Page 25 - Kyalami_Issue 1_2022

LIFESTYLE

lthough it's already February,
the year is still relatively
young so, along with all
Ayour resolutions, intentions
and plans for 2022, why not include
something that is sure to bring more
joy into your life and positively influence
those around you?

Here are some ways you can do just that,
beginning with yourself.

1. WATCH YOUR WORDS Photographer: Priscilla du Preez, Unsplash
This does not mean what you say out
loud to others, but rather, your internal
dialogue: what you say to yourself. If
someone had to talk to you the way you
spoke to yourself, what would you think
of them?
So to get the best from your mind, ask develop into more conscious, integrated
Negative self-talk is a hard habit to break, the right questions in the right way. You and happy people.
so the best way to manage it is to catch will be amazed at what comes up when
yourself in the act. By pretending you are you shift your language to positivity. Have a read of an excerpt from my
talking to someone else, you can hear blog [visit: www.michellelraymond.com]
how you really sound and how the words 2. INVEST IN YOUR WELL-BEING entitled What-Are-Healthy-Boundaries.
actually feel to you. Once you decide the It is much harder to be a better person
words are not helpful or constructive, you when you are in pain or are suffering. So 5. INVEST IN QUALITY TIME
can recalibrate your language. instead of ignoring whatever is physically Ten minutes of your total presence is
or mentally ailing you, be brave enough to better than two hours of your time when
Try this, if you find yourself going down the address it and get the help you need. you are distracted, frustrated and distant.
“what if?” road, e.g. “What if I fail? What Not only is it better for the other person,
if I am not good enough? What if they find 3. DO SOMETHING NEW but also for you, because it can help you
out I don't know what I'm doing?” and so When was the last time you did better prioritise your time and it allows
on . . . choose at that moment to flip the something for the first time? you to use your attention and energy
question around. “What if I win? What if I more efficiently.
succeed? What if this all works out well?” Many people get too caught up in their
Think of your mind like Google. Whatever attempts to become experts, or the 6. LISTEN MORE
question you ask, it will find the answer. go-to-person, or the top dog, for many Listening without giving advice or
reasons – success, achievement, criticising is a sure way to create deeper,
personal mastery. But the freedom and more authentic connections with others,
childlike enthusiasm that comes from especially those closest to you, like
doing something outside of your comfort your children and partners, who you
zone are not only great for your soul, they spend most of your time with and who
open your mind to new perspectives, often bear the brunt of your venting and
which create understanding, empathy and tempers on bad days. Everyone feels
compassion, and that makes you a better more appreciated and understood when
person. they feel heard. So by enhancing your
listening skills, you are sure to become a
FOR YOUR FRIENDS better person.
AND FAMILY
Now that you have considered yourself
first, the next stage involves your inner
Photographer: 21LYqbqre8w, Unsplash BOUNDARIES Photographer: Sergiu Valena, Unsplash
circle.
4. CREATE HEALTHY

Being a better person does not mean
allowing people to walk over you, and
creating boundaries is not about pushing
people away or shutting them out.

Unlike walls that we put up to hide parts
of ourselves, boundaries are there to
protect us and allow us to grow and

Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 1 • 2022 23