Page 9 - Dainfern Precinct_Issue1_2022

LIFESTYLE

lthough it’s already soul, they open your mind to 6. LISTEN MORE
February, the year is still new perspectives, which create Listening without giving advice or
relatively young so, along understanding, empathy and criticising is a sure way to create
Awith all your resolutions, compassion, and that makes you a deeper, more authentic connections
intentions and plans for 2022, why better person. with others, especially those
closest to you, like your children
not include something that is sure FOR YOUR FRIENDS AND and partners, who you spend most
to bring more joy into your life and FAMILY of your time with and who often
positively influence those around Now that you have considered bear the brunt of your venting and
you? yourself first, the next stage tempers on bad days. Everyone
involves your inner circle. feels more appreciated and
Here are some ways you can do understood when they feel heard.
just that, beginning with yourself. 4. CREATE HEALTHY So by enhancing your listening
BOUNDARIES skills, you are sure to become a
1. WATCH YOUR WORDS Being a better person does not better person.
This does not mean what you say mean allowing people to walk over
out loud to others, but rather, your you, and creating boundaries is FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
internal dialogue: what you say to not about pushing people away or Your circle of influence also extends
yourself. If someone had to talk to shutting them out. into the community. To make a
you the way you spoke to yourself, positive impact, consider these
what would you think of them? Unlike walls that we put up to hide suggestions on how to be a better
Negative self-talk is a hard habit to parts of ourselves, boundaries person to and for others.
break, so the best way to manage are there to protect us and allow
it is to catch yourself in the act. us to grow and develop into more 7. SHARE POSITIVE REVIEWS
By pretending you are talking to conscious, integrated and happy There is nothing more uplifting
someone else, you can hear how people. and inspiring than coming across
you really sound and how the words a message or post praising good
actually feel to you. Once you Have a read of an excerpt from my customer service. It is easy to
decide the words are not helpful or blog [visit: www.michellelraymond. complain – I am not saying you
constructive, you can recalibrate com] entitled What-Are-Healthy- shouldn’t. By all means, complain if
your language. Boundaries. the result will render a constructive
Try this, if you find yourself going 5. INVEST IN QUALITY TIME solution. But most of the time,
complaints are made in the moment
down the “what if?” road, e.g. “What Ten minutes of your total presence
if I fail? What if I am not good is better than two hours of your time and out of anger. To be a better
enough? What if they find out I don’t when you are distracted, frustrated person within your community,
share honest, constructive and well-
know what I’m doing?” and so on... and distant. Not only is it better thought-out comments and reviews.
choose at that moment to flip the for the other person, but also for
question around. “What if I win? you, because it can help you better
What if I succeed? What if this all prioritise your time and it allows you 8. SUPPORT LOCAL
works out well?” Think of your mind to use your attention and energy Aim to be more conscious of how
like Google. Whatever question more efficiently. you show support as a consumer.
you ask, it will find the answer. So
to get the best from your mind, ask
the right questions in the right way.
You will be amazed at what comes
up when you shift your language to
positivity.
2. INVEST IN YOUR WELL-BEING
It is much harder to be a better
person when you are in pain or are
suffering. So instead of ignoring
whatever is physically or mentally
ailing you, be brave enough to
address it and get the help you
need.

3. DO SOMETHING NEW
When was the last time you did
something for the first time?
Many people get too caught up in
their attempts to become experts,
or the go-to-person, or the top
dog, for many reasons – success,
achievement, personal mastery.
But the freedom and childlike
enthusiasm that come from doing
something outside of your comfort
Photographer: Leo Mclaren, Unsplash zone are not only great for your
Photographer: Danny Nee, Unsplash
7
DPL