Connecting With My Inner Power, One Day at A Time by Elizabeth Blanchard
It’s so easy to feel out of control in my life, especially with the current state of the world. This month, the Hey, I’m Here Squad discussed setting boundaries. I have learned that sometimes, those boundaries need to be with yourself – especially when you start to feel out of control.
Thankfully, I have figured out a few things that help me feel more in charge of my own life.
One thing that helps me is preparing my own food, especially on chaotic days. I have to eat, but eating what I want is challenging when I’m in a rush. Fast food and Lean Cuisine get boring and expensive very quickly, but that often feels like my only option. If I can pack a wholesome lunch or dinner for myself or have leftovers from cooking the night before, I feel slightly more in control of my day.
Another thing that helps me is listening to music throughout my day – while studying, working, driving, sleeping… basically all the time. When I don’t have music, my thoughts can get very loud very fast and distract me from the task at hand. Music helps me focus and set a boundary with myself. That boundary is a refusal to listen to my negative thoughts spiral while I am trying to do something. Music helps me to stop getting in my own way.
Time boundaries are especially important in my life as someone who is terrible at maintaining a schedule. I often feel out of control when I don’t allow time for myself to do things that I want to do, like making art and spending time with loved ones (and their cats – like Phoebe, who is pictured). When I purposefully set aside time for me to do these things that give me joy, I feel like I can truly connect to my inner power.
What are some boundaries you need to set with yourself? What small steps can you take today to set those boundaries and feel more in control of your life? Take a moment to reflect on what helps you connect with your inner power – and take it one day at a time!
Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Ohio Mobile Response and Stabilization Services: 1-888-418-MRSS (6777)