Go with Grace: 5 Tips for Personal Healing
While my integrity and intention to live with genuine goodness have always been at the core of my soul, I believe we all need to take a pause from time to time and ask ourselves: How can I be better?
The chaos of 2020 invited us to think about living more fully. For many, the pandemic triggered new difficult emotions and traumatic memories. On the other side, it allowed us to reevaluate, and revealed opportunities to encourage stronger community connections and family kindness, and to open dialogues about mental heath. I see some of those things happening in our world, but there is still so much more healing to be done. And healing starts at home.
The pandemic also reminded me how God got me through challenging times before, and that I needed to have consistent trust in him. God has made miracles happen and has inspired me to reflect his light in my own life. That means having more compassion, forgiveness, understanding, and less judgment, while remembering to handle life’s heaviest moments with grace. I started to pray every day, attend church, research new places to worship, and work on what I call “just being better.”
Perhaps you’re seeking to bring some healing into your own life. I have found that tends to act as an echo and wander into other spaces, corners, and pockets around you. If your intent is to change for the better—know that you will. If your intent is to seek healing–know that you will find it.
To help you on your healing journey, here are some simple places to start:
1.) Improve Your Reaction
Let’s talk about the word “reaction.”. How often have you found that your initial reaction is never the best? I encourage you to stop going into every conversation or confrontation with defensive armor. Believe that the people in your life are good. If they say something that is triggering, try to talk through it before it turns into an unnecessary volcano. We sometimes tend to add too much personal emotion to a matter that is not related at all. Be honest, look deep, and know you can improve how you react.
2.) Shut Up Your Ego
Keeping your ego in-check should be an ongoing task. Being humble is such a powerful quality (and, very attractive!). Your life will see a positive shift because your mind will be focused on being more self-aware. You will see a difference in your conversations with others and have more genuine connections. I know social media makes it difficult, but there is a distinctive dance between being a full-blown bragger vs. being motivating and entertaining. Focus on what matters!
3.) Cherish Your Community
Where would we all be if it were not for our chosen family and loved ones in our life? My daily phone calls to my friends and family members are some of the best parts of my day. I want you to embrace and love-up your most cherished relationships. It is also important to think about people from your past who helped you along your way. Is there anyone in your life that needs an apology? Has there been hurt? Imagine how you would handle things differently knowing what you know now. An apology can bring closure to so much pain.
4.) Kick Up Your Workout
The gym is not only a healthy escape, but also a place to boost your endorphins. You will see results if you are patient and stick with a regular routine. If the gym is not your thing, take advantage of the great outdoors. How you treat your body is connected to your attitude and overall energy. Try cutting out one vice that you think might be weighing you down for at least a month or two. You may see a better fit in your clothes and a brighter lift in your spirits.
5.) Have Faith in Your Steps
“When you pray, hope gets rekindled. When you pray, strength is renewed. When you pray, answers come.” I love this quote. You don’t need to follow my exact lead when it comes to faith. I honor everyone’s beliefs and spirituality. If prayer is not for you, do something that allows you to connect to whatever light that guides you. Think about whether a personal change is needed in your life and how you plan to tackle it. Focus on all the positive intentions, and take action–you are in charge!
We are all a work in progress. Be empowered by recognizing the need for change. Your growth and lessons learned will be a personal blessing that will resonate to others around you.
