Can the real you stand up, please?

Hi you, I know you. You’re the one with the beautiful smile and glistening hope-filled eyes who wish to conquer all depths of the world to achieve your dreams. So I must ask:

1. How are you feeling?
2. Are you feeling like yourself? 
3. What makes you feel most like yourself?

Can you do more?

Do you ever feel unfulfilled? Perhaps you have an empty sensation within that is preventing you from growing. Do you feel that life isn't as fascinating as it once was and that there's a gloomy cloud over your head?

Answer the following questions:

1. Are you eating correctly? (all major food groups?)
2. Make a list of what you ate this week and note how much you spent.
3. Is this list mostly food from home, or did you buy fast food?
4. Are you getting enough greens?

Harvard Health suggests that introducing plant-based foods may help slow cognitive decline. Leafy greens, including spinach, kale, broccoli etc., are rich in brain-friendly nutrients such as lutein, vitamin K, folate, beta carotene etc. 

As much as we hear the facts, they are accurate and must be considered carefully as we become responsible adults in caring for our health. Eat your greens. What you eat becomes who you are, and with the proper nutrition, you will notice an improvement in your attitude, mind, and body.

1. Have you been using social media a lot lately? 

Mclean Hospital cited a 2018 British research that linked social media use to reduced, interrupted, and delayed sleep, all of which are linked to depression, memory loss, and poor academic performance. While social media is a strong force, it is also a comparison trap where superstars flaunt their flawless moments, leaving us with the false impression that we are missing in some way and must live up to their expectations. Please take the time to detoxify your mind; take breaks from social media, which is a terrific way to express yourself and keep up with people and trends, but try to avoid overusing it, particularly before bed.

2. Have you made time to exercise and/or step out in nature at least 3 times this week?

We are all aware of the value of exercise. According to the CDC, physical activity can enhance mental health, aid in weight management, lower the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and increase one's capacity to do daily living tasks. So why not go for it? Take action. Spend some time in nature, take a walk, relax in the shade of a tree, and do it yourself!

Identify your weakness

I love humans because, despite how much we try to hide from our issues, we all have a deep understanding of our flaws. The fact that we have recognized these issues and are actively working to mitigate them is even more amazing.

Answer the following questions:

1. What are your weaknesses?
2. Is something bothering you?
3. What is something you wish you could change?
4. What do you have control over right now?

Take the brave step

It requires courage to make changes in your life, to acknowledge that you are not where you want to be and to act consistently to move in that direction. Respond to the following questions after determining your areas of weakness:

1. What is one thing that you need to remove from your life?
2. Do you need this thing in your life? Is it adding value or taking something away? 
3. Make a list of the all benefits and cons of this thing and then make an action plan to eliminate it or decrease its presence in your life. 

Believe in yourself 

Things are easier said than done. But it all begins with having confidence in yourself. You are capable of doing this. I'm sick and tired of you losing faith in yourself. Throw your impostor syndrome in the garbage and watch it rot at the back of the dumpster. Pay attention to yourself. You've come so far and done so much; I can only imagine all the good you still have to do.

Answer the following questions:

1. Make a list of all the times you made it even when you thought you couldn’t.
2. What did winning feel like? Recall that feeling and embrace it to the depths of your bones. 
3. What are you going to do now? Let the petty little things stop you. No, you’re not (I can answer this for you). Tell me your action plan. 

Actively lose the negativity

Negative talk isn't cool. Let it go. What good is it to you if you are continually putting yourself down? We are our worst critics, and although I realize that criticism is necessary for growth, being rude to yourself and failing to recognize your successes or the good in yourself is harmful. Please stop this behaviour and treat yourself as you would to a friend you genuinely care about. 

Be present with yourself

Listen to yourself and attempt to figure out what your inner self is saying. It may be a whisper, but if you listen closely enough, you will hear it clearly. You are a living being. You, like everyone else, require love and respect. Begin by slowing down and paying attention to what your inner self is trying to tell you, and then attempt to follow the voice's lead.

Stand up and away you go

Now that we've cleared things out, maybe you better understand yourself. You may recognize and change aspects of your life that work better for you by getting to know yourself and prioritizing your mental and physical health. Simple adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, or social/online life may help you become a better person. I'd like to see the real you step up. Hold your head up as you move through life; greatness awaits you.