Checking In

Have you ever had weeks that seem to blend together? Those days that, once they are over, you crawl into bed and wonder how you made it through the day. Life seems to be getting busier and it’s interesting how when that happens you adapt and keep going. You make it work. You get up early, go to sleep late, and use every minute available. You check all the boxes, but do you check in with yourself? Thinking that we can do it all hurts us more than helps us because sometimes instead of inspiring us it actually adds pressure to our lives. You can do it all, but maybe not at the same time, maybe not in every season and maybe it will require support from the people around you. That is why it’s healthy and smart to once in a while put everything on pause and ask yourself “How am I, really?”

In Happily we often talk about self-knowledge, because we believe that knowing yourself is a strength, a necessity and a great joy.

I am truly loving the process of getting to know myself. It takes time, but every step is worth it. I have learned to slow down a little even when I don’t think I have the time because I know that if I don’t, it will not end well. I now notice the signs, and I ask myself what am I missing, what do I need to do for me, even if it’s just a few minutes of doing something I love. I have learned to say “no”, to forgive myself and to guard my peace. There is still so much I need to learn, but that’s the beauty of it, getting to know yourself is a lifelong adventure.

It’s strange how we often allow things, situations, and people to stress us and define our actions. We complain that we can’t control things, but there is plenty we can do to bring some order to the chaos. We can define certain rules and we can set limits to keep our joy and peace. Self-love is intentional, it doesn’t just happen, and if you don’t plan it, it may get lost in the sea of all the things we have to do. It is continuous, something that is part of your everyday, even when you have tons of projects at work, or if you are going through personal difficulties. Self-love is not for when you have time; it is for all the time.

Don’t be afraid to ask yourself tough questions and don’t expect to answer them all at once. Don’t take time alone for granted, cherish your dreams and give yourself the freedom to work hard to make them happen.

Manuelita