Part of the unexpected happiness I’ve experienced this last year was due to one thing — starting. I had a list of things I knew I wanted to start, and for many reasons, I didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t/was afraid to etc. But since May/June of 2023…⤵️

• I started prioritizing my happiness

• I started exercising

• I started each day with a small prayer

• I started trying to please myself (instead of people pleasing those around me)

• I started being more vulnerable

And I think most importantly, I started putting myself first. (Which was the hardest, but also the one that paid off the most, but we’ll get into that later). And don’t get me wrong, I didn’t wake up and start all of this. Oh my gosh, I just laughed even realizing that there’s a chance you may have thought that. I knew I was in a place where I just wasn’t as happy as I could be. And I know I’m not alone when I say this, but this changed a lot after I became a mom. More specifically, a girl mom. You want the best for your kids the moment you meet them, and then as your bond continues to build with them and you realize *holy crap I have to help make a human now become a decent person* your whole perspective shifts.

I want my daughter to have the best version of me, as much as possible, as she grows and learns and understands the world and becomes her own little self. The excuses you once made for not working on things for yourself fade because now there is a little person relying on you to give this your best shot.

I know it may sound like a lot of pressure for someone, but in my experience, it’s an accelerant. You want to give the best to this little life, so you push yourself beyond what you thought you could, or did, for yourself, because you want them to have it all. And all, includes the best version of you— which I would argue is even the most important thing you can give to your child.

{Okay, so that got a little deep… 😄}

To be clear, you of a reason to want the best for yourself, and to make changes to find your true happiness. Kids don’t just make this a reality, I know for me it just kicked it into gear. So now what?…

You start. Seriously, just start.

Just pick one thing you want to do and start it. A small baby step in the direction you want to go in, is closer to your goal than you were yesterday. And then tomorrow, you’ll be 2 steps closer to it.

What is something you want to start? Share with me in the comments!

Here’s to starting 🏁🩶

Xo Aurora