Tag Archives: lifestyle

Jan25

What Would You Do?

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What Would You Do?

Hello!! Every job I’ve ever had has involved working with the general public in some way shape or form. I like to think I’m a people person, even if I’m not always feeling it! During my fifteen year tenure of working with the public, I feel like I’ve encountered every situation imaginable – good or bad. And, sometimes, I leave situations feeling like it wasn’t my best work lol. This past week, I found myself in a situation that I have never experienced before and it really left me scratching my head. So, I’m curious, What Would You Do? Story time:

This past week in Ohio has been BRUTAL. We have had temperatures in the negatives or close to with very strong wind, making it even colder. On Wednesday, I had a quick errand to run and it was a whopping two degrees by the time I got to the store. Allow me to paint a picture: This particular store is located in a plaza with a handful of other businesses. When I arrived, the parking lot was completely empty with only one car at the farthest end of the shopping center. Due to the weather, any signs of parking lines were invisible so I parked my car as usual and headed into the store for a less than five minute stop.

When I opened the door, a literal gale of wind followed me inside. I walked up to the front desk, only to be informed by the employee that I parked incorrectly because my car wasn’t on a slant. I said something along the lines of not being able to see the lines and now I know for next time. However, he insisted I take my sorry ass back out in the two degree weather and fix it. I almost thought he was joking until I realized he was serious.

Because I was on a time crunch to get to work and didn’t have the time to go to a different location, I did as I was told. I was greeted with a sarcastic “welcome back”, made my purchase, and promptly left. In the three or so minutes I spent in the store, not a single car entered the parking lot to be blighted by my poor parking job. *Massive Eye Roll*

Maybe I’m overreacting, but I thought this was so strange lol. I just feel like it’s not a good look to send paying customers back outside to fix a parking job in an empty lot. Had I had the time, I would have just left rather than go along with it. Trust and believe I was screaming profanities in my head, though! In conclusion, I won’t be giving that store any more of my business.

Was this weird or is it just me? What would you have done in this situation? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan19

Moving Right Along

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Moving Right Along

Howdy!! One of the comments that I get several times a week from the people I see and talk to frequently is: “I don’t know how you manage everything”. I have three jobs that keep me very busy, but I like to think that I have my juggling act down to a science. This isn’t something that happened overnight, rather something that has been perfected over time as I have been self employed for over a decade. It can be a delicate dance when you have a crazy schedule to keep your head above water. However, once you have it down, you can do that dance backwards and with your eyes closed! Here is what helps me:

I love my jobs:

The most important thing is to love what you do for a living and I certainly do! I love working with people with special needs, I love my blog, and I love being a social media manager. If I was absolutely miserable in any of these positions, I wouldn’t dedicate so much time to them. It makes me feel good to be a boss lady, but boss ladies know when to take a step back. As soon as I start feeling like something isn’t a good fit, I make immediate plans to change it and follow through until that is accomplished. It’s what keeps my work exciting and makes each day a joy rather than a chore.

It’s all in the timing:

Of course, time management is the next most important step to making a hectic schedule work. Through trial and error, I created a schedule that allows for me to complete every single task and be done when I return home so I can enjoy my evening with Johnny. Making a perfect schedule for yourself is like assembling a puzzle and once you get the pieces right, there is nothing that you can’t do. For a long while, I would still work a bit once I got home for the day no matter how badly I wanted to sink into the couch. The last step in my master schedule was eliminating this and I feel even more capable because I’m using my evenings for what they were intended for – relaxing!

Listen to yourself:

No one knows you better than you and rather than push yourself, you need to listen to yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I avoided taking breaks or simply a day off and it did me no favors. It made me resentful, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Honestly, this is one of the major things I still need to work on but I am getting better at it. You can only push yourself so much until you break so don’t let yourself get to that point. If something is feeling off, don’t just brush it aside because it’s your mind and body sending you a message. Listen to it because burnout is a very real thing and you have all of the tools to prevent it.

Go with the flow:

It’s no secret that my schedule is god lol. I have to admit, that I do tend to get a little panicky when my day isn’t moving as it should. This is why I am really making an effort to implement a go with the flow attitude. Being high-strung all day is exhausting and I always have to make a conscious effort to remind myself that things might not go accordingly to plan no matter how much you plan. While I do still experience some anxiety during a not to the T day, it has decreased substantially as I have to remind myself that even the most well thought out schedule needs some wiggle room.

