It amazes me how fast time flies. I cannot believe the month of April is coming to a close. Where has time gone? In the blink of an eye we are already in throws of 2023. It’s been almost three years since I re-positioned my website to function as a blog. When I initially launched my website I intended for it to be a landing page for my styling services. When the pandemic occurred it prompted me to adjust my original plans which included hosting in-person styling consultations.
Writing for my blog has been intrinsically fulfilling and has provided me with an additional avenue to express my creativity. I look forward to continuing to share certain aspects of my life as they relate to style, travel, and self-care.
No matter what efforts I am working on, to include developing content for my blog, focusing on my personal growth and well-being will remain a top priority for me. There was a point in my life when my well-being was in jeopardy. Before I left my last job in banking, I was overlooked and overworked. That situation taught me a valuable lesson. From that moment forward, I decided I would no longer stay in toxic and dysfunctional situations where I was not appreciated or would have to compromise my well-being.
There are many ways you can invest in yourself. You can read a book, have a spa day, or meet up with a friend for a coffee break. Here are three ways I'm investing in myself this year.
Not Shrinking Myself to Remain in Places I Have Outgrown
Some people want you to play small when you are in their presence to make them feel comfortable about themselves and stroke their egos. I've experienced this on times throughout my life, especially during my career. I find it interesting when people think when you want to improve your life or your circumstances that somehow it takes away from them. Now more than ever, I refuse to dim my light to make other people comfortable.
There was a point in my career where my contributions and efforts were not recognized or appreciated. It was disappointing to not be fully appreciated nor have opportunities for growth when I worked hard. I loved the nature of the work I did, however there were certain people that I worked with that made it unnecessarily difficult for me to do my job in an effort to make me doubt myself and question my abilities. I could have stayed and endured this type of treatment, however I decided to take it as a sign that it was finally time to move on. From that moment forward, I committed to myself that I would apply the same level of effort or more into my personal growth and my endeavors as I did while I was in that job. To this day I have absolutely no regrets for leaving that job behind. Life is too short to play small and stay in toxic environments.
Avoiding Waiting for the Perfect Moment
Another way I am investing in myself is not waiting for the "right" moment. There was a point in my life when I thought I needed to have everything in order to make a certain decision. With time I have learned that nothing in life is guaranteed - no matter how much you plan for things to go the way you want them to. This has been more apparent along my path of entrepreneurship. Despite all of the setbacks and delays I have experienced, I trust there is a greater meaning for it all. I decided I would learn from these moments rather than let them defeat me.
Continuing to Honor My Path
In this day and age it is easy to draw comparisons between someone else's life and your own. I draw inspiration from many strong women while continuing to be true to myself. What works for someone else may not work for me and vice versa. That's the beauty of our individuality. Now more than ever, I am committed to walking my own path rather than conforming to the expectations of other people.
How are you investing in yourself this year? Let me know in the comments section.
Your reflections on personal growth and the importance of prioritizing one's well-being resonate deeply with me. The transition from an environment where one's efforts go unnoticed to one where self-expression and self-investment become focal points is truly commendable. Your determination not to diminish your light for others' comfort is both inspiring and empowering. I've too learned that waiting for the "perfect" moment often means missing out on opportunities and growth. Embracing the unpredictability of the entrepreneurial journey, as you've described, takes courage and resilience. Moreover, in a world inundated with comparisons, maintaining authenticity and honoring one's unique path is essential. Your post serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of investing in oneself, both for personal well-being and broader…