2 minute read
Awakening: A Renewal of Mind, Body, & Spirit
Tora Airi Holiday Ito| Staff Writer
I can remember exactly how I was feeling the first time I read this quote. Nothing seemed to be going right. My love life, my connection to family and friends, my health, and yes, even my desire to write. Being beaten up by life can cause us to retreat and isolate ourselves in order to survive. And that’s exactly what I was doing. I shut down. Put the guard up. And even though the world saw a smile on my face, I believe I was dying on the inside. That’s when it happened. That’s when, after reading this quote, I remembered.
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Have you ever felt that you were holding on to the very last part of yourself? After all, as women, we tend to give to everyone first, leaving mere scraps for ourselves to survive on. Our complaints typically fall on deaf ears, if we voice them at all. And day by day, we continue to give from an empty cup.
“She remembered who she was and the game changed." - Lalah Delia
What women may not realize is that this is a long-term conditioning that has been passed from woman to woman. One that says our needs must come last in the big scheme of things that matter in our lives. Furthermore, it is without question, one of the hardest things to overcome. That belief that you are bad for putting your needs and wants first. It has taken me years to come to this realization, and it’s still something I struggle with. However, I have learned a few things that I would like to offer you; in the hope that this New Year brings you an...awakening.
● Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries in your relationships teaches people how you want to be treated. Despite what some believe, it is not a form of punishment to others. It is simply how you communicate what you will tolerate in your life. A boundary could be something as simple as no communication between a specified timeframe. This gives you time to focus on yourself.
● Learn to Say “No”
As a self-proclaimed “people pleaser”, this one was difficult for me. However, there is so much power in the word “No”. Again, it is not a form of punishment towards others. Instead, it is your way of creating balance between obligations and personal space. Get comfortable with this word!
● Find Your Silent Space
I highly recommend finding a place that is just for you. Decorate a room in your home that’s special to you. Or perhaps you have a favorite park that you enjoy visiting. Whatever it is, spend as much time there as possible. Use that time to reconnect with yourself and reflect on what is important to you.
As we enter a New Year, let’s break old habits and work towards becoming the women we were born to be. Leave behind the belief that we have to be perfect or the need to compete with one another. It’s time to put yourself first, ladies. Time to reveal in all that you do, and be proud of who you are right now. Time to change the game.
