There’s no denying that for many, it’s been a strange, and challenging couple of years. However, things seem to be settling down (a little) and people are getting back to their (new) normal. With the past lockdown restrictions, and losses; many found themselves questioning their priorities, wants, and future regarding their careers, relationships, where they lived, and the list goes on and on. It’s no surprise that with all that thinking time, individuals were self-reflecting more and making fresh starts. 

It can feel difficult to prioritize yourself and your happiness above everything else, especially when there seem to be endless responsibilities and commitments in life. However, ensuring that your happiness and fulfillment in life, regularly come first, will allow you to flourish and grow, so that you can achieve and enjoy more. You cannot pour from an empty vessel; therefore, there’s no better time to start investing in yourself more often. The following are some ideas and tips on where to start, for positive steps toward a bright future.

Career Moves

Very often, you’ll spend more time at work, with your colleagues, than you do at home with your family and friends. Therefore, if you’re in a job or workplace that doesn’t fulfill you (or worse yet, makes you miserable); it’s going to negatively impact the rest of your life. Therefore, surely it’s worth taking some time to consider how happy you are in your line of work or your current career path. It’s worth remembering that nothing is forever, and often there are opportunities to make changes if you want them.

By no means is this a suggestion to quit your job with no plan of what to do next; quite the opposite. It’s about thinking about what you’d love to do with your work life and taking some steps towards making that happen (hey, you’ve already started!). Whether you research into that Practical Nursing (PN) program you’ve heard about so that you can begin a career in care, or you invest in that domain name for a side hustle project that’s ready to happen; there is no better time than right now. In six months, you’ll be so grateful you took a step, or a leap, towards a happier working week and a better work/life balance. So, whatever it is, push those doubts to the side and step into whatever it is you’re longing to try! 

Relationship Filters

This is a challenging one, especially as an adult. However, difficult and toxic relationships in your life will only have a detrimental effect on your happiness and mental well-being. This can be your current partner, members of your family, or those within your circle of friends. It’s really time to assess what people make you feel like, and how much you look forward to seeing them, or if you’re always dreading the encounter.

Setting boundaries with those that you’re just not ready to let go of, or you feel are too tied to your family life, is a great step forward towards your inner peace and happiness. Being able to tell them “no”, limiting your encounters together, and even explaining how they’ve offended or hurt you, are brave and important ways to heal and lift a lot of stress associated with that individual. Better yet, if you’re able to cut all ties, and know that they cannot infiltrate your peace of mind or enjoyment; the difference will feel incredible. You deserve joy, and should not have to tolerate anyone who harms it.

Time Investments

The previous suggestions have been pretty major and significant elements of life. However, it’s often a collection of small changes that can create contentment in your life, and are a simpler way to invest in yourself. Little habitual changes are worth investing in now so that they become second nature. Maybe it’s about leaving your apartment 10 minutes early so that you can grab your favorite pastry, or take the scenic route to walk to that new job you love. 

That 10 minutes when you’d normally press the snooze button, thinking you’re doing yourself a favor, could be better invested. The first week or so of mornings may take some getting used to, but soon it’ll be second nature, and you’ll have given yourself such a gift! A moment of peace in nature, a cup of great coffee, a phone call with someone you love; it really is the little things that make a huge difference in your day-to-day life. So, it’s time to focus on them and enjoy!