There's a sense of excitement in sunny South Africa this time of year. The chilly mornings are slowly melting away, the days are becoming longer, and the birds are chirping brighter; which means that spring is around the corner.
Soon nature will be showing off around you. And just as every flower blossoms into radiance, you too can rid yourself of the things weighing you down and reveal the best version of yourself.
We are all unique and have a different outlook on what is essential in life. But the one thing that we all have in common is that we all want to enjoy it. The most inspirational people are those who manage to spend most of their time doing what they love - in other words: the things that make them glow.
We sabotage our glow by telling ourselves that life gets in the way - not enough time, not enough money... and by our own doing we become dull.
Set yourself a goal as the season of transformation approaches; find or rediscover that something that makes hours feel like minutes.
Below are five ways to help you to blossom this spring.
Find the time
Here's a basic but helpful exercise to help you determine how you spend your time.
Step 1: Keeping a daily, hourly journal for just one week.
Step 2: At the end of every hour of your day, write down what kept you busy.
Step 3: At the end of your week, take time to re-evaluate how you spent your time.
It might sound like a 'waste of time,' but you will be surprised; how a basic exercise like this can give you a new perspective.
It will help you notice which areas of your life get more attention than others.
Consider re-arranging or dropping some of the things that consume too much of your time and make space for the things you want more of in your life.
Fuel your desire to change
Too often we get stuck in a comfort zone that can quickly become a rut. When you feel stuck, it is only natural to feel defeated and uninspired. Therefore, try to channel your energy towards something new.
Try at least one thing you've always been curious about this spring. Liking or disliking it is not the end goal. The purpose is to prove to yourself that you can overcome a feeling of despair.
Be original
No one says it better than Dr Suess: "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."
But as mentioned before; life happens, and we often lose ourselves in the process. It is understandable that our originality suffers as well; because who has the time to be original when trying to survive, right?
So, let's take a step back. Take the time this spring to rediscover the things that once made your heart skip a beat.
Unpack some cupboards within yourself and rediscover your passions.
Pull out the old photo albums, music, books, and other things that can remind you of a time when you were truly happy - and ask yourself why and where did you lose your passions along the way?
Take action
It is very straightforward. Ask yourself; what do I want? And what do I need to do to get it? Then do it!
Spend time with your friends, family, and pets
Our loved ones rarely see the things we deem shortcomings within ourselves. Surround yourself with unconditional love and support this spring and talk to your loved ones about the things you want in life - you never know who might inspire you.
As for your pets, there is so much we can learn from them; but perhaps the one thought to leave you with is this: "You should always aspire to be the person your dog thinks you are."
Remember always to celebrate what you've already achieved, and remind yourself that you have time to accomplish the things that make you glow. Rediscover your self-worth today!
Learn more: www.parents.co.za/byb
Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult a professional on any medical or psychological concerns. The articles and blogs are posted only as opinion or ideas, and are general in nature. The administrator takes no responsibility for any action or outcome a reader may make as a result of reading a post.