3 Things to Stop Doing for a Happier Life
Why you should stop courting potential, take up your rightful space, and share your love with people who genuinely value you. Happiness is within reach, and here are three things to let go of to make space for a more fulfilling life.
Dear Spirited Earthling,
Creating a life you love sometimes means recognising habits that may be holding you back. The path to a happier life isn’t always about adding more but about releasing what no longer serves you. Here are three things to stop doing for a happier, more authentic life. Perhaps one, if not all three, will resonate with you and provide the encouragement to make changes. Gaining self-awareness around these habits can truly be transformative, helping you choose what aligns with your highest good and make choices accordingly.
Stop courting potential.
Seeing potential in others, especially a partner, can be powerful and uplifting. A supportive partner who believes in your growth can be life-changing, and encouraging each other's potential can strengthen the bond and encourage personal fulfilment. Recognising potential is healthy because it inspires hope and helps you to envision a bright future together. However, it's essential not to become solely focused on who someone could be, at the expense of seeing them clearly as they are today. Consider the outcomes when courting potential:
They recognise your belief in them, step up, and make meaningful changes.
Or, they remain as they are, leaving you stuck in a cycle of hope and frustration.
Supporting growth is valuable, but so is accepting current reality. Courting potential becomes problematic in romantic relationships when it keeps you attached to a version of someone that hasn’t materialised, or when it leads you to overlook and excuse hurtful or careless behaviour in the hope things will improve. The pressure to change and the disappointment you will have in their failing of meeting expectations can negatively impact the relationship.
The habit of courting potential isn’t limited to relationships. Think about a job that has consistently dangled the promise of promotion without delivering, even after your hard work and loyalty. You deserve to work in a place where your efforts are valued and rewarded.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” Prioritise your time and energy by investing in relationships and situations that honour your worth. Live fully, knowing that your happiness is best pursued by being realistic about others’ actions and valuing your time.
Embrace potential but stay grounded, finding a balance between encouragement and clarity to ensure your happiness in the present. Remember, no tomorrow is guaranteed – you deserve a fulfilling relationship today. Stop courting potential and lead a happier life. Look at someone’s actions in the present instead of only holding onto promises of future change.
2. Stop making yourself small to fit in.
Making yourself small often means downplaying your strengths, minimising your opinions, or hiding your unique qualities. Over time, this habit can lower your self-esteem and limits your personal growth. When you dim your light, you miss out on opportunities aligned with your authentic self.
It’s natural to feel self-conscious, especially if you’re used to staying quiet or blending in. However, it is important to remind yourself that confidence is not arrogance – it’s a form of self-respect. You don’t need to be the loudest or smartest person in the room, but you also don’t have to shrink yourself to make others comfortable.
Take up your space unapologetically:
Stand tall: Keep your posture open and walk with confidence. Channel your personal power.
Express yourself: Share your opinions, dress as you wish, and pursue your passions.
Attract genuine connections: Embrace your authenticity and attract people who love you for who you are.
Making yourself small is exhausting and limiting. Honour your unique gifts, and remember that your presence has value. The truth is, you are magic, worthy, and deserving of your place in this world. Stop making yourself small to fit in so you can live a happier life.
3. Stop sharing your love with people who don’t earn it.
Pouring your love and energy into relationships that don’t reciprocate can leave you emotionally drained. Healthy relationships are built on mutual care, respect, and effort. If you’re consistently giving without receiving, the imbalance can lead to feelings of worthlessness.
Loving others should not mean compromising your own self-worth. Seeking validation from people who don’t appreciate you lowers your self-esteem over time. Choose relationships where your love is valued and returned, focusing your energy on people who uplift and cherish you.
Boundaries are essential to protect your emotional well-being. When you prioritise self-respect, you’re better able to form meaningful connections with people who value you.
Redirect your love towards those who genuinely appreciate and reciprocate it. By doing so, you create a circle of support that fosters mutual growth and well-being. Healthy relationships should be the standard, not the exception, in your life.
Today, make the choice to stop doing these three things. Letting go of what no longer serves you opens space for deeper happiness, fulfilment, and personal growth. You are worthy of relationships and experiences that uplift and honour you. Embrace your place in this world, knowing that your happiness and well-being matter.
Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to themselves and the world. Written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life, this blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.
As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Best wishes, warmest regards
Jordan
[ Updated in 2024]
Affirmations: I deserve to be loved and respected now. I am bold and beautiful as I stand in my power. I welcome unconditional love into my life.
Journal Prompts:
What is one area of my life where I’m holding onto potential rather than reality?
Are there areas of my life that I self-sabotage?
What 3 things can I let go of for my personal growth?
To-Do: Identify one relationship, situation, or habit that no longer serves you. Take the first step today towards releasing it.
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