Nothing shines more than somebody who starts who focus on themselves.

2020 was most certainly one of the crazy years I think we have all experienced. However, I’m grateful for it in a way? Is that strange?

I feel like it paused life a little bit, gave us all a little bit of space and time to ourselves. Figure out our friendships, relationships, goals, everything and more.

It gave us time to do nothing. To do everything.

To sit under the sun, to watch countless Netflix, to make endless cups of tea, family walks.

A lot of people had college virtual graduations, baked banana bread and attempted home workouts.

Others took up a new instrument, snap scores went up and those “how’s quarantine treating you” messages were sent.

I grabbed this year by the bull horns and attempted everything the universe threw at me.

I started to be more open about my anxiety, I took part in Miss Mayo, ran a lot of kilometres, re-watched gossip girl for the third time and took a few orders in The Cill Aodain to take up my summer whilst I was at it.

I took a huge leap outside of my comfort-zone and joined JG Fitness in Ballyhaunis. Although I like to keep active I rarely went to the gym, so this was a big deal for me. I’m delighted I have, I enjoy it so much.

I moved back to Dublin which again is another leap out of that little comfort corner I’ve created.

I feel like I started to strip it all back and become a more raw and real version of myself. Take things day by day.

Are you struggling to find motivation? Confused about something?

Take a step back. Breathe. Read along and let me take you on a little journey of how you can create a more positive and productive you.

However – these are the things I started doing in my life that I genuinely feel make a positive impact to you and can untimely change your life.

Try to adapt the “Tomorrow is a new day” mentality.

Mindset. Mindset. Mindset.

Relax. Things happen. We lose track of it all. We drop the ball. Things spiral. THIS IS NORMAL.

You are human and you make mistakes.

You still have time to pick it all up and get back on track.

If you feel like you’ve been in a funk, that’s okay. We sometimes have to sit in our emotions and start a fresh the next day.

If you wake up the next day and let yourself stay in the same pattern as the day before, you will stick in your rut.

All it takes is one day of “F*ck it. Today is a new day and I am going to get up, do the damn thing and get back to bed” hey presto, you are changing your life for the better.

Don’t let excuses get in the way of you achieving your goals.

Now, understandably so – life happens where we simply have to set the goals to the side. But you know yourself, if you want something bad enough, you are one decision away from doing so.

Let it go. Actions speak louder than words.

Example – You’ve started talking to someone new. It’s fun, they make all of these plans with you and then boom – not a word of communication.

I can’t even tell you how many friends have told me stories about lads and girls that start talking to someone new and then realise it’s not what they want and without warning, they take a step back from you. And you’ve been ghosted, just like that.

It happens everyone, I’ve had my fair share of it lol.

However, a year or two ago I would have held on to that, but now – I just let it go. If someone doesn’t want to speak to you, that’s their loss. Unfortunately they don’t owe you an explanation.

If someone tells you they like you, they wouldn’t be acting otherwise. Don’t give excuses, hold your standards high and wait until the right person comes along.

It can hurt your feelings yes. It can leave you feeling lost, annoyed and maybe a lil sad. However, you are not meant to chase something down.

It’s always nice talking to someone new, even dating in a pandemic it can be very easy to get caught up in it all very quickly – I just think holding on to people’s every word can be a dis-benefit to you. Focus on you, make your effort and if it isn’t reciprocated, then just gently ease away from the situation.

I’ve had to give this advice many a time to people as I understand myself things not working out, however – you don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life and if they don’t want to share that with you, then I guess they weren’t meant to enjoy your beautiful self.

People go through their own situations, life gets busy or they have reasons as to why they act the way they do, some people just aren’t ready to own up to that and honestly, that’s okay. As long as they know that they can open up to you if needed, then that’s what really matters.

It sounds harsh but sometimes things just aren’t that serious and unless someone shows you with effort and actions otherwise, try not let it get to you.

Don’t live in anger honestly, it’s easier to just live in peace. Doesn’t cause as many wrinkles too stressing over something that may be nothing!

This is in regards to friendships too. Hey who knows, you could be the one reading this that hasn’t been giving that much effort to someone. It takes two.

This is your sign, if someone pops into your mind. Check in with them.

