What do you do when you just need a break?
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a new blog and honestly guys, I needed a break.
Have you ever felt like you just needed a break from life? Like, a few days to just disappear so you can collect yourself, and then you’d be more than willing to come back hopefully refreshed?
That’s where I’ve been in some ways. I took a little over a week off from work during my birthday a few weeks ago but due to the pandemic, wasn’t able to go anywhere to truly “get away”. The time off was nice though because I was able to reflect on a few things.
Take the time to meditate/think and get very clear on what it is that you want.
During the week I was off of work, I was able to get really clear about what I want as a whole for my life over the next few years. I decided to stop putting so much pressure on myself to make Keri Kontours some version of an Instagram/Youtube/Twitter mogul of sorts. I’ve taken so many free webinars and read so many books and honestly came to the conclusion that I want to enjoy whatever I’m doing. Period. Big dot. Especially if it’s being done in my FREE time. So, if anything starts to feel like I’m not enjoying it. I’m not doing it. Light a candle, take some deep breaths, and write down what you want in your future.
2. Take the time to gain guidance from someone who has lived a life similar to where you’re trying to go.
I listened to a recording of Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday” in which she had Tracee Ellis Ross as a guest. This was so great for me personally because when you’re a woman over 30, people expect you to be pressed to get married and have kids, no matter what greatness you have already accomplished. So much so that women will settle for men who aren’t on their level/don’t appreciate how AMAZING the woman is because society has told him, HE’S the prize since SHE’s the one who needs a partner. Tracee’s explanation into why she says she has a “juicy life” along with her full conversation with Oprah was confirmation for me that, it’s ok for me to not necessarily aspire to marriage or to have children which has been something I have been thinking about for a while.
Because…I honestly really like my life as it is right now.
I don’t answer to anyone. I wake up when I’m ready (other than on workdays). I come and go as I please. I can eat cake for breakfast if I want. I can travel if and when I want (post-pandemic of course) like… all this here is mine and of my own doing. I love my freedom. I shouldn’t be chided into giving it up for society’s standards. (note: if you are a mom or aspire to be one, that’s your prerogative too! Good for you!) Anything below me and/or that isn’t sure about me, isn’t for me and will have to rise up to meet me where I’m at. Black women specifically, WE ARE THE PRIZE. Make these people treat you as such.
3. Take a moment to acknowledge all that you’ve accomplished and are aspiring to accomplish. Give yourself some damn credit!
For a lot of people, especially women, it is hard to really acknowledge all of the good things that we have accomplished. Take a moment and really acknowledge how AMAZING you are. Look at all you’ve done over the course of your life! Look at all you’re working toward doing! Nobody can do what you’ve done with the circumstances you’ve done them in. Point blank period. Take a moment to brag on yourself TO yourself! Because seriously, it is easy to downplay your successes and/or FORGET how successful you’ve been! For me, I had to say, “I am aspiring towards entrepreneurship both solo and jointly. I have goals of buying my own property within the next year. I am extremely well educated, and take care of myself completely on my own. I have great friends all over the place and my family is crazy but healthy as well. I really want for nothing at this point. So, I won’t be lowering my standards, wants, or needs, to fit what society says I should have by now.” Remind yourself of who you are and make it a point to keep it in the forefront of your mind.
4. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace.
We’re still living through a pandemic so just do your best without putting excess pressure on yourself. Practice some effective self-care and take the time off! Take the mental health day! Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it because we’re living in crazy times. It’s necessary to take care of yourself FIRST.
So that’s it for me guys! I hope you’re able to take the time and reflect on and make note of these things to do while you take your BREAK. Enjoy it and revel in it until you need another.
xo,
Keri Kontours