Love the New You – Coming to Grips with Change

Confession time.

I used to be a bit of a party girl though you wouldn’t think so if you met me now.

After a busy week of work and writing, I sometimes find myself climbing into bed at 8 pm ready for sleep. On a Friday night! Not that long ago, I was out partying until all hours on a Friday night.

On rare occasions, I actually miss the Friday night party girl.

What drives me now, however, is my desire and determination to change careers and grow as a person. Despite my change in lifestyle and shifting priorities, I’m happy with the transition.

In saying that it doesn’t hurt to weigh up how much I’ve gained and grown as a result of a significant change in my life.

Here are some tips on ways to embrace both the new and old parts of yourself and love the new you.

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Seek out more meaning

At some point in our lives, we start to search for more meaning. We begin to dig deeper for more substance.

Trivial, unimportant issues don’t even hit our radar.

Whether it is a result of maturing, suffering a loss or even something wonderful happening to you, it is important to reach a better understanding of yourself and the people around you.

Don’t be afraid to have a long hard look at yourself. You might be delighted and surprised at who you find.

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Look beyond the superficial

When I was younger I loved makeup. I mean I loved it. I bought a lot of it.

I would spend hours doing my hair (trying to curl it to be precise and then spraying it with tons of thick hair lacquer to keep it in place). May I point out, this was during the ’80s when it was quite the rage, in case I’m scaring anyone!

Now I blow dry my hair a couple of times a year if I’m lucky (I have to mention my hair has never been in better condition) and I own one lipstick.

Don’t get me wrong I have nothing against makeup and grooming. Now I simply choose to look past the makeup, clothes, handbags, and accessories and try to SEE the person wearing them.

In our celebrity-obsessed culture, I think it’s more important than ever not to embrace the superficial. 

So much emphasis is put on celebrities (and I use that term loosely).

I have a shocking announcement coming, so prepare yourself – Celebrities are just people. They might make more money or be better looking, but they are simply people. They eat, cry, sleep, and breathe – just like the rest of us.

Related post – Why You Should Never Compare Yourself to Touched Up Images

Understand it’s not just about your age

I’m sure growing older has mellowed me in many ways.

Yet in saying that I know twenty-somethings that have never gone through a party phase and have no intention of doing so and sixty-year-olds that have never stopped partying!

Stereotyping people into boxes of – who does what at what age – can be inaccurate (not to mention unfair).

Related post – Stop Stereotyping and Labelling

Embrace quality over quantity

In our consumer society, we tend to value things. Lots and lots of things.

Somewhere along the way we have developed a ‘whoever has the most stuff wins’ mentality. Don’t buy into this.

Having more stuff does not bring a richer, happier life. More likely,  it will fill your life with crap that you don’t use or want.

Not to mention, waste plenty of your hard-earned money along the way.

The same can be said for friendships and relationships. Whilst people have a lot of casual acquaintances, it is also important to nurture close relationships.

By close friends, I mean the friends you can call at 2 am in the morning when your life has just spiraled out of control.  The friend you ring when a parent passes away suddenly.  The one who will be there for you in your darkest hour.

Whether it’s your career, family or your relationships seek purpose and quality in the way you spend your time.

Related post – The Real Cost of Buying Stuff

Help others

There is nothing quite as capable of taking the focus off ourselves, as helping other people.

Whether we want to reach out on a local, community, country, or global level –  there are always opportunities to help people who are less fortunate or due to circumstances at the time, simply need a helping hand. Volunteer to help others.

Resist the urge to be judgmental

This one can get a bit tricky. When we develop a clear vision of our own values and beliefs, we can sometimes see things as black and white. Right or wrong. We fail to see the gray areas.

We view life through our own filters.

The key I believe is twofold, keep an open mind and never stop learning.

Because I have chosen a certain path, does not mean someone else should do the same. 

Each of us is entitled to make our own decisions. Try not to be judgmental when someone chooses a path, not to your liking.

Related post – Are We Too Judgmental?

Make sure fun is still on the agenda

Obviously, it’s important to still have fun. Bear in mind however that your idea of fun might also change as you develop and grow.

Recently I went to New York on holiday with three girlfriends. New York is one of my favorite cities. We had a fantastic time and rest assured there was no being asleep in bed by 8 pm on that trip!

No matter what changes you go through in life, be the best version of yourself and always love yourself for who you truly are.

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