Every now and then we all can feel a little thrown out of sorts. Life seems to get out of hand and we find it hard to be the happy people we normally are. But, you shouldn’t think that that person is gone forever. They’re still there and here are some ideas to help you find them again:
Do something just for yourself
We all have certain things that we want to do that we worry will make us seem selfish or we wonder what other people might think about us. Maybe your friends will gossip about you if you decide to take a weekend trip to Paris, or maybe you think that buying that new computer is ‘extravagant’. Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. This isn’t about buying expensive things, but rather spending your money the way you want to spend your money for once. Try doing one thing guilt-free. You deserve to spoil yourself once in a while.
Do something different
Take a break from your normal routine and go on an adventure. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do this is going to be the best opportunity to do it. Go on a cross-country drive, take a boat out for the day with your kids, or simply go for a walk around your neighbourhood. Little deviations from everyday life can rekindle some of your old passions and interests, and the more new and interesting things you try the closer you’ll be to finding out what it is that you really want to do with your life.
Take some time alone
Life can get overwhelming. We try so hard to please everyone else and put on a brave face that we forget to listen to our feelings and it takes some time away from everything else in order to hear them. Being alone doesn’t mean sitting at home and being sad. It means giving yourself a bit of time to digest what’s going on in your life. Pick up a book you didn’t manage to finish, meditate or watch an old movie you used to love. A little head space will do you some good.
Reach out to others
There’s nothing wrong with relying on other people. Every now and then we all get a bit fragile and having a good friend or family member to have a sincere conversation with can give you that much needed strength. It’ll take courage to be completely honest with them, but a steady shoulder to lean on can help you back on the path to being yourself again.
Get in touch with your inner child
Nostalgia has a powerful effect on us. There are times in our lives that we idealise and always wish we could recapture. Well, maybe you could recreate some of those happier memories in simple ways. Buy your old favourite sugary treat and share it with your children, listen to the old songs you used to dance to and take the time to reminisce and take pleasure in the little things. Rediscovering who you used to be is one way to rediscovering who you are now.
Written by Emily Green for Working Mother and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by Daniel Reche
