Posts Tagged ‘explore’
The Gift of Authenticity – Destiny
Many people have heard, ” Stay true to yourself ” or ” Just be yourself “. Both are meaningful statements, truly. However, these simple sayings are not easy to act upon. Inherently, we know we can only be ourselves, right, but the world we live in, the media we listen and watch, and even people we know ask us to shape shift and morph into whatever is the most convenient and easier for them to tolerate. Fitting in can be seen as more appealing, like a good choice, or the more acceptable choice especially when you are made to feel less than. These conflicting dichotomies have had all of us at one time or another second guessing our place in the world resulting in feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth. However, what if the statement of staying true to yourself could be realized, not to block out the messages that other people spew but for us to connect with ourselves, find peace, and the gift that authenticity can bring.
Authenticity is a gift for us all, if we can find a way to know ourselves, we can unlock higher self-esteem and fulfilment. To be fully seen to ourselves can be an amazing adventure and can reduce the pressure of thinking about what our life is supposed to look like and free all of us from the pressure of striving. Being authentic is sitting with yourself long enough to drown out the noise of compromise, self-doubt, and comparisons. To embrace self-love, self-compassion, discovery of self, and accepting your individuality.
– Try self-love by prioritizing your needs. Discover your needs by taking out a piece of paper and clear your mind from others’ expectations and allow yourself to think deeply only about your needs. What are your non-negotiables? Think about the ways you shrink and instead honor your strengths and skills.
– Try self-compassion, by forgiving yourself of past wrongs or mistakes. Embrace and accept your development and journey toward growth not perfection. Let go of the critical thoughts or negative speech you have learned. Instead, value your difference and speak positive affirmations. For example, I am valuable, I forgive myself therefore it is easier to forgive others, Negative thoughts do not have power over me anymore, I let them go easily. I have everything I need to live a beautiful life.
– Try looking within to discover who you are. Ways to explore is by learning your interest, personality, values, and skills. These will teach you about what you like and do not like, what you prefer or not, what’s important to you and what you’re good at. You can answer questions like what is an activity that you lose track of time doing because it’s so enjoyable? Or are you a person that loves being around others or alone reading books? Once you write these down, honor your skills and the things that make you unique and vibrant.
– Try accepting your individuality, instead of comparing yourself to others and pleasing others. Take a second to focus on your one-of-a-kind attributes. Become comfortable with seeing all of you and loving each part.
The gift of authenticity is vulnerability, the power of knowing yourself, and standing in your truth. I invite you to embrace who you are and work daily to be authentic to that without apology.
Rethink Vacationing and Envision a Staycation
By: Destiny Johnson
Since the pandemic began opportunities for travel have decreased. There have been many rescheduled or postponed vacations with individuals hoping for the end of COVID – 19. Many travel bans, restricted booking, and vaccine mandates resulted in many canceled flights, cruises, and vacations. The devastating effects of COVID-19 and all its variations I’m sure has many individuals wondering when traveling and vacationing will be able to happen.
Now that the pandemic has lasted longer than anticipated, should we rethink vacationing while the world is still influx?
Vacationing for many is a significant part of their lifestyle; a way to destress and re-center, while experiencing culture. Many view vacationing as a much-needed escape to relax. During the pandemic the need to get away or have an outlet to experience something new and entertaining is critical to people’s mental wellbeing
However, the challenges for vacationing are still felt and for many the options for vacationing have dwindled. Taking a vacation shouldn’t be a luxury or unattainable goal but a right to joy. A right to find clarity, find stillness, and to explore. Vacationing is a life changing experience and can be recalibrated.
How can we re-think vacations and travel?
What if I provided an option for vacation that allowed you to not travel far but was full of new possibilities and experiences. You can do this by creating vacations and getaways that are only a few miles away. Local vacationing can ease some concerns related to COVID-19, reduce restrictions toward travel, provide an unexpected escape that is affordable and most of all fun. This concept is called taking a “Staycation”.
What is a staycation? A staycation is a local gateway or tourism site that is near your residence. Staycations are an alternative to a traditional vacation that is still fun-filled, free of expensive travel fees, and can eliminate the hassle that comes with flying.
Types of Staycations
Overnight Stays– a vacation spent near an individual’s local home rather than abroad. That lasts overnight or a few days.
Day Trips – involves time being spent in one’s hometown or a few miles away. (The next city or an hour or two away) The day is filled with local attractions or activities that only require a few hours of travel to experience a day elsewhere and a fast return home.
What are the benefits of a Staycation?
· Contactless travel options to increase safety. For example, using your own car can help reduce exposure of COVID – 19
· Local travel means you reduce expenses and save more
· May decrease travel time to destinations by attending local attraction
· Ease of travel increases because you avoid airports, baggage claims etc.
· Ability to help support local and community businesses
· Explore new things that are relatively close to your neighborhood
What will you find in your local staycation pursuit?
Happy Staycation!!!
