LaShara Lashawn

Its only the end of March and so much has been going on in my world and in thee world as well. I could go on about how things have been in the trash but honestly things are actually going well. I have been actively working on ways to better myself mentally and emotionally. By turning my focus inward I have been able to have a new outward perspective on my life and I give all credit to my faith which has grown as well.

If its okay Id like to share some tips with you that have helped me

1. Slow down and breath. Our lives can move so fast on the daily between work, family, friends, events, ministry it can all be so much and not to mention having bills and random issues. We I start to feel overwhelmed I have to remind myself to breath. It like I get up and as soon as I walk out the door I’m holding my breath. Take time in the morning or throughout the day to breath. I mostly sit, palms on lap, eyes closed and breath for 15-30 secs or until I feel calmer.
2. Get good rest. It is one thing to sleep and another thing to rest. I have been more intentional with my off days to ensure that I am including time to sleep. I no longer care about beating the clock to get so much done by noon. Some of us with health concerns most definitely need to take heed. Yes, it may feel like you could be doing something else but if you keep putting off sleep your body will make it so that you cant do nothing else!!
3. Read. Feed your brain with good positive information. I tend to look for books that focus on what I may be working on within myself. I recently picked up a book on fear that was great help. There is nothing wrong with reading books for pleasure. I believe that reading allows our minds to grow, it provides a time to escape and lets our imagination run with the story. I don’t always just read books I read news articles about current events. I just enjoy learning and staying informed.
4. Realize that you can’t fix everything. You can only do what you can. I learned this fist hand and my faith taught me that to do anything else is wrong and that God wants to help me. As long as I am alive and well I’m doing okay and everything else will fall in place. Remain positive and stick to the plan.
5. Plan. We know tomorrow isn’t promised but 9/10 tomorrow is coming with or without you so why not prepare? Think for the future ahead, starting with short term then long term goals. You deserve to live the life that you deserve and have created. This is part of the first step in taking control of your life. Iv become a better planner with my finances. Money with no plan is going to get spent fast! Things can change in an instant so it is good to save for a emergency even if you start with $5, it will add up.
6. Go outside. (When the law and weather permits lol) Make it a goal to go out and walk or go to a farmers market, interact with people. We all need each other, call up a good friend or relative and set a date. See whats happening around you, be apart of your community. Get active.
7. Write it down and take it one day at a time. Allow yourself to think and work out the steps and or both the emotions on paper. This goes with planning, just write. It’s therapy in itself. As I would accomplish things I’d check them off my goal list.
8. Prayer and meditation. It goes a long way. Once your in alignment you want to stay there. For me I am less likely to do things that, simply put dont make any sense! Im a lot calmer, happier and my mind isnt wandering. The cool thing about prayer is that you can do it anywhere, anytime.

These 8 keys have helped me unlock pure self awareness and boosted my ability and desire to trust God. I have more trying days than others at times but I know that I am going to be just fine if i at least stick to these. I didnt include smiling, laughing or drinking water or working out we carry burdens so heavy that it almost prevents us from being able to feel motivated enough to want to go do a work out and on a consistent basis. We have to deal with the real issues first. Majority of the battle is in our mind, its a mental thing. For me when I have my plan and my mind made up right all the good things fall together. Hence more laughter and joy because Im no longer mad at the world or at my situation because Gods got that.

Take care of yourself. Wash those hands!