B - B is for B(e)

B is for B(e)

Over the past few years, I have come to find that what you choose to be matters. Once you reach a certain age, you get to choose nearly everything in your life—what you wear, what you eat, what time you go to bed, what you spend your money on, what you spend your time on, your attitude, your actions, what career path you’re going to pursue, if you’re going to watch one episode of a TV show on Netflix or the entire season (in one sitting), etc. Once you’ve reached this point in your life, you have officially reached what everyone refers to as “adulthood”. You work your butt off to get to this stage of your life (i.e. time goes by and you get old), but what you may not realize is that it’s the smallest things we have the power to choose that often have the biggest impact on our lives. I am going to list below six things I have personally chosen to be that have helped me blossom into the jubilant Jane that I am today:

1.     I choose to be G R A T E F U L: Especially for the little things! Sometimes my morning cup of coffee is the best part of my day (no joke). If you take the time to sit down and write a list of things you are grateful for you will realize how blessed you truly are. I am often brought to tears when I think of how blessed my life truly is…the number of things I am grateful for is very overwhelming, and it makes me want to give to others so they can experience the same thing. “Whatever I do will be small in comparison to what I have been given.”

2.     I choose to be P O S I T I V E: It’s surprising how much your attitude and mood will improve when you continually strive to be positive and choose to see the good in things. You will emit positive energy to those around you, and that energy can spread like wildfire. “Your vibe attracts your tribe.”

3.     I choose to be K I N D: I strive to be accepting (and non-judgmental) of every human being on this planet, no matter how different they are from me. After all, it is our beautiful, unique differences that make the world such an interesting place to live. Everyone has their own story, and I know that’s it’s not my place to judge them in any way, shape, or form. It is my place to treat others as I would like to be treated. I love to greet everyone with a smile and ask how they’re doing, because I genuinely care. “Have courage, and be kind.”

4.     I choose to be H A P P Y: Because life is truly is too short to be anything but happy. Seriously. Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks, what everyone else is doing, how you compare to others, etc. The best way to be happy is to be true to yourself. Sure, you can take what others say into consideration, but don’t let the opinion of others dominate your own desires if it contradicts what you know in your heart would truly make you happy. “Comparison is the thief of all joy.”

5.     I choose to be S E L E C T I V E: Especially when it comes to those I choose to surround myself with in my life. When you surround yourself with happy people, you’ll find that you will be happier. In turn, when you surround yourself with Debbie Downers you’ll find yourself being drug down with them. Now I’m not saying to shun all the Debbie Downers of the world, quite the contrary actually – befriend them, smile at them, share your positive energy and upbeat attitude with them! The world needs more rays of sunshine in it. “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.”    

6.     I choose to B E L I E V E: We all believe in something, or even many things. What we believe in influences our thoughts and actions, shapes who we are, how we view the world, etc. With belief comes hope, and having something to believe in and be hopeful about can contribute to a healthier, happier you. No matter what you choose to believe in, always remember to believe in yourself, too! #CheesyButTrue

You have a choice. Your choices are powerful.  Your choices matter. You matter. So…what will you choose to be?

 ♥ Jane

*Disclaimer
I am in no way saying that you need to force yourself to be happy 24/7. We are all human. We all have moments of complete emotional takeovers that just can’t be stopped. We all have days when things just won’t go our way. We all have days where we just want to be left alone. Some people struggle with depression or other mental health issues. If any of the things I listed apply to you, just know that you are not alone. I’m always here for anyone who needs someone to talk to.