Take a step back
Human beings are patterned creatures: we gravitate towards what is familiar, we repeat it, and that very act of repetition makes it a part of our selves, lives, and relationships. But just because you fall into a pattern doesn't mean that you have to stay in it.
The first—and often hardest—step is to notice that you are stuck at all. The best way to notice it is to take a step back from your daily life. You can physically step back (get distance, go on a holiday, disrupt your routine.) You can mentally step back (engage in reflection exercises, consider your values, imagine your future self.) Or you can lean on others to help you to see your life from a different angle (asking for feedback, considering what your role models would do.)
With that new awareness, you can take the second step, which is, more often than not, making just one small different choice. Today, could you...
Ask for what you need?
Choose to stop avoiding something?
Let go of who you think you need to be?
Treat yourself with love?
Inquire into the other person's pain?
Engage in an open conversation?
Ask someone for help?
It might not be comfortable at first. But you're strong. Stronger than you know. You've just proven that to yourself by making this choice — to leave what is known and comfortable, but no longer serving you, and venture towards what is healthy, joyful and fulfilling.
The Definitive Guide to Happiness
A groundbreaking new approach based on a decade’s worth of research and brought to life with beautiful artwork, New Happy shows you the proven path to happiness.
