You may have noticed over the past few years the overwhelming shift towards making self-care more intentional. Many physicians, psychologists, and folks in the blogosphere and podcasting world have championed setting boundaries, learning when to say “no”, and resisting burn-out all in an effort to influence good mental health practices. We’ve recently seen it play out in our news headlines as our favorite royals, Meghan & Harry, broke centuries of tradition in a quest to save themselves from mental anguish.
In 2020, I encourage you to do the same. Even though mental health is getting a lot of buzz in the news, many people find it hard to identify mental health issues before they are too far gone. MentalHealthFirstAid.org reports that in the United States, almost half of adults (46.4 percent) will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. And in the US, only 41 percent of the people who had a mental disorder in the past year received professional health care or other services. These numbers are alarming and they’re sending a wake-up call to many people who may not have identified that anything is wrong.
The best way to identify that something is wrong is to self-analyze first, then seek help (whatever that may be). Self-analysis begins with getting to know yourself better. Take more time to learn yourself and the things that are important to your well-being. Set aside time every day to have some alone time with yourself doing things you enjoy or nothing at all but getting to know you better. For many of us, this may mean changing our habits and everyday lifestyles from what we’ve believed to be necessary and true. For me, it’s leaving the dishes in the sink for a whole day in order to a get a minute to meditate or spend time just enjoying my family. For you, it may be something entirely different. Whatever it may be, learn to indulge in yourself. And that doesn’t mean that you’re selfish, un-Godly, or a bad person. It just means you care enough about yourself to not drive yourself crazy trying to live your life for others.
In 2020, break away from any tradition, habit, cycle, person, or thing that consistently causes you disarray and stress. And if this means that you need to seek professional help to accomplish this feat, then get it. It will be worth every coin if it adds peace to your life and removes mental overload.
3. Choose to Focus on the Good
It’s great being alive and witnessing 2020 - ushering in a new year and decade in all of its glory. Unfortunately, all of it isn’t good news. The reality is that in this modern world we’re bombarded with negativity daily. Everywhere you turn you can find something bad going on. Though we can’t change everything that’s happening in the world, we can change how we respond to what happens. You see, it’s all about perspective. There’s an old adage that says, “What consumes your mind controls your life”. Therefore, to truly create a life that you love you must shift your focus from negativity to the good things that you desire to set the theme for your life.
This year, I challenge you to be intentional in seeking the silver lining in every instance. Practice grateful living and try your best to find beauty in every moment. You know, actually stop and smell the roses. Even if they stink! Seriously, at times this will be hard, but I encourage you to lean on something greater than you to accomplish this task.
For me, it’s my faith. My faith and hope in God helps me deal with this challenging world. When I face times of doubt, worry, and fear I lean into my faith and stand on the Word of God to strengthen and embolden me as I face each day’s circumstances. Passages like, Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth or Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. And lastly, my son’s memory scripture for this month, Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.
Choosing to live a life you love is all on you. Personally, I think the thing that sets 2020 apart from years past is that I’m greeting it with clear mental fortitude and vision which helps me understand that I have the power to live a life that’s more enjoyable, fulfilled, and happier. By implementing the steps listed above and insisting that your actions align with what you say you want, you will set the stage for a life you love.
Did you enjoy the article? If so, join me on my podcast, The Remarkable Black Woman. This month I will be discussing my top 8 steps to take to create a life that you love. Available on Apple or Google Podcasts.
Tam Finley is the owner of the Tam Finley Design Studio™. She is also a web designer, graphic designer, and brand stylist. She also assists her clients, known as, Lifepreneurs® with consulting on how to start businesses that better complement their lives. Follow on Insta, @tamcreates.
15