Spring is finally here. Don’t get me wrong, I love the wonders that fluffy snowflakes bring, but warmer weather is on the way and that means freshening up!

A Time for Transformations

Spring is about change. For me, it means moving past the cups of coffee warming my hands, binge-watching winter movies, and comfy fleece sweatpants.

While we declutter and paint inside, the outside world changes, too. The grass in our yard grows greener, my flowers blossom, the sun shines a little longer and our deck becomes an outdoor living space once again.

Overcoming Anxiety & Practicing Self-Compassion

As I begin noticing the seasonal change, my mind starts to look for ways I can change my inner self. I typically don’t like change. I often divert conversations about change.

But I was recently challenged to complete a task that instantly caused anxiety. I could feel the hives taking over my skin. I was vulnerable about this challenge, sharing my fear with my support system. Most importantly, I was patient with myself and kind to myself about this obstacle.

Teaching Kids About Change

I also think of how to teach my children the importance of being flexible to something new. Instead of fearing the unknown and resisting change, I want my kids to understand that change is good. Change can refresh our attitude. Change allows us to break away from monotonous daily routines. Internal change can drive us to be better people or pursue new adventures and goals. Accepting change makes us even more emotionally powerful.

How to Embrace Change Year-Round

Here are a few ways we can encourage and welcome change:

1. Identify our fears.
2. Acknowledge change.
3. Laugh often.
4. Focus on all the possibilities change can bring.
5. Seek support.
6. Be kind and patient with yourself.

Change is hard but inevitable. I am hopeful my internal changes will shape me into a more confident person that lasts longer than spring.

As I was scrolling through social media today, I stopped on one post and thought to myself, “I sure wish I had it all put together, like she has.” Her make-up is perfect. Look at her perfectly sculpted abs. Her outfit is impeccable. Her home looks immaculate and the yard is perfectly manicured.

Thanks to social media today, it is very easy to fall into the comparison trap in every aspect of our lives. What I can tell you, when we fall into the comparison trap and believe we do not measure up, it leads to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Seriously, my friends, this is what brings us down rather than uplifting each one of us. The tendency is to keep comparing and truly losing site of what is purposeful, important and meaningful.

Four simple steps to prevent us from falling into the comparison trap:

Invest In Yourself

This doesn’t necessarily mean spending money, but it does mean spending time on YOU. Find something to personally grow in and go out and experience life. This can be as simple as sitting on the deck and reading a book. It can be as grandiose as illustrating a children’s book. It can be anything in between, however, the most important part of this is spending the time on YOU.

Allow Yourself to be Real

I have a playlist called “Do Not Listen to at School”. I wear leggings. I do not wash dishes every single day. I want a tattoo. Being your authentic self is much easier said than done, especially when in most instances you are seen only as your professional self. Practice mindfulness, know your values, face your fears, and by all means, it is okay to share your emotions. Allowing yourself to be real and authentic is challenging because it means slowing down, it means you may have to be selfish, and it means rewiring your brain to not always play it safe.

Surround Yourself with Authentic People

Proximity is powerful. That being said, you are a product of the five people you spend a majority of your time with. Outside of your family look at your inner circle of friends. Do they allow you to be authentic? Are they authentic around you? It does go both ways. Think about it, the quality of life is a reflection of your peer group. Find a group that makes you laugh, shares your values, inspires you to be a better person, but ultimately loves you for your true authentic self.

Make Kindness Purposeful In Your Life

Be intentional. In a world where kindness seems to be lacking, actions and words matter. The key is being intentional, about being kind and authentic (that word, it pops up again) about kindness. Purposeful kindness opens the door for others. If purposeful kindness is inspiring others through handwritten notes, go do it! If purposeful kindness for you is hugs, go do it!

The comparison trap is easy to fall into, however, if we practice the above suggestions we will live a more purposeful life. Yet most importantly we will model to our children how important it is to be our authentic selves.