I am well aware that there are still things that I need to work on when it comes to my work week. Keeping all of the above at the forefront of my mind helps me and I hope it does the same for you!

Do you follow the same schedule every day? How do you improve your work flow? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec19

Working With Mental Illness

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Working With Mental Illness

Hello!! It is no secret that your girl suffers from her fair share of mental illness. I have PTSD and depression and it can be exhausting to deal with. And, unfortunately, the adulting world doesn’t stand still despite difficult days that feature a “flare up”. I work hard to continue improving upon my situation, but I also use a few pro tips that I have cultivated over the years to make thing easier on myself. With these tools, my days feel more tolerable and I am able to achieve success in my jobs. Let’s discuss:

Have A Schedule:

In terms of my mental illness, my schedule means everything to me. My schedule brings me a lot of comfort because even if the day goes a little haywire, I still have a general idea of what is going to happen next. I try to go to bed, wake up, eat, and take breaks at the same time every day and not only do I keep things running like a fine tuned machine, but I feel less anxiety throughout the work day. Of course, on the weekend, I revel in not having anything to do. But, Monday through Friday – my schedule is god.

Eat Something:

Between the medication I’m on and the light buzz of butterflies that is constantly fluttering around in my stomach, my appetite is sometimes not there. I used to follow the rule of not eating if I’m not hungry, but that rule sucks because a few hours later I feel miserable and starving. If you aren’t feeling hungry at your normal mealtimes, try to have just a little something anyways. A light snack can help stimulate your appetite so you can work your way up to a proper meal. Your body and mind need the fuel from food, so eat!

Go Easy On Yourself:

The anxious mind might be telling you to work, work, work, and god help you if you stop: Even if you are feeling off. If you are having a bad day, be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to take breaks, self soothe, and return to the task at hand with a clearer head. There’s no gold star for pushing yourself through mental turmoil until you reach a breaking point. Listen to what your mind and body are telling you and respond accordingly. It can also be helpful to talk to yourself like you’re talking to a best friend. You would never tell your BFF that their need for a mental health break isn’t valid.

Avoid People Pleasing:

From one people pleaser to another, there comes a point when you have got to put yourself first. I have personally found that I tend to feel very resentful when I am catering to everyone other than me and that is a terrible way to feel. Part of looking out for you comes with saying “no” to what you don’t want to do – whatever reason that might be. You also have to be firm with your no because that establishes boundaries. This is not to say that you should just not help anyone ever. But, if you feel like you are spiraling and taking on way too much, you need to provide some leniency to your schedule.

Like anyone who is dealing with mental illness on top of all that adulting entails, I have my good and bad days. However, my days definitely feel more stable with the above advice!

Do you give yourself mental health breaks? How do you prioritize your mental health? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov12

Knee Pain Relief: Breaking Myths And Uncovering Facts

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Knee Pain Relief: Breaking Myths And Uncovering Facts

Knee pain – it’s something millions deal with every day, from early morning stiffness to that frustrating ache after a long walk. And while you might be familiar with some causes, there’s a surprising amount of misinformation out there that can lead to confusion and even prevent you from finding relief. Let’s look at what’s really going on with knee pain, bust a few myths, and cover some options that could help you feel better without diving straight into surgical treatments. Ready to get to the heart of it?

Understanding Knee Pain: More Than Just Aging or “Wear and Tear”:

The knee is a complex joint, with bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage all working together. Because of its central role in daily movement whether that’s climbing stairs, exercising, or just getting up from a chair it’s naturally prone to injury and strain. However, knee pain isn’t always a result of aging or overuse; it can be due to a variety of conditions, each requiring specific approaches to manage.

One of the biggest misconceptions? That knee pain is simply inevitable with age, and nothing can be done about it. While it’s true that age can bring about certain types of pain, such as arthritis knee pain, that doesn’t mean you have to live with discomfort. There are knee pain relief options available to you. With the right knowledge and treatment plan, it’s possible to stay active and enjoy daily life without constant pain:

Myth-Busting Common Knee Pain Misconceptions:

Misunderstanding knee pain can lead to unnecessary discomfort or even make the issue worse. Let’s break down some common myths that might be holding you back from proper relief.

Myth #1 – Resting Always Helps: While rest is essential for healing after an acute injury, too much rest can actually weaken muscles around the knee, which can lead to further instability and pain. For many, gentle exercises like stretching, swimming, or cycling can actually be beneficial.

