Some people are so busy doing what they think is expected of them that they don’t do the things they really want to do. Friends and family might think they know a lot about how you should earn a living, what clothes you should wear and how you should spend your time, but don’t you know yourself better than they do?

The media tells us what we should look like, what music we should listen to, what our relationships should be like, but does what the media show you really reflect what you want your life to be?

Body Image and Health

Only 5% of women naturally have the body type represented as the ideal in the media. The rest of us spend our time dieting and stressing out because we don’t look like that 5%. Is your goal really to be a size 5 or is it to be healthy? You already know what I think. The real important thing is health. When you’re healthy your body will be toned and you’ll look good. You may not be a size 5, but not everyone is supposed to be a size 5. Accept that and work towards being the healthiest you can be.

Relationships

Are the relationships you’re in really what you want and deserve? Are your friends and loved ones supportive and accepting of you? Are you substituting drama for a loving, nourishing relationship? If someone makes you feel bad most of the time, you probably shouldn’t hang out with them anymore.  Take a close look at your relationships, if any of them are toxic get out. Fix what can be fixed, but if it’s not possible, get out.

Likes and Dislikes

What do you like to do? Do you even remember? Do you have a hobby? When’s the last time you did that hobby? Take some time alone to reconnect with yourself. Go through old journals and read about things you used to do. Go through your closet and get rid of the clothes that you really don’t like. Listen to your favorite music and spend some time rediscovering yourself.

When you’re true to yourself, doing the things that you love, and developing your interests, you will be a better person. You will be better to be around and do a better job at everything you do.

This doesn’t seem like a difficult concept to grasp, but I only started to get it recently. As I’ve started doing what I want and being who I want to be, I’ve felt different–lighter, freer. I’ve felt more like the person I should be. I you can do the same.

This post is featured in The Twenty Fourth Edition of the Carnival of Improving Life.

It’s also featured on the Carnival of Self-Mastery

Photo by *Solar ikon*

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