my actions, my thoughts, and what I wanted for my life. So, I started reading a lot, talking, and doing a lot more thinking. I apologized to those I had hurt in the past, asked for forgiveness, then worked on my “stuff”. All of this gave me more tools to be a better human, which was kind of like my own 12-step program.
Being the best version of yourself gives you freedom. Freedom to be truly who you are, at the very core of your being and relating to people straight from your heart. Being your best self starts with you; loving yourself, respecting yourself, knowing your worth, setting boundaries to protect your energy, forgiving yourself, letting go of past hurts, and digging deep to find your passion and follow it. I can’t tell you what’s going to work for you. Every human is different and everyone’s best self is different. We also evolve with relationships and interactions, which helps shape who we are. What I can tell you is that when your heart and your actions are in sync, you are your best version of yourself possible.
I’m not an angel. I’m not full of sunshine and rainbows every day. I don’t talk greatness with every word that comes out of my mouth. I’m not perfect. The point is, no one is perfect. We’re all a work in progress. Striving to be your best is the best anyone (including yourself) can ask of you. If you strive to be your best every day, you’ll have less icky days and more happy days. Your best will become less work and more a reminder. Think about what your best is to you and strive for that today. I know you can do it and I’ll support you any way that I can.