Myth #2 – Surgery is the Only Option for Serious Knee Pain: A lot of people think that when knee pain gets intense, surgery is inevitable. But this isn’t always the case! There are non-surgical options that can effectively reduce pain and inflammation, allowing you to avoid or delay surgery. Treatments like physical therapy, targeted exercise, and even newer techniques like genicular artery embolization for arthritis knee pain offers non-invasive options for those looking to relieve pain without going under the knife.

If you are experiencing knee pain, simply enter a search for “orthopedic jacksonville fl” (or your local area) and schedule an appointment with a well reviewed practitioner. Be honest at your appointment if you want to avoid surgery so that your doctor can set you up on the best path of success sans surgical intervention. Keep in mind that surgery might be inevitable for more severe issues. However, regular visits to an orthopedist as soon as you notice pain can help prevent this.

Myth #3 – Pain Always Means Damage: Believe it or not, pain doesn’t always mean there’s a structural problem with the knee. Sometimes, knee pain can result from muscle imbalances, poor posture, or even issues in other parts of the body, like the hips or feet. This is why targeted assessments and treatments are crucial; they can help identify the real source of the pain, even if it’s not directly in the knee itself.

Exploring Non-Surgical Relief Options:

If you’re dealing with knee pain, you might be relieved to know that there are plenty of non-surgical treatment options to consider. While these won’t be a perfect solution for everyone, they can offer relief, improve mobility, and delay the need for surgery in many cases. Here are a few popular options to think about:

Physical Therapy: Guided by a professional, physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the knee, improves flexibility, and can restore range of motion. This process builds up the knee’s stability and can reduce pain significantly over time.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE): For those experiencing arthritis knee pain, GAE is an innovative non-surgical option. It works by reducing inflammation in the knee’s blood vessels, offering relief from pain without the invasiveness of surgery. GAE might be an effective route for people with arthritis knee pain who want to avoid or delay surgical intervention.

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories can provide short-term relief. Always consult a healthcare professional for recommendations that fit your needs, especially if you’re dealing with ongoing pain or other health conditions.

Injections: In certain cases, doctors might recommend injections, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation in the knee joint. Another option could be hyaluronic acid injections, which aim to lubricate the joint, providing smoother movement and less pain.

Adopting Long-Term Strategies for Knee Health:

Maintaining knee health is about creating good habits that keep your joints in the best shape possible. Here are some practical steps to help protect and support your knees for the long term:

Stay Active: Regular movement keeps the muscles around your knees strong and flexible. Aim for exercises that don’t put too much strain on the joints, like swimming, cycling, or walking on flat surfaces.

Wear Supportive Shoes: Footwear plays a big role in knee health. Choose shoes that provide the right support, and consider orthotics if you have issues with foot alignment.

Warm Up Properly: Before any physical activity, take a few minutes to warm up. Simple stretches and gentle movements can prevent injury by preparing your muscles and joints for activity.

Practice Good Posture: Avoid slumping or sitting for too long. Good posture can relieve pressure on the knees and help prevent future pain.

Knee pain doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of life. With the right knowledge, tools, and techniques, you can manage and even prevent many common knee issues!

Nov11

Take It Easier

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Take It Easier

Hello!! The recent election and upcoming holiday season has definitely been causing stress to many, myself included. This time of year often feels like a whirlwind – between wrapping up the calendar year strong at work, shopping for holiday gifts, adjusting to the time change, and attempting to squeeze time in for yourself too. It’s a lot. In fact, I was literally just thinking about how overwhelmed I feel which inspired this post. I came to the conclusion that I need to at least try to Take It Easier and am utilizing the following methods:

There are only 24 hours in a day:

One thing that I really struggle with is making time for every single other person and exclude myself. I spend so much time in my own head mentally trying to rearrange my calendar to accommodate to everyone and so be it if I fall by the wayside. The biggest change I have been trying to make is reminding myself constantly that there are only 24 hours in the day. I can’t create more time no matter how much mental Tetris I play with my schedule. With this reminder, I think I have been a lot better about saying no to extra shifts or demands that I am too exhausted to meet. This has been difficult because I am a complete and total people pleaser but I can only do so much and that is okay.

Still give your all:

I saw a quote on Facebook that I really liked. It went something or other like this: “If you only had 50% to give today, you still gave it your all”. I’m paraphrasing, but you get the point. Some days, it is just impossible to be firing at 100%. It’s human, so normal, and you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. As long as you are doing the absolute best you can regardless of being at 100% or not, you still did your best that day – even if you weren’t feeling it.

