We thought 2021 would be a far better year than 2020.

If you are anything like me, I prefer to live on the bright side of life. I don’t always deal with my stress and anxiety the way that is conducive to making life easier for me, but what I have realised recently, is that, in a world where so much happens to us, there are indeed things you can control. 

My general attitude

I come to all situations with love and peace. What a cliché, however, it’s true. I wake up with a song in my heart every morning. Yeah, I’m one of those people until something happens that I allow to alter my mood. 

Point being, ‘that I allow’. The point of this story is not to allow things to happen to you, you can control your own attitude. 

My actions 

Sometimes we do stupid things.
I learnt a long time ago that when we do that and it turns out that what you did was really tatie, it’s best to admit it, apologize and move on. Sometimes we hurt people unintentionally or without considering how they may feel, but if they know your heart, they will know that it is not within you to hurt them or make others feel bad. 

What I eat

I recently discovered what a great impact food has on my well being. About 19 months ago I stopped eating beef, lamb, game and eggs. The no meat thing was a choice but the eggs made me sick when I started eating it again after a year. This journey has made my body happy. I don’t feel sluggish or heavy. Instead, I feel light and nourished. I consume as many vegetables as I can everyday and I appreciate every bite. 

There is no better way to describe it than to say I just feel happy from the inside. 

How I react

The way you approach a situation and how you speak about it very often determines its outcome. I distinctly remember when I worked at NFCPT, our new HR practitioner started and she came to my office. 

She introduced herself to me and when I asked about her position she gave me a snotty answer and corrected me. I remember thinking to myself, “girl, the way you react now will set the tone for this entire relationship”. I immediately made light of the situation and today Angie is a very good friend.
Things don’t always work out that way, but for most part I choose carefully how I react to a situation, especially if it rubs me up the wrong way. 

How I speak to myself 

This is one that has an immense amount of impact on our emotional well being. I often allow self doubt to creep in, but I quickly turn that around and tell myself what I can do and what I can control. Speaking lovingly to yourself is very important. We are often our own worst critics. Love yourself unconditionally just like you do those closest to you.

My personal boundaries

Yes, I set those for myself with everything I do. Taking care of myself is for me and about me and has nothing to do with those in my circle. It does, however, show what I will tolerate and what I won’t.
I believe in structure. It is what I bring to my world to make it stable.
I stopped overcommitting as it became too exhausting and I’ve learnt to say no in certain situations and to things I am not comfortable with. 

Half of 2021 has passed and we have all adjusted well to how life is now. Take charge of the things you can control. And always show up for yourself. 

Love, Charlie