LIFESTONED LIFESTYLE / /
THE POWER OF INNER POWER AND OTHER LESSONS LEARNED
BY KEIKO EL
I started my inspirational self-love blog in March of 2015 as a form of self-expression . With no prior blogging experience , I considered this bold move to be a call to action - I took my life into my own hands . At the time , I was a full-time student , living in Boston with no real creative outlet separate from school and work . Like many , I have struggled with fighting my own battles especially when it came to my self-worth and finding ways to express myself freely . It has taken me years to realize that I wasn ’ t the only one suffering from these insecurities and it ’ s taken me just as long to open up about them , thus Keikoism was born .
1 . Find little ways to get out of your comfort zone .
Your comfort zone can be a dangerous place if you ’ re not careful . For someone who suffers from social anxiety , I know it can be troubling trying to “ put yourself out there ” but it ’ s all about baby steps . The key is to start small and start with yourself . If you ’ re out shopping and you see a cute dress that you wouldn ’ t usually go for , try it on . It might look amazing , and you ’ ll never know until you try . The same theory goes for if you ’ ve found a hairstyle you like but you ’ re not sure about the commitment — cut it . Hair grows and so will you , have faith in yourself ! When this is accomplished , it becomes easier to open yourself up to others .
2 . Learn to laugh and avoid unwarranted energies .
You may not know that laughter has a ton of beneficial health side effects . Laughter has been known to lower stress levels by releasing endorphins that are literally meant to make your body feel good . I know for a fact , that I always feel my best when I ’ m laughing . Learning to laugh has been one of my biggest accomplishments but more importantly learning to laugh at myself . I am an individual that bares a sensitive heart so I ’ ve always had trouble with accepting who I am and brushing off the small stuff . I ’ ve learned to laugh through my darkest times , and I owe a great deal of thanks to my friends for helping me overcome them . It ’ s important to keep those who make you feel the warmest close ; and steer clear of any energies you feelaren ’ t helping you grow .
3 . The first step towards loving yourself means taking a long hard look in the mirror .
It may get old hearing " no one can love you until you love yourself " but it ' s completely true . There ' s no way for someone else to know how you desire to be loved if you can ' t tell yourself . Start with recognizing what makes you happiest and go from there ; be sure that your happiness is not stemmed from a destructive place . You ’ ll start to notice a positive reaction in your mind , body and soul by incorporating these little joys into your everyday routine .
4 . Remember everything happens for a reason and not everything is meant for you .
The things that happen in your life happen for you . If something is not meant for you the universe will show you signs of incompatibility . These signs aren ' t always easy to recognize but keep your eyes peeled ( mind ’ s eye included .) Along with signs of incompatibility , remember that the universe has an equal amount of blessings in store for you . Disappointment is natural , but the trick is to not let it consume you . Sitting on disappointment for too long can and will turn into resentment . I find that as human beings we are naturally stubborn when it comes to something we really want ; but realizing when it ’ s time to let something go is a big step in the right direction . Embracing the power to let things go saves a lot of time and unnecessary emotional stress . Trust me , I still have a very hard time with this concept , but I started easing into the process by repeating little mantras to myself that make it a little easier on me , i . e . “ Everything happens for a reason , within reason .”
5 . Be open to support when you need it , but don ’ t be afraid to heal your way .
I ' m one to struggle through a situation on my own before reaching out to someone for help . Even if it ' s not your thing , consider that when someone ' s lending you a helping hand that they love and accept you , and are keeping your best interest at heart . I have been put at ease in times where I feel alone because I have this in mind . That ' s what friends are for after all ; so don ' t take your support system for granted . On the other hand , be gentle and understanding when you are the support system . Everyone heals and accepts love differently , so not everyone is going to be on the same level of emotional awareness . Not everyone realizes that it takes time to be fully in touch with your emotions ; so let this serve as a reminder , that patience is a virtue . Being a support system takes patience , and understanding this will only help strengthen the connection between you and your loved one .