Health is your wealth.

I am putting these two little points into one because they slip into the same category.

MOVE YOUR BODY

The amount of benefits there are from exercising, walking, dancing in your bedroom or even just some light stretching have on your physical but more importantly, your mental health.

It alleviates symptoms such from low self-esteem, anxiety, negative mood and depression.

Exercise can improve your physical health, your physique, add years to that life of yours and even improve your sex life.

You sleep better at night and with the release of the endorphins it boosts all of your physical and mental energy.

Find your niche – You don’t have to go hell for leather. Starting off small with walking, yoga stretches. There are so many PTs and gyms now that focus primarily on online clients that would be more than happy to show you around a gym and how to work equipment.

Not saying you have to join a gym or take on a PT, all I’m saying is I know a lot of personal trainers who would be more than happy to show someone how to work certain equipment or answer questions you may have.

Skipping rope, jogging, running.

Yoga. I actually have so many friends that started going on to YouTube, typing in ‘Just Dance’ and bopping away to it.

Drink Water.

Always said. But honestly!! You should really drink at least 1.5-2 litres of water a day. Period.

I’ve started going to bed with a pint of water beside me and before I even leave the bed the following morning, I down that pint. (not the pints that I had planned for 2020) hehe

I also have a reusable water bottle now to ensure that I am drinking enough water daily.

Trust me. You’ll start to see a glow and thank me later!

So essentially, if you feel unmotivated –

Stand up, shake that sh*t off, down a pint of water, let’s write down what we need to fix and let’s get cracking.

Less caffeine.

I am not telling you to get rid of it completely.

However, I found myself to actually be quite sensitive to caffeine and I found by switching to de-caff tea and coffee, this had me sleeping better, feeling more awake. It also completely got rid any stress and anxiety I may had been experiencing during stressful times like exams.

Even by having regular coffee until 12/1pm or so, then switching to de-caff after that. I promise you’ll sleep better and won’t feel a dip in your energy as much the next day.

Although caffeine can suppress your hunger for those who may do intermitted fasting, it can also cause depletion of important nutrients like vitamin B6, it interferes with nutrient absorption of essential minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium and B vitamins.

Yummy food.

If losing weight or becoming healthier is your goal, food is the number one thing you need to focus on.

Without a good menu for the day, all of the work you’re putting in the gym, is just going to waste.

You know – healthy food can be just as delicious as fast and convenient food, if not even better.

I mean, we all love a takeaway and treats.

However, filling your body with nutritious and whole foods will leave you full for longer, fuelled up and glowing from the outside in.

Life is all about balance after all.

However if you aren’t feeling too well. Maybe have a look at your food intake and see what you are filling your body with.

Prioritising cooking. Meal prep. Again, I know a lot of people that would have no problem giving advice when it comes to that sort of thing.

Don’t follow silly fad diets, slim shakes, skinny teas or any of that stuff. It’s a waste of your time, money and it won’t be sustainable.

I educated myself before studying nutrition and just found an interest that way, however you can never be too educated and there is always loads of information on proper wholesome diets online.

• I am just going to throw a few random ones here without the ramble.
• Smile more.
• Be grateful for what you already have around you.
• You will never regret a workout.
• Eating healthy isn’t a diet or an imprisonment, it’s a lifestyle change for the better.
• Any positive changes must come from the drive behind YOU, that way, you will always stay motivated because you are the person you are doing this for.
• Do something positive for somebody else.
• Make lists.
• Own up to what you have done wrong. A simple let go of pride and an apology can change everything.
• Laugh and make it contagious.

To me, self-care and self-love is putting yourself first, not getting too caught up in other’s people’s lives, focus on YOU.

Self-love is setting boundaries, setting time aside to that special person in your life, the person who gets you through day in, day out.

I know it isn’t a new year yet, but it is soon approaching.

Everyone starts on January 1^st, start now.

Yes, Christmas is here. Parties and temptations are around. That is just an excuse, you can still start now and make a little bit of progress.

Every day is a chance to grow.

6 months from now, your life could be completely different when you just prioritise who you are.

Watch you glow up from within.

I cannot wait to see you thrive.

All my love,