Me Myself and I - Are over YOU

I pride myself on putting everyone before myself. I wore that shit like a badge of honor for a good 32 years. And it was exhausting.

It’s impossible to sustain a life of service to others if you are not also taking care of yourself.

And that’s what has happened to me. I’m doing A LOT at my job. Taking on probably more than I should. I have been living the most in life. Doing a lot more than I probably should. I’ve run myself to empty.

Because of that, I have started to draw away from others and exist within my own circle.

Which is really hard for me. I feel guilty for not returning calls and texts.

I just do not have the capacity to care though.

Sure, that sounds selfish - but I deserve that. I am always there for my people. Always. I am a good friend, partner and family member.

What I learned though is that I was letting myself run ragged to take care of everyone else. That took me to a really dark place. I was often emotionally and physically sick and because I don’t ask for help, I had no place to go.

At 33, I’ve realized I cannot sustain a healthy happy lifestyle if I am putting everyone else first. So I’m over everyone right now.

Harsh? Maybe.

Realistic and necessary? Absolutely.

I should be selfish. I’m a dope human being. I deserve to love and feel my own sparkle vibes.

I’m not going to feel selfish or guilty for taking the time I need to get myself to a good place. OK, I’m going to try not to feel these things. Try really hard.

It’s entirely possible, and actually entirely critical to be selfish. You have to fill up your own cup before you can possibly help anyone else. The people who know and love you, they’re going to be there for that time in your life. Over and over. And if they’re your tried and true tribe, they’ll even be standing by your side checking in on you and encouraging you to do what you need to do.

Me, myself, and I - we are over you because we need to be into us.

Sustainability is haunting my soul

UGH. I keep becoming more and more educated on sustainability in all aspects of life and it’s giving me the most anxiety. Humans are sincerely awful at being mindful of our environment. Myself included.

The more I learn about how to be kinder to the plants, animals, oceans and forests around me, the more I take responsibility for change.

Admittedly, it is not easy to cut out some of the luxuries in life that I so easily enjoy. So I’m sharing some really easy ways to be mindful of sustainability as you live your life.

Eat Sustainable

Ask the restaurants you are eating in if they source their foods sustain-ably. Choose to consume more vegetables than meats. When you do eat meat or fish - choose cuts and types that are sustainable. For example, calamari is sustainable but a lot of salmon is not. This article also gives some great tips. Limit your food waste by using up all parts of the food as much as possible.

Shop Sustainable

I wrote a piece earlier in the month on how to shop sustain-ably but the short list is to shop brands that are committed to recycled products and limiting their environmental footprint or choose second hand stores to give pieces a second life. Here is an awesome list of great sustainable brands!

Drink Sustainable

Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere. Seriously. The gym, work, the airport, road trips - everywhere. Don’t use plastic bottles ever. I have no shame when it comes to this. I carry reusable water bottles with me on every occasion.

Travel Sustainable

I drive to work so I suck at this. But I also walk as much as possible when it’s possible. I am also big on public transportation when I’m visiting other countries or cities. Use your car as little as possible.

There are SO many easy ways to live a little bit more sustainable and to help the environment have a fighting chance. Small changes are HUGE. They add up. You can make an impact. Here is another article on 15 ways to help the ecosystem; just to give you some extra inspo!

How are you changing the world for the better sequins?