I love thrift shopping. It is nostalgic and one of my favorite past-times that I remember doing with my family when I was younger. I even love the smell (is that weird?). It’s not just about the bargain for me, it’s about recycling and cutting down on unnecessary consumption too. My favorite thrift store is the “Red White Blue Thrift Store” in Pittsburgh. I love it because all of the clothes are organized by color.
At the front of the store, there is a section filled with an array of paintings, posters, and picture frames. During one of my thrifting escapades, I came across a vinyl painting with motivational and encouraging sayings that uplifted me as soon as I read them. I battle Generalized Anxiety Disorder, so as a Self-love Therapist, surrounding myself with positive energy is an important coping skill for me.
After spending my $2 [cash only], I rushed home a sat the wall art on a chest in my foyer so I see it when I enter and exit my home. Here are the twelve ways that you can shift your negative energy and the lessons that I take away from this wall art:
1. Be kind
Treat others the way you would want to be treated. No matter if they reciprocate the kindness, try to be more of a giver than a taker. Volunteer, give to the less-fortunate, donate your time and money [if you have the privilege to] to those in need, when you can. Forgive those who hurt you. Do not hinder your blessings by being petty.
2. Work hard
What you put out, is what you will get back. If you work hard at whatever you love to do, you will reap the benefit of success. Success does not mean how much money is in you bank account, how many followers you have or what accomplishments you have made. Success is a feeling and hard work is choosing to keep going, to keep trying, and to never give up on what you truly desire.
3. Stay humble
Being humble is a sign of gratitude and growth. There is nothing wrong with being confident, but there are no experts and always room to grow and to learn. Be open to learning and expanding by staying grounded and humble personally and professionally.
4. Don’t worry
Worrying about it will not change the outcome. Some things are solvable, some things you need to accept. There are some things that are in your control and some things that are out of your control. The less time you send worrying, the more time you have in the here and now.
5. Smile often
You use more facial muscles frowning than you do when you smile. This does not mean that you are not allowed to feel down, it’s about finding, creating, and choosing to smile again. Did you know that smiling more helps reduce stress? Smiling can affect your brain in a positive way:
When a smile flashes across your face; dopamine, endorphin’s and serotonin are all released into your bloodstream, making not only your body relax but also work to lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Endorphin’s are natural painkillers.
NeuroNation
6. stay loyal
Don’t be so loyal to others that you are disloyal to yourself. You can be loyal to others and loyal to yourself. Both can coexist. You can be loyal and have boundaries and expectations that you protect and demand in every relationship that you are in. Choosing yourself does not mean that you are disloyal to them, it means that you are considering yourself and not allowing disrespect.
7. Pursue excellence
I am excellent because I exist. I am learning that I do not need to become someone else to be worthy; that I do not need to change to be good enough, and that I do not need to have a certain level of success to be valuable. Pursing excellence means that you are pursuing yourself; your heart, your desires, your truth, your values, and your aspirations.
8. Be honest
Speaking my truth is my freedom. Choosing to share my truth; to tell my story is not just for me. By sharing I am giving others the permission to do the same. The stories we share help us to heal but they also can support someone else in their own healing. You never know who needs to hear your story but you are the decider on what and when you want to share.
9. Travel when possible
Life is all about the journey. Traveling doesn’t always mean going to a new country [although we can learn so much by experiencing other cultures], sometimes you can travel to the next city over or to a new place in the city you live in and gain so much.
According to Adam Siddiq in his article 9 Wonderful Benefits of Traveling, taking the time to get away can help you experience more joy in your life:
- You’ll find a new purpose
- You’ll appreciate your home more
- You’ll realize that your home is more than just where you grew up
- You’ll realize how little you actually knew about the world
- You’ll realize that we all share similar needs
- You’ll realize that it’s extremely easy to make friends
- You’ll experience the interconnectedness of humanity
- You’ll experience serendipity and synchronicity
- You’ll realize life is a wonderful gift
10. Never stop learning
Be a life long learner. It is so easy to get comfortable and complacent in your thoughts. By actively learning, choosing to be curious, and getting comfortable exploring why, you can expand your way of thinking in business, in relationships, and in your self-love.
If you are thinking about taking a course for fun, traveling abroad, going to college, getting your GED, getting a master’s degree or doctorate, gaining a credential, or getting certified in something that intrigues you, take that risk yourself. YOU GOT THIS.
11. Be thankful
Be grateful for your lessons. It is easy to be grateful when things are going well, but can you be grateful in the difficult and stressful situations too? Easier said than done, I know. It’s not something that I have mastered and I struggle to stay positive when I am triggered with fear or worry. When I am able to give thanks, it helps me feel grounded and centered.
12. and Love
Love yourself. You are full of love and you probably share that love with all the people in your life. As you are spreading love to those around you, don’t forget to add yourself to that to do list. You are just as worthy of receiving the love that you give to others. Community love, family love, friendship love, and self-love are all important types of love.