Utilize your breaks:

I don’t know about all of you, but I am very guilty of eating breakfast or lunch while working. Sometimes it’s a necessary evil and you can’t do anything about it. However, if you can, you should utilize your breaks every day because that is what they’re intended for – giving yourself a break. As often as I can throughout the week, I give myself twenty minutes for breakfast and for lunch. During that time, I will watch an episode of Degrassi and get back at it afterwards. I always return to work feeling refreshed from having a little breather. Remember that some days, you might need to give yourself more breaks if you are feeling burnt out and that’s okay too. For example, if I have a particularly long day at the computer, I will break a few times to do some Tai Chi and work out the kinks from sitting in an uncomfortable chair lol.

Facing negativity:

When you stop spreading yourself so thin, you might face negativity from the people who benefited from it. In the past handful of weeks alone, I have certainly had several guilt trips and it has sucked. I legit felt SO bad about it to the point of almost adding things back into my schedule and running myself ragged. Don’t do this!! If you succumb to guilt trips, you are going to be right back where you started. It might be hard, but be firm when you say no. It will leave no possibility for interpretation and will introduce people to whatever new normal you are trying to create for yourself. If you are getting any guff from anyone, then they might not have your best interests at heart. And, remember, you never, ever have to justify or explain when you’re doing what’s best for you.

I have been trying to decrease my stress and increase time for me these past few weeks and it has been really… stressful lol. The hardest part has definitely been the guilt trips. As I adjust to my new normal, I will continue to use my new mantras and mindset and keep moving forward. It’s the best thing for me and that’s the best!

Would you consider yourself to be a people pleaser? What changes have you made in your life to decrease stress? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep18

Being The Hostess With The Mostest

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Being The Hostess With The Mostest

Howdy!! I have always worked in an environment that involves interacting with the general public. I started out working retail, then I became an Independent Provider for people with special needs, and now I work a lot of events as the social media manager for Tim Misny. All of these jobs require an outgoing, can do personality and that’s perfect for me as I like to think I have an outgoing and can do attitude lol. I have really enjoyed being at the events with Tim and Johnny and I agree that I come alive during them. I love to be a part of someone’s day being special so it’s no wonder why! With a substantial background in customer service, I have learned a lot about putting your best face forward. These are some of my pro tips that keep myself and guests happy as can be:

Set the Tone:

You know that song from Annie (I think?), “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”? It’s so true! The best way you can set the tone for work or an event is with your best and brightest smile. Even if you’re not feeling it, smile anyways because no one will be any wiser for it. A smile is not only friendly but it offers reassurance to whomever you are interacting with that you want to be there and are enjoying yourself. And who knows? It might put you in a better mood from smiling too!

The Name Game:

It might seem like a no brainer, but it is SO important to learn the names of everyone on your guest list. This is true even if people are wearing name tags so you can avoid any awkward gazes. Spend some time with the guest list, pull up social media profiles if you can and do what you can to put those names to faces. I always tend to find that greetings are so much warmer when you can address the invitee by name. Of course, mental slips can happen and all you need to do is handle that situation gracefully if it arises – perhaps with the old “you wouldn’t believe how much you look like my friend so and so”.

Compliments are Key:

Who doesn’t like to be complimented?! If you don’t have any key talking points, lead with a compliment! Remember, compliments feel just as good to give as they are to receive as long as they are genuine. You would also be amazed at how a conversation happens so naturally after something as simple as a compliment on a pair of earrings. It could turn into talking about your favorite local boutiques, the artist who hand made them, that they feature a favorite color, and so on and so forth. A compliment puts the ball in the recipient’s court and it is up to them to throw it back.

Relax:

Events or high interaction periods at work can be very stressful because there’s so much that could go wrong. So focus on what’s going right instead because you have to act like nothing is wrong. This can be easier said than done, but try and relax and focus on your own specific task at hand. Do your best and have a breezy air about you because it will put other people at ease too, despite any disruptions that might occur.

Fake it Till You Make it:

Sometimes you just don’t feel like talking and in that case, fake it till you make it baby! We all have off days and that’s totally okay, the trick is to keep it under wraps. Think about the fun that can be had with each interaction you have. It’s a chance to hear a hilarious joke, learn an interesting new fact, or simply shoot the breeze about the weather. After fifteen minutes or so of keeping up with the motions, you might find that you just needed to get warmed up!

