9 things to leave behind in 2019

What a year 2019 has been. This year I did a few things I never thought I would do but I also achieved so many things I never thought I could do. I suffered from a broken heart, a broken foot and hit a whole new level of burnout. Despite this I found a new love of life, a love for those around me and hit new levels in more areas than one.

It was a challenging year in many ways but strangely enough, I wouldn’t change a thing. I made a lot of mistakes in 2019 and I will learn from each one of them but more importantly, I have learnt what to leave behind and what to take forward with me.

So here is my list of what I’m leaving behind in 2019…

Procrastination - Have you ever heard that old tip of doing the ugliest thing on the list first? I am a sucker for ticking things off my to do list but I always leave the worst until last (or until I forget about them completely). Stop putting off things whether they are big or small, delaying one thing could delay your next big opportunity. So go on… don’t put this one off ;)

Other people’s expectations and opinions - I’ve spoken about this one before. If we live by what we think others want or expect of us or what we think they do, we will never truly be happy. Know who you are, know what you want and let this guide you.

Negative self talk - We can talk self love until the cows come home, but it really is something to leave behind, like way behind us. It crushes me to hear those I love talk badly about themselves yet I do it so easily myself. I’m making a conscious effort in 2020 to show myself some love. Write yourself a mirror note, set yourself a reminder or simply just try breathe through your negativity. You deserve kindness and that can only start from you.

Gossip (ultimately negative talk of others) - Why can’t we all just get along? Okay so we are not always going to all get along, it’s just not possible however we can learn to play a little nicer with those around us. Honestly ask yourself what good is going to come out of saying the things you are saying about that person? It sounds so basic but try and consciously take note before you speak those words, by simply taking a moment we might find that it’s both harmful and unnecessary.

Need for validation - This one gets me in the feels. I am a sucker for validation. Most of the time I will block out any real compliments whether it be personal or professional life and just wait for some sort of confirmation from those that don’t give it as freely. You’ll always be trapped waiting for others validation like this, when you understand that only you can give it to yourself, you’ll finally be free.

Toxic relationships - Easier said than done. We often need super honest with ourselves when it comes to relationships. Gut wrenchingly super honest. Those relationships that don’t serve us, you know the type, it’s time to let go of, finally. Let go of them not because we don’t care but rather because they don’t. It doesn’t change your value in the world, it simply means you’re placing your value where it belongs.

Not slowing down / taking time - whether it’s for yourself or for others. We need to learn to slow down and take some time for yourself or those close to us. Put the phone down, turn the TV off… tune out to tune in. This is another one I’ve struggled with, I go way too quick all the time but it often means life becomes a blur and I miss out on important moments. 2020 I’m taking it all in, the good, the bad and the incredible.

Talking more than you listen - You know those people that look at your mouth when you talk? Not in the I want to kiss you lustfully way but rather the “when are you doing to stop talking so I can talk about me” way? Don’t be that person. Take in what people say when they talk to you and listen, you may actually learn something and even if you don’t, people will enjoy speaking to you rather than avoiding it due to not being able to get a word in.

Need for closure from anyone but yourself - We often wait for this mystical concept of closure from others. The thing is if we go seeking closure from someone, it's more likely the answer will either not be enough or it’ll lead you to ask more unanswered questions this leads to even more hurt or confusion. This is a new concept I’ve come to realise - only you can give yourself closure for any situation. Try it, it’s kinda eye opening.

So those are the things I’m leaving behind me in 2019, maybe they’re simple or maybe they’re challenging. Either way I’m letting them go so that I can really step forward and a little closer to where I want to be and who I want to be.

Peace out 2019, you’ve been one hell of a ride ✌🏼