I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness — it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.
-Brené Brown
When life feels stressful and overwhelming, it can be hard to think about creating an intentional life. I get this. Being in survival mode means that you’re just getting through the day, often waking up with a feeling of dread surrounding the day to come. If you are in survival mode right now, know that you’re not alone, and that therapy can often be really helpful in moving you from survival into thriving in life.
I think creating an intentional life often comes from a place of thriving in life. To me, thriving is when you look forward to the day in front of you, and that your days very often have a good flow to them. Within that flow, you may be lost in the moment, fully immersed in what you’re doing and fully enjoying this present moment.
If this topic interests you, and I sure hope it does, read on for some quick tips on: things to let go of in your life starting today, things to do more of in your life starting today, and self-care ideas for when you’re feeling lost in life.
Things to let go of in your life starting today:
- Perfectionism
- Beating yourself up
- Not setting boundaries
- External validation
- Not prioritizing self-care
- Not living your true, authentic life
- Judgment and criticism
- Love self-esteem/self-worth
- Struggles with self-love
- People pleasing
What else would you add to this list?
Things to do more of in your life starting today:
- Embracing imperfection
- Showing grace
- Boundary setting
- Loving yourself
- Take care of you
- Practicing self-compassion
- Raising self-esteem
- Prioritizing self-care
- Creating your authentic life
- Looking inward for self-validation
What else would you add here?
Self-care ideas for when you’re feeling lost in life:
- Therapy
- Meditate
- Exercise
- Spend time outdoors
- Journal
- Snuggle with your pet
- Get cozy
- Practice mindfulness
- Read
- Connect with others
What else helps you when you’re feeling lost in life?
If you’re struggling in life right now and feel like you’re in “survival mode,” know that you’re not alone. It takes time and energy, often through therapy, to move from surviving to thriving in life. If you feel like you could use more support, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way as you move towards creating a more intentional life for yourself.
