Life Altering Steps to Create a Life You Want to Live In.

I do most of these, most of the time. But it only takes one person intent on changing the direction of someone who's happy in their skin to make all of these very easy to forgo and forget. Hold on to your power.
 (these are not mine, credit goes to the website Positively Positive.)

1. Stop trying to prove anything to anyone.
I have a friend who, after years of struggling and striving in New York City, recently moved to the country. She realized she’d been trying to prove something, and now she was done. Her new found ease is palpable in her skin, her eyes, and the way she stands. She chose to make her life a place she wanted to live.

2. Be you.
I’ll never forget when I was in high school feeling frustrated with my sister. A close family friend pointed out that I would probably get a lot further in life by being myself instead of trying not to be my sister. Trying not to be my sister was exhausting. Being me instead created a life that was, and continues to be, far more hospitable.

3. Notice what triggers your escape plan.
Who are you with when you find yourself wanting to drink? What conversation were you just having before eating that pint of Ben & Jerry’s? What were you saying to yourself as you bought the pack of cigarettes? When you say you really need to “get away,” what is it that you’re trying to leave? The answers to these questions will give you clues to what needs tweaking.

4. Easy does it.
Your life does not require a complete overhaul in order for you to want to live it. Tiny changes make a world of difference. Frustrated with your current situation moonlighting as a server at a restaurant? Spend your off hours designing those dresses you’re always dreaming up for someday when you have the money to start your own label. The hours infused with creative juice will offset the hours spent taking orders. Your life will become more tolerable by the minute. And you’ll want to stay there because it will just keep getting better.