because even the tiniest, little, things can sometimes be big things.
Today while tending to my plants (more specifically, while using a paintbrush to attempt to pollinate some of my vegetables that bees and butterflies seem to be ignoring) I noted that to some, the lengths I go to care for my plants might be excessive. To me, it's just normal. I've never questioned what it takes to look after them all (I've got upwards of 50 now), just done it. Do they need a new pot for cramped roots? Buy a new one. Could they benefit from some fertilizer? Make some. Do I need to water them before work?? Make the time.
In looking at that, I started considering other areas of my life. How is it that I can take care of all these plants with no questions asked, but struggle to complete day-to-day goals like going to the gym or eating better, even tho I know it'd be good for me? Because I hold myself accountable for my plants; "If I don't look after them, who will?" Well frankly, that's a mindset I should be using for everything: "If I don't do this for myself, who will?" The problem is, how do I do it?
I think the only way to get there is to really set myself up for success. If I break down what my goals are (both short term and long term), I'll be able to figure out how I can work toward those. From there, it's really up to me to hold myself responsible until it becomes a habit (which apparently doesn't happen in just 21 days, but a girl can dream).
For the sake of discussion, here's my short term daily goals:
1. Live healthier:I think this is rather all encompassing, but I can help myself accomplish this by going to sleep earlier and ultimately ensuring I get enough sleep. If I'm well rested, it'll be easier to get myself out of bed to exercise more, even if it's just biking the long way to work or maybe walking to get coffee in the morning! I can also make a point to only buy whole produce when I grocery shop, because I'll be less likely to eat processed foods late at night.
2. Save more:
I've started to get fairly anal about money lately, as one of my long term goals is to purchase a house. To help save more, I set up my checking account to auto-transfer a set amount every week. Even if I blow cash in hand (I'm a server, so until I make my weekly bank trip, it's always in hand), I'll at least put X amount away! I also started keeping a jar in my room to put money into after every shift. I'll put anywhere from $5-$20 a shift in the jar, depending how good it goes. So far I've saved $400 this way. Essentially I just need to maintain this goal at the moment.
3. Get out more: Strangely, after writing my last blog post, I fell into a little rut that I couldn't "hatelyn" my way out of. I didn't want to go for drinks, I didn't want to hang out with others, I just wanted to chill at home. I think I need to get back into the habit of putting myself out there, so I'd like to try checking out new spaces on a weekly basis, until I can get back into the swing of things!
4. Blog! I'm pretty good at taking pictures, and not the best at articulating them or anything else I do, which is something I'd really like to improve on. I think the best way I can battle this is by carrying a notebook around with me. I've always found it easier to write something by hand before typing it, so maybe that'll help me in blogging! It's worth a try~ I'm hoping that being able to feel more confident with my words as they're written out already will also help make it easier to update more often. Being in my little slump kind of halted everything on that front, so we'll see!
If you're up to sharing, what's a goal you'd like to work toward?
In looking at that, I started considering other areas of my life. How is it that I can take care of all these plants with no questions asked, but struggle to complete day-to-day goals like going to the gym or eating better, even tho I know it'd be good for me? Because I hold myself accountable for my plants; "If I don't look after them, who will?" Well frankly, that's a mindset I should be using for everything: "If I don't do this for myself, who will?" The problem is, how do I do it?
I think the only way to get there is to really set myself up for success. If I break down what my goals are (both short term and long term), I'll be able to figure out how I can work toward those. From there, it's really up to me to hold myself responsible until it becomes a habit (which apparently doesn't happen in just 21 days, but a girl can dream).
For the sake of discussion, here's my short term daily goals:
1. Live healthier:
2. Save more:
3. Get out more:
4. Blog!
If you're up to sharing, what's a goal you'd like to work toward?
Table for one, please.
I think the best thing a person can do for themselves is learn to be comfortable in their own skin and alone. It's so important to feel OK in your own self, whether you're hanging out completely alone, or you're flying stag in public without buddies as back up.
I've always been more of a loner, but within the last few years I've been able to transform that hermit who squirreled themselves away from public outings into a confident, independent person. For that to happen, I really just had to overcome my social anxiety. I know that sounds easier said than done, and it took years of sweaty-handed panic attacks inside of crowded bars/non-crowded parties/malls/gyms to get myself to the headspace where I could do it, but it can be done! And guess how I did it?? I faked it.
It sounds silly, but the whole "fake it till you make it" idea actually works. It was hard at first, so I made up an alter-ego persona to fit my nickname "Hatelyn" (hah). Kate might have been shy and nervous in new places, but Hatelyn wasn't. Hatelyn walked into rooms and didn't look around to see if anyone noticed her. Where Kate's tongue caught, Hatelyn spoke her mind. Eventually, that independent, strong person wasn't just someone I pretended to be, I just was her; I am her.
I've found that the more confident I allow(ed) myself to be, the less I care(d) what others think, and the easier it is to let that old anxiety-ridden version of myself fade away. (And frankly, I've found that the only people who care enough to get invested in someone else's life are those who aren't happy in their own~ ;)) But ya know, good riddance.
It sounds silly, but the whole "fake it till you make it" idea actually works. It was hard at first, so I made up an alter-ego persona to fit my nickname "Hatelyn" (hah). Kate might have been shy and nervous in new places, but Hatelyn wasn't. Hatelyn walked into rooms and didn't look around to see if anyone noticed her. Where Kate's tongue caught, Hatelyn spoke her mind. Eventually, that independent, strong person wasn't just someone I pretended to be, I just was her; I am her.
I've found that the more confident I allow(ed) myself to be, the less I care(d) what others think, and the easier it is to let that old anxiety-ridden version of myself fade away. (And frankly, I've found that the only people who care enough to get invested in someone else's life are those who aren't happy in their own~ ;)) But ya know, good riddance.
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