These sentiments have served me well and continue to do so in my career. What works for me might not work for you, but it’s always worth a try! 🙂

What do you love about your job? What was the first job you had? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep12

Make Your 19 Year Old Self Proud

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Make Your 19 Year Old Self Proud

Hello!! Earlier this week I had the really cool opportunity to facilitate and create a presentation for my boss, Tim, at Kent State University. It was an amazing project to sink my teeth into and I loved joining Tim on campus for his talk. We had the best time! After the presentation, we had a Q&A session followed by a meet and greet. As the students waited in line for me to take their pictures, a gaggle of freshman and sophomore girls were patiently waiting on deck. They were the absolute cutest.

Once they got closer to me, they approached and sung the praises of my outfit (Peep that later!) and asked questions about how I got started with my job. They told me they were eighteen and nineteen and were simply shook when I told them I was thirty! I have got to admit, talking to these teenagers made me feel insanely old lol but I was delighted by the encounter. I am very rarely around people that age and the fact that they thought I was some semblance of cool made me feel… Well, cool.

As I drove home, I thought about my nineteen year old self. I was insanely depressed, engaged in self harm and an eating disorder, and everything sucked. I was working a crappy job in the mall, had no goals, and no sense of self worth whatsoever. Then, I flash forwarded to my life as a thirty year old. I have the best jobs, best friends, best family, and am so happily married. If you would have told me that as a nineteen year old, I wouldn’t have even been able to fathom it.

It took me a long time of struggling with my mental health to get myself to a good place and it was far from easy. The girls I met were none the wiser to any of this and were able to see me as a confident and stylish woman. After our brief meeting, I came to the conclusion that my nineteen year old self would have looked up to who I am now too. This was a very fulfilling feeling because I associate that period in my life with a lot of shame. I was now able to give my young self credit as a kid who was trying her best and I know for a fact she would be proud of who I am today!

Sometimes the smallest encounters are the most meaningful and this one gave me the opportunity to see how far I have come. I am so grateful for it!

What were you like as a teenager? Who do you look up to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep11

5 Years Strong

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5 Years Strong

Hello!! This past week Johnny and I reached the five year benchmark in our relationship and it has given me all of the warm fuzzies. I still get butterflies every time I see my main squeeze! I am always appreciative of how lucky I am to have my Johnny and this weekend hit different when he spent all day helping me at an event. It was a long day and he didn’t have to by any means, but he did anyway and that means so much. In honor of our five year anniversary, I thought it would be the perfect time to tell a little story about our first date…

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Five years ago, I was in bad relationship after bad relationship. When the last relationship ended, I had sworn off dating for a while. I deleted the apps and I was ready to do my thang as a single woman. That is, until Johnny messaged me on Facebook! Normally, the messages I received on Facebook went something like this: “Hey beautiful”, “Hey gorgeous”, and so on and so forth. Johnny’s message stood out from the crowd in the most amazing way: He complimented a pair of shoes I was wearing in a recent photo shoot and asked if they made them in a men’s Chelsea boot. It was so refreshing because he saw my style, appreciated it, and clearly had pretty great style himself.

As we chit chatted away, Johnny asked me if I would like to go for a drink sometime. At this point in my career, I was still working evenings but just so happened to have that night off. We ended up meeting at the Cashmere Cricket, our favorite bar, later that evening. When I arrived at the Cricket, I was SO nervous that I actually walked right past Johnny who was sitting outside. A moment later, he came into the bar and found me and the rest is history. Since our first date, we have pretty much been together every day since and I am the happiest girl in the world for it!

No matter where we are at or what we do, Johnny and I always have the absolute best time just being together. He makes me feel so spoiled and loved every day since we met because it truly was love at first sight. I feel like I can do anything and everything with him by my side and the past five years have been the most wonderful because of my Johnny. ❤

How long have you and your partner been together? How did you celebrate your last anniversary? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep6

A Pleasant Surprise

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A Pleasant Surprise

Hello!! One of my work days is almost exclusively at a client’s job site. Then, I have a few breaks during that time when I can work my other job on my computer. In the store, there is a cafe section that I like to post up at and click clack away until it’s time for my next shift. While I am at the computer, I am in my own little world and will usually put my headphones on and listen to music while I work. Normally, the cafe is almost always empty. This time around, though, I noticed an elderly man sitting at one of the tables while his wife did some shopping.

