Self Improvement: The Top Three Issues I Continue to Focus On This Year

Earlier this year, I gave some serious thought to areas I needed to focus on so I could improve my wellbeing: Letting Go and Forgiveness, Tending to my Own Business, and Using My Time Wisely!

#1 Letting go and forgiveness – Yeah, I’m still working it!

I’m admitting this smack dab in front of the world!

Char can be a grudge holder and it has not served her well at all!

Last year especially, I noticed it’s toll on me and quite honestly, It was brutal in the emotions department.

I was hostile, irritable, generously shared my complaining spirit about EVERYTHING from how I was treated as a child, crazy siblings, past hurts, spouse issues, work situations gone wrong, the degree I still haven’t finished – all things that have bothered me and kept me from moving forward because I focused on ALL that is wrong!

(Whew! I was a walking red button of negativity and just the perfect person to call for hanging out – right?)

Here’s the truth – I have always struggled with forgiveness. I know it’s supposed to be about me and not the offender but let’s face it – it DOES feel like I’m letting them off the hook by forgiving.

Some things deserve to be remembered. So I did – and that was the reason I’ve never allowed myself to work through the feelings, allowed the feelings to motivate me to action, or chosen to learn from my pain instead of allowing it to weigh me down.

After a bit of research and meditation on the truth behind my struggle, I started thinking differently.

I never thought about the positive things and personal growth that came from these painful situations. The end result is a women that is stronger, compassionate, empathetic, driven to achieve my goals – and one determined to treat people with respect, acceptance, and understanding.

So this year – Forgiveness has to take the #1 spot! I’ve made a list of ones slated for a healthy dose of Char forgiveness (yes, I have one with people’s name’s on it because I don’t want to miss anyone and I like to be organized – no judgment please).

I want peace of mind at long last. So it’s time to move on!

#2 Tend to My Own Business!

Yes, I have a problem with this.

No, not the kind of busybody that butts into everyone’s life, spreading gossip and sharing all the “extra, extra” tidbits I can find.

My problem is that I worry about what everyone else is doing and what they need to do or change to be happier. I’m no expert but you know why I do this – because then I don’t have to think about myself.

Not sure why I went this way last year – okay, I really do and it was because I was unsure about what direction to take in my own life and I didn’t have a support system to help me figure it out.

I was confused and angry that the support system I have to rely on seems to feel threatened when my goals are different from his and I needed to schedule a Come to Jesus meeting with nothing but honesty as our special guest!

Other people’s affairs worked as a wonderful distraction!

I know it’s time for a major life overhaul and for me to start working toward MY goals without fear. I didn’t realize how hard it would be because I’ve spent most of life stamping my needs down for everyone else and THEIR EGO –  and IT IS NOT ENOUGH ANYMORE!

So I’m focusing on protecting my emotional and mental energy by tending to my own business, not allowing other people to distract me, making the tough and necessary decisions, and choosing to work on goals and resolutions that inspire my spirit to soar.

It’s really tough when those closest to you aren’t supportive, but I have to push forward anyway.

#3 Strive to Use My Valuable Time Wisely

Better time management is always the right goal!

I mean to get it right this year and beyond.

I already know the basics like setting routines and getting organized. I’ve got some really detailed list I’ve been working and I’m feeling hopeful and calm.

What I struggle more with are the mental time wasters when I don’t say no!

I answer the phone or text when I shouldn’t respond yet and end up wasting time on people who call only when they need something, need to complain, or want to update me on the latest tidbit to be heard.

I get bogged down with answering non important emails that can wait or I get distracted by shiny object syndrome in my blogging business.

Add all that time I spend in #2 above, calling out the wrong, why no one seems to notice the problem, and complaining about the perfect solution I have that no one is implementing.

Oh yeah, this one definitely belongs on the list for now and beyond!

I’m happy to report that I have gotten a lot better in the last few months – without the guilt! It happens when I stay mindful about my thoughts, words, and actions.

Yes, I should have done this ages ago but I’m handling things now!

I have exciting changes happening in my life this Fall, and I will need all the time I can get!

Let me know what your thoughts are about this post below. Feel free to share any time management ideas that work in your life.

To Living With Intention… All my best…Char