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.