21 days to happiness: My story and 3 things I am thankful for.
Today I am grateful for my health and to celebrate that, I went for a one hour walk. During my walk, I was listening to a personal growth seminar about taking a first step towards a new way of living.
I am ready to make some changes in my life which is going to take courage because it means facing fears openly, with a goal to change “old lies” or negative self talk. The only person’s truth I can live is my own, so I will share my stories with anticipation of finding a new place to stand and have a different view of life. Transparency about vulnerabilities does not come natural to me, but by sharing my walk towards self-compassion I will learn, grow, and hopefully teach. 
Research shows it takes 21 days to form a new habit, so here is my first step towards happiness in 21 days.
“Then is now.” How are we repeating old patterns that began at another time in our lives?
I grew up in a loving family and am the oldest of 3. My parents were divorced when I was young and as the oldest, often, I was the one left in charge when adults were not present. At the age of ten or eleven years old, that meant I got to “tell my siblings what to do.” I tried and got frustrated because often, they didn’t listen. They were just busy being kids, doing what kids do.
There were good things that came from the experience. It helped me be responsible, strong, independent and someone who sets high expectations of myself, (a blessing and a curse). The hard part was I felt out of control because I did not have the tools to know how to give myself (and them) options. The old lie or message I took from that much of my life was fear of not doing or being good enough.
But now, years later I don’t have to carry that message around any longer because it is not true! 
I AM worthy, I CAN do the work by telling that old lie it does NOT have control in my life any longer. Today, I embrace this truth. I deserve happiness, I matter and I am enough.
3 things I am grateful for:
- That I have family and friends who love me
- That I am ready to take this journey and I don’t have to do it alone
- That I am learning to treat myself the same way I would treat those who I love