As I finished packing up my work supplies, the gentleman motioned for me to come over. I have to admit, I was thinking “oh shit” in my head. As a woman with a ton of tattoos, piercings, and vibrant hair, I don’t have a ton of luck when it comes to older people beckoning me. The comments I have received in the very recent past have run the gambit. I’ve been told that people who look like me will probably end up in jail. The classic “You’d look so much better without all of that”/”Why would you do that to yourself?”. As well as being called flat out ugly. So, yeah, I wasn’t exactly chomping at the bit to see what this guy had to say to me.

After I approached and braced myself to be insulted, my new friend surprised me. He simply said, “I was just wondering how long it takes to get your hair like that”. You could have knocked me over with a feather! With a happy and huge sigh of relief, I began to tell him about my trips to the salon and the hair style that took over seven hours to complete. He told me he didn’t think he could ever sit in a salon for that long and I talked about how much I enjoy it – especially all the girl talk! He made the “chit chat” gesture with his hands and we both had a laugh. After our encounter, we said our well wishes and parted ways with a smile on each of our faces.

As I thought about my talk with this stranger, I realized that I completely misjudged him and I deeply regret that. In that moment, I was no better than the people who made it a point to let me know their mean comments without knowing anything about me. I was one hundred percent prepared to have been talked down to and, instead, we ended up sharing a laugh. The age old saying “never judge a book by its cover” is such a cliche but it really is the truth. I judged without any reason to think otherwise and my original thoughts were dead wrong. This encounter taught me to be better at keeping this cliche at the forefront of my mind and challenged me to do more than make a snap decision at a glance. I am so very glad for this reminder!

After this Pleasant Surprise, my sense of impending doom when an elderly person calls me near has certainly diminished. I have come to expect hurtful comments and everyone will always have something to say – positive or negative. However, now I will be better at approaching these conversations with a smile, come what may.

Has someone made your day recently? What is something that pleasantly surprised you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Decision Making 101

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Decision Making 101

Howdy!! I don’t know about all of you, but I have a very difficult time making decisions. I stress, ruminate, and let anxiety build up until I just keep doing the same thing without making any changes. It’s understandable – any kind of change can be scary and I find a lot of comfort in the same old, same old. This past week, however, I had to make some really big work related decisions and it sucked lol. I am pleased to report that I made it through on the other side. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t still feeling some residual stress about it, but I know that I will feel much better in time. These are some of the things that helped me as I made choices and maybe they will help you too:

Deep Breaths:

If you’re like me and simply the thought of major changes puts you into a tailspin, then first and foremost, you need to chill. Sound decisions can’t be made when you are in distress so try and relax. Take deep breaths, sip a cup of tea, or have a hot shower. Whatever you need to do to put you in a calmer state of mind. Then, you can revisit the decision that needs made when you are feeling less frazzled.

Pros & Cons:

The most common way to make choices is to weigh the pros and cons and there is a reason for it – it is always effective. Grab a pen and paper, pull up a notepad on your phone, or type on the computer and start thinking about the good and bad that could come with each option. It will be so helpful to see your thoughts right in front of you rather than let them swirl around your head. Your initial pros and cons might be subject to change so don’t make a split decision immediately. Give it a day or two, revisit it, and see if anything or nothing needs reevaluated.

Think About You:

There is a high chance that whatever you are struggling to decide might effect other people. This can throw a huge monkey wrench in the process because, of course, we don’t want choices to negatively impact others. This is where I have the most difficult time and often just resort to doing the same thing. However, you need to think about yourself. Sometimes, what’s best for you isn’t best for the people that it might effect and that’s okay. Yes, you read that right: It’s okay. Doing for you isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to keep moving forward in a positive trajectory.

Go With Your Gut:

Maybe you have weighed your pros and cons and are still nowhere closer to a decision. If that is the case, think about your gut, heart, and mind. This is what it ultimately boiled down to as I made my work related choice. I knew exactly what I wanted and I had a hard time working up the nerve to just do it. Listen to yourself and what your body is telling you. The answers you need are all there so don’t swamp yourself down with the “what ifs” or you might end up getting stuck. I admit that I was stuck for over a month until I was able to do what I needed to do for me. All it did was cause me more stress as the situation festered in my head and that could have been easily avoided. Changes take time, though, and if you need extra time that is totally fine but it might make making the choice even harder if you drag it out.

I feel good about the decision I made because I know it will be good for me, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. I also feel like I have a better grasp on making choices for the next time a situation arises – hopefully!

How do you make decisions? What is something you struggle with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah