12 Suggestions for How to Redo You

Happy November 2nd! (I started this yesterday but didn’t get to finish- but as it’s still the beginning of the month, it’s still valid)  A whole new month.  For me--- this is an opportunity to rebuild myself.    Maybe I’m watching too many chick flicks and sit coms about single girls who want to make changes in their lives--- but hey- what’s wrong with wanting to be a better person?   There has always been an end in sight: the end of high school and the excitement of college.  The end of college and the promise of Italy.  Going to Italy but being excited about starting a career.  Well, now I’ve found a job that I really enjoy.  I’ve met my goal. But now what? I’m getting bored.   So I’m taking the first/second day of this month as the start of something- well- awesome.   So here are twelve of my suggestions on how to shake things up.  It may or may not end up sounding like an article from a women’s health magazine or some voice over from a chick flick--- so if you have a problem with that--- then I’d advise you to read something else.

1. Change it up.  Change something that you usually do or have the same.  Get a new haircut.  Or a new purse.  I know I’m definitely guilty of using the same purse until it literally falls apart.  It’s perfect because you’ll be able to see instant results. 

2. Travel.  Take this time in your life when you’re young and unattached to see the world.  I made a travel bucket list.  It’s SUPER long and daunting, but exciting.   I’ve already started budgeting! 

 

3. Cook.  It’s a creative way to express yourself.  If you’re already good at it--- explore different cultures.  Asian food, Middle Eastern food, African food--- there are so many delicious things to try and experiment with.  Plus, it’s impressive.  Here’s a super easy one that I just tried, SOOO good--- and I’ve found a bunch more from that website that I’m going to try soon. 

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/sweet_potatoes_with_warm_black_bean_salad.html

4. Learn something new.  I decided to start learning French.  This gets your brain working in different ways and presents not only a challenge, but a topic of conversation.

 

5. Make an excuse to celebrate something.  Let loose. Have fun. 

6. Dress for success! I’m definitely known for my style of rocking sweat pants, a hoody, and flip flops on any/almost every day of the year.   It’s comfortable and it’s easy.  But I also know--- on a bad day--- wearing sweats is NOT the way to go.  Don’t dress how you feel, dress how you WANT to feel.  (I’m not saying that I feel bad most days of the year--- this is only referring to those days where you feel like you HAVE to wear them because you’re all lazy and/or depressed.  Looking good makes you feel good.

7. Don’t be afraid to indulge a little.  If we spent our lives trying to be perfect, we would all fail.  If you don’t indulge a little, you’re in danger of breaking down one day and going on a spree.  It’s impossible to stay perfect forever--- so go ahead.  Enjoy a Big Mac every once in a while.  Buy a pair of adorably impractical heels.  If you LET yourself indulge a little, you won’t beat yourself up for every teeny tiny slip you make. 

nom nom nom chipotleeeee

 

8. Set a goal.  If you don’t have a goal, then what are you working towards?  Whether you sign up for a race, set a goal weight, or save up money to get front row tickets to your favorite concert.  If you have something concrete to work towards, you’ll not only be able to see and keep track of your progress, but you’ll have the reward of accomplishment at the end of it.  Mine?  I want to do an Olympic distance Tri next spring/summer.  1 mile swim, 23ish mile bike, 10K run.   Bring it. 

 

9. Stop caring what other people think.  While I’m extremely guilty of this, it’s so much easier to just let go a little. It makes life SO much less stressful.  But don’t overdo it.  That’d be embarrassing.

10. Do something nice for a stranger every so often.   It feels REALLY good.  I’m not saying you have to donate hundreds of dollars to charity or anything, but it’s a great feeling.  Just the other day, someone flashed their lights at me on the way to work to warn me that there was a police car farther along the road.  This saved me a speeding ticket.   When I was waiting in line to vote, there was an old man in front of me who was moving slowly and leaning on everything for balance and support.  Eventually, a lady asked him if he wanted to sit, and that she’d be happy to get him a chair.   In my mind, I felt sorry for the guy but the thought of offering to get him a chair had never even crossed my mind.  Seeing people do nice things makes me want to do the same for others.  Back when I-Passes weren’t a thing, someone in front of me paid my toll, and it made my day--- so I made sure to pay someone else’s at the next toll I stopped at.  It’s little things like that--- that make someone feel great, and it starts a chain of other people doing nice things for other people--- which I think we could all use a little more of.   

11. Take this opportunity to do something you’ve always wanted to do, but have always made an excuse for.  Maybe it’s bungee jumping, maybe it’s going to the new fancy restaurant downtown, or maybe its finally approaching the cute guy or girl who is a regular at your coffee joint.  Whatever it is--- DO IT!!!  I’m taking the time to read more.   I’m in the midst of my research, but am asking Santa for a Kindle or something along those lines and I’m going to kick reading’s ass.

 

12. Start figuring it out.  Now that you’ve become even more awesome than you already are--- what is that you want?  Shout out to Kim who gave me this idea--- She mentioned making a list and how the universe will make it come true.  Which is a fun idea.  I’m not sure how extensive this list was—whether it’s just about love, or other aspects of life too.   But either way, I think it’s a great idea.  Making a list of the things you want in a relationship, in your career, and in yourself.  The universe may or may not play a role in this whole thing--- but I think the reason this works is because once you have a list written out of the things you want—you’ll be able to REALIZE when you have them.  Or when you don’t and the changes you need to make to get them.

Whatever you do--- have fun.  Be awesome.  Be you.