Making A Decision For Me

I have always been what some may call a ‘yes woman’. So afraid of conflict and disappointing others, that I allowed myself to be consumed in what I thought others expected of me. Each time I neglected to give myself a voice or stick up for what I thought, I allowed a piece of myself to slip away. Piece by piece, time after time, experience after experience. Until one day, I looked in the mirror and I could no longer recognize myself. I know this sounds oh so cliche, but it’s true. Sadly, I let my voice fade. I didn’t feel like myself and it even showed on the outside. I lost my glow. I am here to tell you, I thought I’d be the last person to have this happen, but it wasn’t hard to lose sight of myself when I wasn’t my first priority.

If this has been you, I want to encourage you that this can change. The first step towards a new glow is deciding to allow yourself to step beyond your comfort zone for YOU. It’s easy to allow what others say to manifest in your thoughts. Influence your actions. Distract you. It’s easy to accept what others throw at you because you don’t want conflict. It’s easy to repeat cycles, but what’s hard is deciding to finally say yes to a change for you.

I’m still gathering pieces to put myself together again. It’s a process. A new glow calls for a decision to become a better you at all costs. No matter what it takes, you will make decisions that are best for you. Change is a big concept that some may experience ‘metathesiophobia’ (fear of change) at the thought of. Nonetheless, if you never challenge yourself, how can you determine whether you have reached your greatest depth of potential? How can you explore yourself? How do you make steps toward finding out and fulfilling your purpose?

Finding your glow starts with you. Right now, I challenge you to make the decision to grab your crown, step out in faith, and grow to your glow for you. You may be lost, in a heap of confusion and fear. Whatever place you are in right now mentally, spiritually, physically and/or emotionally, decide to make decisions that benefit you from here forward. You can do it! I’ve made the decision for me. Make the decision for you.

Let’s start small. Here are some things you can begin now:

Think of things that make you happy. Go do one of the things that came to mind. Whether it’s as simple as singing in the shower or fixing up to go out.
Put on your favorite fragrance, lip gloss, or shoes.
Beat your face! Slay those eyebrows. Apply and bat those lashes.
Put on your favorite piece of clothing. Something comfortable that flatters you.
Speak with a tone that dares to be heard. Give your voice some volume. When you say no, mean it.
Only say yes to things that you desire. Don’t say yes to please someone else.
Acknowledge your feelings.
Make a list of things you want to change and steps to change them. Your list may include things you want to change within yourself or in reference to others (contemplation of negative thoughts, engagement in toxic activities, etc.)
Make a list of things you want to do. Try to include things that scare you a little. As the saying goes ‘do something that scares the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks out of you’! These are the things that will challenge you and push you to grow the most.
Smile. Even when things aren’t the best. Smiling increases and encourages positivity. You need a positive mind to extenuate change for a better you.