5 Ways in Which I Try To Live My Best Life

Why do I take it as a humongous compliment when someone tells me I'm a "cool person". 

Cause I know it isn't about money, (as honestly, I really don't have any) or 

expensive possessions (have you seen the car I drive?) 

I believe it’s more about cultivating genuine respectful connections, 

being a compassionate human and exuding confidence.

So here goes, 5 ways I ‘try’ to live my best life!

Be Here Now

In my 20s I was introduced to the idea of 'Be Here Now', it was so powerful and stayed with me as an aspiration, wherever and whoever I'm with I aspire to be fully activated and engaged. I try! Being curious and listening shows respect and is the foundation of understanding others. Not easy, for me as I’m hearing impaired, so I’ve had to really learn to tune into people and try to read the non-verbals too, I think being present is such a powerful tool though for building new relationships, activating empathy and strengthening existing relationships. 

Kindness and Jai Yen

Be there for humanity, both in good and hard times, if you can help or support another, do it. It may cost you a little something or nothing, but I guarantee it will make you feel connected in ways you never imagined. Gratitude, appreciation and patience goes a very long way absolutely everywhere in the world I've lived, worked or travelled to. Patience in my view, is seriously under-rated as a virtue that can help you navigate many of life's challenges, when I lived and worked in Thailand Jai-Yen (Cool Heart) was the only way to get things done. The mere sniff of Jai Rawn (Hot Heart) shut people down. Calmly being there for others boosts positive emotions and reduces your own stress. I feel that there are so many things in the world today that we are hostage to, and that can cause us distress - so I try to practice a cool heart and kindness - to be a positive force for good. Plus, kindness triggers the release of oxytocin.

Smile! Laugh! Be a Good Sport!

It's simple, humour releases endorphins, which can improve our mood, reduce stress as well as make us more relatable. Couple good humour with sportsmanship and just say yes and then laugh it off afterwards. I think when we don’t take ourselves too seriously it makes us more likeable, and things in life just go smoother for us when people like us! I’m naturally very smiley, energetic and enthusiastic so I have to dial this one back on occasion, for as long as I can recall I have been picked out of crowds for all manner of shenanigans I just have that face!

Embrace Failure 

Stepping outside of your comfort zone stimulates your brain and expands your horizons. Think of the amazing people you might meet, the awesome experiences you could have and opportunities that may open up for you! Failure gets a bad rap, and it shouldn't. Failure is simply to be expected, healthy and should be normalised as part of the human experience. I’ve had many set-backs and fails enough to fuel blog content for a year! Failure offers us growth and insight into ourselves, giving us a valuable learning opportunity and when coupled with a positive attitude can attract positive people and experiences. Think of the things you could do!

Confidence?

Setting boundaries helps you prioritise and reduce stress. When you enforce your own boundaries, you feel better about yourself and boost your self-esteem. Facts! Plus, confidence is an attractive quality (ask anyone!) Your body language speaks volumes. And so, it goes without saying that effective communication helps with your confidence and in turn your ability to create and sustain healthy relationships. Consider, what do you look like when you are happy? Aim for this! 

Confidence largely comes from trust, you trust your predispositions (character) and your potential (character) enough to get through situations a-z. Think about when you're at your happiest, nothing can burst your bubble, bring you down and you're more willing to have a go and let things go. You most likely assume positive intent from the world and are seeing the world through a lens of positivity and possibilities.

So, ask yourself, what things can I put into place in my life that would make me feel like the world is a safe place for me to be the best version of myself.