Live Beyond Limitation

There’s something about familiar feelings that the human brain can become so hooked too, and It’s honestly quite fascinating… and also sometimes frustrating. We are able to literally become addicted to feelings, even if they make us miserable. This is because they are familiar and comfortable in the moment and we already know the outcome. Because of that knowledge, it feels safe in a way. Today was a day filled with past feelings sparked by taking past actions. I hated it. I truly did. It made me feel like I was living in the past and that I have not made any progress at all in my personal mental growth.

And here’s the thing: Life is a roller coaster… and that’s ok.

This isn’t to minimize or invalidate these feelings, though rather to provide a sense of hope. All feelings are valid. In the moments surrounded by negative feelings it can be so incredibly difficult to feel this sense of hope… or frankly anything positive. Some days make it seem like we are alone in the universe; like we will never grow; like we just have to accept that this is how it will always be… Except, it’s not. We all know this, and at the same time, there is still a difference between knowing something and feeling something.

So on days where you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, try your best to remember that how you feel is valid and it will fade soon. You will be happy again.

My best tips in these moments:

1. Listen to music that hypes you up, or at least anything upbeat or peaceful. Try your best to stray from sad songs that (although are very tempting) will only perpetuate these feelings. Today I decided to make a new playlist called “Cheer Up” for this exact purpose.
2. Journal. I’m so serious about this one. A main reason why people tell me they don’t choose to do this is because they say they don’t know what to write. My answer to that is simple: Anything. A big thing with journaling your feelings and thoughts is that it shows you whether you are thinking rationally or not/ if your thoughts align with your reactions. I promise you guys, it’s a game changer. Also, something I find beneficial is after you rant out all those emotions, try to put a spin on it. (Ex: “Ugh! I had an awful day and I feel like I am spiraling and I feel so hopeless. I know this isn’t going to last, though in this moment I can’t help but feel all of this. I suppose it is an eye-opener to what I don’t want my days to look like and I can use this to remind myself of how these actions make me feel afterwards. I will get through this and when I do I will be stronger and more aware.” Of course make sure to make it natural. In a way, It assists in altering your perspective and fact-checking your thoughts.). If you still need more ideas for journaling:

• Gratitude list- write down a bunch of things you are grateful for (be specific!)
• To-Do List for the next day- Some days just need to be let go of. If you really just can’t deal with it, focus on the next day and hype yourself up for it.
• Fears- write your fears/ doubts and tear them up or burn them or do something freeing (please take fire safety precautions and be careful!)
• Highlights of the day, the week, the month, etc

3. Make a Vision Board- A lot of times we just need visuals as a reminder of life’s beauty and what we want so that we gain a sense of motivation and clarity. Take some pictures off the internet or draw or do whatever you wish, and make a collage of what you want your life to look like. This gives you excitement for what is to come. Of course, life isn’t going to be exactly how you picture it always, and at the same time, having this visual is a personal way of manifesting into existence that life and those feelings you desire.

4. Radical intervention- This can look like anything. If you need a quick turn around (because sometimes we have to build up motivation to do larger things), here is my go to list:

• wash face/ brush teeth/shower/ any act of physical hygiene self care
• get up and dance to music. make a fool out of yourself; I promise, it will put a smile on your face.
• go outside on a walk or bike ride or to just.. sit. Fresh air hits different on these days.
• paint your nails or do crazy makeup
• make a new music playlist or pinterest board
• take a nap. now this one definitely depends. I suggest this if the main reason you are in this headspace is out of sheer exhaustion. Otherwise, try getting some joyful movement if you’ve been hiding in bed all day. (again, I recommend dancing it out)
• stretch (listening to music too is optional)
• listen to a ted talk or podcast
• clean your room. we all know that, although seeming like a drag, doing this relieves so much stress. Clearing your space clears your mind. organizing/ decluttering is also a solid option.

5. Start a new hobby (or continue an old one)- Now on days like these, typically my main tactics to survival go hand-in-hand with 4., though these certainly have their place once you’re ready. Also, sometimes you just gotta go ahead and do it without overthinking it. Take for example this blog. I made it yesterday after thinking about it for months. Despite it taking awhile, It feels SO good to have it started. Find inspiration online or from friends and get started 🙂

So to end off this post I want you to remember a couple things:

A) You’ve got this. Life is crazy and these moments can be eyeopening. You will be stronger afterwards, I promise. For now know that it is okay to just… float… and feel what you are feeling. All that you are experiencing is valid and beautifully.. human.

B) Remember that these feelings are not “bad”, though rather simply uncomfortable and unpreferred. Feelings are feelings and it is all based on perspective. Eventually I will do a post on why sometimes it can do more harm to label things as “good” or “bad”, though for now just remember that a feeling is a feeling and all are equal.

C) The past is gone. This is a huge thing I want to leave you all with. The past is gone. Whatever just happened… It’s no longer in your present and you don’t need to deal with it anymore. It is a new, fresh moment full of possibility and uniqueness. Not saying these feelings will never come back… because they’re quite bound to. And for now, those EXACT feelings are gone forever. You never have to deal with exactly what just happened again. Ever. You may get similar moments, though never the same. Each moment is precious and unique and that’s the beauty of it all.