CHECKING IN WITH YOURSELF

I check in with myself daily because let’s be honest, we either forget to check in with ourselves as often as we check in with others or we don’t have people to check in with us so it’s important that we take prioritize that for ourselves. As I have matured and seen my inner circle grow smaller yet stronger, I have been more self aware, not only because it helps for me to have honest conversations with my inner soul, but also allows me to strategize where I’m at currently and how it corresponds to where I want to be.

Ever since I started writing monthly goals on my blog (in replacement of New Year’s resolutions), I have found that it has been a branch of my self reflection habit. While I do believe monthly check ins are extremely beneficial, I have also realized that daily check ins are just as important and are probably more necessary and valuable. If you’ve been going about your day and life on autopilot and have been finding yourself a bit scattered and stress, then this is a reminder to slow down and to ask yourself how you’re really doing.

Here are my 7 tips on how to make sure you keep yourself in tact with everything that’s on your plate:

1. Be aware of things that trigger changes in your mood: I like to usually jot down what I’m feeling when I notice a change in my mood and try to see if there’s a pattern or theme. Before doing this, I wouldn’t understand why I was feeling annoyed or upset, but ever since I have been asking myself questions and diving into my emotions, I can now be more specific of what’s the root cause of a certain feeling I am having.
2. Be aware of people who undermine your calm, who shake your confidence, and who love to bring you down: And once you are aware of those people, get rid of them because you don’t need negative energy or toxicity in your life. I always say if someone isn’t adding value in your life, when why keep them around? Remember that your energy is sacred!
3. Know how to soothe and relax yourself: I like to incorporate daily meditation to calm my mind so I can reset and recharge. If meditation isn’t your thing, then try some other activities such as having a bath with essential oils, doing a mask and unwind with wind, going for a run or long walk, etc.
4. Be patient with your struggles: They say patience is a virtue for a reason and remember that life is a marathon, not a sprint. I never look at failures as failures, but rather challenges and stepping stones. If you take a moment now to look back at all your struggles, I’m sure you can see how it has helped you to get to where you are today.
5. Surround yourself with people who REALLY care and GENUINELY want the best for you: This tip relates to the second tip, but it’s important to be cautious of who your inner circle is. You want to have relationships and friendships with those that are committed to your personal growth (this goes both ways!).
6. Know where you want to go, and what you want to get from this life: Set yourself some goals, and think through steps to take you there and then just do it. I’m a visual person so I love writing this out, envisioning it and then making my vision a reality. When we become too immersed in our own lives, we may forget to see where the ticket is actually going and if it’s not the destination that you have in mind, then get another ticket and hop on another train!
7. Be kind to yourself: Practice gratitude, self love and self care. We all hear this and some of us excel in this area and some of us need the reminder. But with all that being said, know that being kind to yourself isn’t just prioritizing your self care and mental health. It’s also important to be kind to yourself with your thoughts because our thoughts are the navigation to how we see the world and how we experience life.