New Years is a time of resolution, reinvention and reminiscing. People like to set new goals and become better versions of themselves. One common goal when trying to better yourself is protecting your inner peace. When the bigger issues arise, it’s easier to identify what might be jeopardizing your peace. However, when it comes to the little things, it can be harder to identify. So, here are three common things that can go unnoticed, but can be very crucial to your peace of mind!
- 5 million opinions
When a stressful situation comes along and you don’t really know what to do, it’s normal to ask a friend or two for advice. In fact, I encourage that! However, getting more than two or three opinions can be conflicting. Multiple pieces of advice that are conflicting each other can not only misguide you, but it can confuse you. So, here’s my advice: ask a very trusted person or two for their advice, and find your decision somewhere in the middle. You don’t need Susan’s and Susan’s dog’s and Susan’s dog’s uncle’s and Susan’s dog’s uncle’s mom’s advice. Susan is enough if you really trust her!
- No time to reflect
Unchecked feelings and improperly processed emotions can be more harmful than you realize. If something major happens in your life and you tend to go about your day without giving yourself the time and space to process it, it’s gonna come out one way or another, whether you want it to or not. Better for it to happen on your own terms and time. However, I know that things happen unexpectedly and life goes on. Life gets busy! Here’s my take; when an issue comes up but you don’t have time in the moment to process it, acknowledge that you need to deal with it very soon. For example: you find out your good friend is moving away soon but you’re slammed at work and don’t have time to process that at that moment. Acknowledge that it upsets you, verbalize that you’re going to fully process it at x time or in x amount of time and stick to it. If you don’t make sure you’re going to have time to work through the emotions, it’ll do more harm than good. Be intentional about processing emotions!
- Not receiving love in your own love language
This one sounds odd so let me explain. There are five love languages: Physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gift giving and acts of service. Each person has a way that they receive or give love the best. For example, I feel most loved through words that uplift me. I show love by doing things for my loved ones or spending time with them. They also show me love in their own way and that’s how they feel loved. However, they also know what makes me feel the most loved and appreciated and make sure they do things that accompany that. It’s a combination of all of our love languages so that both of our needs are being met. It’s important that you verbalize to your loved ones how and when you feel most loved. You may feel loved through physical touch, but feel it the most when someone gives you a gift. Your emotional needs are important too! The right people in your life will make sure you have everything you need to feel that way, too.
These are just some simple tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years as I’ve navigated through various life situations. I hope that these can help you in some way, shape or form as well. Welcome back Captains!
