A couple of years ago, I was living in NYC with a busy social life, great job, wonderful apartment, sex, beauty, youth… you know, all the things rom coms and TV shows are made of. It was like Friends, with a bit less coffee and way more alcohol.
So I felt guilty when I realized I was really fucking unhappy. I was angry, unfulfilled, lonely, resentful, and that was on good days. On bad days, I was depressed and wanted OUT! Out of my skin, out of my life, just plain OUT. I did the most drastic thing I could: quit my job and moved to Paris.
The growth and change was simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. I have come out of it unscathed and about a million times happier, freer, fulfilled.
Thankfully, you don’t have to do the most drastic thing you can think of to get to this space. I’ve narrowed it down for you based on my experience and what I’ve learned from others. These steps can take you from blah to happiness with a dose of courage and lots of love.
1) Rediscover who you are, what you love, what you value.
Whether you go back to 5-year-old you, try any hobby that’s ever appealed to you, or journal like a mofo, getting clear on this will lay the foundation for everything else.
2) Clear the clutter in your life.
Start with how you spend your time and your money, because that’s how you spend your life. Ditch mindless spending and stop accepting invitations to things you’re only “meh” about. Who wants a “meh” life?
3) Reinvest in what you love.
Natural next step, right? Maybe fill the time you used to spend watching Real Housewives with cooking or a dance class.
4) Get help.
To deal with fear, self-sabotage, resistance, and other blocks that inevitably come up, investing in some form of support will keep you sane and on track.
It’s important to remember this process only works if you’re true to YOU. Nobody else is living your life for you. Getting caught up in what they want or see for you is bullshit.
Now, go out and shine, doll!
