There were long periods in my life when everything felt heavy.
I was surviving more than living, simply putting one foot in front of the other and doing what needed to be done.
By midlife, years of carrying unresolved pain and anxiety brought me to a point where I knew something had to change. I was in an unhealthy relationship, unhappy at work and felt exhausted from years as a single working mom.
So, I began searching for a better way.
Looking back now, I realize the path was always about learning how to live and feel lighter.
We all have different stories, but over my years of life coaching I’ve found this need to unwind, let go and refresh seems to be true for most women about the time they hit midlife.
Does it ring true for you?
If so, the first step in bringing more light into our lives is to understand where the heaviness lies and find ways to lift ourselves up in those areas.
Here are 10 empowering ways you can get started:
Be yourself
Most of us put a lot of energy into shaping ourselves to fit the world around us. Our insecurities and desires to be accepted lead to our wearing a skin that isn’t even ours. Sometimes we don’t even realize we are faking it, but when we do, we are in constant fear of being found out.
It is only when we are authentic that we will attract the right people and find our true place in the world. When we show up as ourselves, we can trust that the people around us are there because they want to be and appreciate who we really are.
Live the truth
Resisting the truth takes a lot of effort and can cause a lot of unnecessary pain. It often takes the form of denying things we don’t want to be true or that challenge what we believe.
We may want to resist:
- Knowing someone is doing something wrong
- Learning we made a mistake or were misinformed
- The truth of how great we really are
Living the truth also means focusing on personal integrity. When we speak only the truth and do what we say we will, we create a solid foundation for feeling more centered and empowered. This will increase our self-esteem, self- trust and confidence, as well as improve our relationships with those around us.
Nurture your health and energy
Taking care of our physical health is an important aspect of living lighter and longer. Whether it is about losing weight, managing an illness or simply optimizing how our bodies feel, we all know the value and importance of practicing self-care.
Live simply
Possessions we no longer love or use can become burdens and weigh us down. They not only affect the way we feel in our homes but can also impact our ability to focus and think effectively.
Clearing clutter and creating a sense of order in our homes and workspaces can be calming and energizing at the same time. We deserve to have nurturing homes that feel peaceful and help us ground and refresh before going out into the world.
Be thoughtful about what you give energy to
Doom-scrolling, replaying old arguments, or mentally criticizing ourselves may seem normal, but they quietly drain our emotional energy. The quality and frequency of the things we watch or read can dampen our moods and distract us from our real lives.
When we practice being fully present in the moments of our days and reduce the influence of things that distract, upset or reduce our energy, we will become more clear, calm and productive.
Be financially responsible
Mishandled finances are one of the most common causes of stress, fear and even broken relationships. Ignoring bills or spending more than we make without clear financial goals are recipes for unhappiness and unfortunate consequences.
Managing our money responsibly is the only way we can create financial peace and reach the money goals that will ensure our security in the future.
Enjoy simple pleasures
In a world that moves fast it’s easy to lose sight of the small, beautiful moments in each day. There is always something to savor and it doesn’t need to be grand to be meaningful. We might take a moment to appreciate a great cup of coffee, listen to a favorite song, cuddle with a pet, or notice a beautiful flower in bloom.
Being mindful of these opportunities and taking time to enjoy them will provide balance to the stresses in life and bring more calm into your days.
Focus on gratitude
Gratitude practices have been proven to improve our mental states and moods over time. They are often recommended by therapists for things like depression and anxiety, but we don’t need a diagnosis to enjoy their benefits.
There are many ways to practice gratitude:
- Write what you are grateful for each day
- Take pictures of what feels beautiful around you
- Look for heart shapes wherever you go
Whatever we choose to do, focusing on what we appreciate daily helps us connect with all that is good in our lives.
Living lighter doesn’t mean life becomes perfect or free of pain. It means we stop carrying what no longer belongs to us.
Over time, small shifts in how we think, live, speak, and care for ourselves can create profound change. And often, the lighter we become emotionally, the more fully alive we feel.
It’s a journey worth taking and I encourage you to start playing with these ideas today.
You won’t regret it.
If you would like to be supported by a professional Life Coach with multiple certifications and years of experience, I would love to talk to you.
The journey begins with a complimentary consultation. To schedule or ask questions, you can reach me here.
Related Posts:
How to Stop Taking Things Personally
10 Ways to Create a More Meaningful Life