Lifestyle Changes I Made to Live My Very Best Life
Dress: c/o Chicwish ($59)
Bag: Amazon ($24.99)
Sunglasses: c/o Sunglass Warehouse ($13.95)
Sandals: Loft (old), similar here
Lifestyle Changes
I get asked often (more in real life versus through the blog) if I have made any lifestyle changes since I was diagnosed with cancer. My initial reaction had always been no. It’s not like as soon as I got diagnosed I decided to change my current lifestyle. However, I may have mentioned this more on Instagram than here (I think, I can’t remember?), but I am a different person than I was 2 years ago. Cancer does crazy things to you, but at the same time I think it has also made me a better person. I became more aware of who I am as a person and how I want to go about things. I’ve learned to be better at living my best life.
Therefore, looking back, there actually have been some lifestyle changes. It didn’t register at first because they were subtle changes that I made for myself subconsciously and it happened slowly. I didn’t actively seek these changes because I made these decisions naturally. I truly believe these changes have made me live a better life, a happier life, and just overall I feel more confident in my life.
I also want to mention that I don’t think I needed to go through cancer to make these changes in my life, but it definitely helped me prioritize what is important.
Lifestyle Changes I Made to Live My Very Best Life
Admit When I Feel Good About Myself.
This took me a very very long time to do and I recently just started to feel comfortable doing this. I was ashamed and embarrassed to admit when I thought I felt beautiful and pretty. I thought it made me narcissistic. It wasn’t until I went to therapy that I realized how powerful it is to admit when you love yourself. I think we tend to be really hard on ourselves to the point we lose what makes us great. So ladies, if you feel pretty and beautiful today, say it. Look at yourself in the mirror and go “dang girl, you look good”. It’s crazy how saying it out loud makes a difference to your confidence. I also think these 7 tips helped me love myself and my body more.
Be Mindful How I Eat.
The truth is my body can’t metabolize the way it did before cancer. Before cancer, I could eat a whole box of pizza (yes an entire box!), and not care. I trusted my body would stay in the frame that it was. Now, the weight gain is real. Being on hormone therapy causes me to gain weight. And it is not about looking thin, it is about treating my body well. Why would I fill my body with crappy food or eat until I can’t move when I could provide it nutrients to give me more energy, fight against the post-chemo fatigue and give me better skin? Now, this does not mean go extreme with your eating habits. I know myself, and I know I can’t cut out the things I love to eat. So I do what works for me. Because the truth is, food makes me happy! So I learned portion control, adding more plant-based food and indulging here and there during the weekend. It’s all about balance.
Blog For Me.
Lately, there’s this pressure in the blogging industry. Since more and more people are blogging, trying to capture your audience is difficult. So there has been a shift to ensuring your blog content is catered towards your audience. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing about topics you all want to read, but I also started blogging out of passion. I did it for me, and I still want this space to be for me. I want to blog whenever I want to and talk about what I want and speak to topics I feel comfortable in. But this doesn’t mean you all should stop reaching out to me on topics. If you have any ideas, send them to me ([email protected]). I just want to eliminate the pressure and still make this space fun.
Resigning From My Corporate Job.
Is this news to you all? I think I have been more vocal about it on Instagram. There are several reasons why I had to resign but first and foremost, it is to focus on my health. Money is something that can be replaced, but my life and time is not. Second, I outgrew the job. It no longer made me a better person or better worker and there was no opportunity to grow.
I think I realized I was ready to move on when I just got back from medical leave and a co-worker unexpectedly passed away. This person was a hardworking person and it hit me hard. It didn’t help I happened to find out my chances of being terminal that day. It freaked me out knowing that if tomorrow could potentially be my last day, I don’t want my last thoughts to be about work. That is not a great way for someone to live. I also had to consider the financial aspect of leaving. But after thoroughly vetting out what would happen if I resigned, ultimately, it seemed like the best choice. My team of doctors has noticed a significant improvement in my health and well being since I resigned and they couldn’t be more happy with my progress.
Listen to Myself.
It’s crazy how powerful it is when we actually listen to what we want or admit to ourselves what we really want to do. If I want time to myself, I give it. If I don’t want to do something, I say it. Time is precious and we should use our time on something that is worth our energy and effort. To me, that is happiness. I chose to be happy. It scares me to think about living a life where I’m not happy. What’s the point of living? I honestly believe I was given this life so I can be happy.
It’s Not a Big Deal.
I’ve learned that a lot of things in life aren’t as big of a deal as they seem. There’s no point in complaining if something is not right in your life, change something about it. Last Sunday, I shared a quote in my weekly newsletter that I felt couldn’t be more true.
“The 3 C’s in life: Choices, Chances, and Change. You must make a Choice to take a Chance if you want anything in life to Change.”.
Clean Beauty.
I have decided to be more mindful with what I’m putting on my body. So I made a switch to safe beauty and use products that are toxic-free. I want to make sure that I’m doing my very best to treat my body well. I know I can’t prevent everything, but when there are certain aspects in my life that are in of my control I’m going to do what I can. Honestly, using safe beauty products has made me feel better about myself and I noticed a significant difference, especially with my skin. It’s much better and glowy. Perhaps, my body just needed some clean products?
So there ya go, there are the lifestyle changes I have made to live my very best life. I’m sure I have forgotten quite a few, but I hope this encourages you all to take a look at your life and see what simple changes you can make. This takes practice, but in the long run it makes you a better you and helps you feel happy and confident.
xo RD
Such a great post and love that dress on you!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thank you Samantha!
These are all such important thoughts/conversations for any woman to have! So glad you are healthy and living your best life!! (PS- that dress is gorgeous!)
Thank you so much Gentry You are so right and it is important for any woman!
You have to put yourself first and I am glad you are doing that … once can tell from your pictures and words. Health comes first.
You look stunning in this dress.
❥ tanvii.com
Thank you so much Tanvi! I totally agree that health comes first!
I agree with your points you made here! Health always comes first whatever you we do in life! It’s so amazing that how life becomes beautiful when we listen to what we love!
Xoxo Babita
http://travelhues.com
Health is definitely first! Thank you Babita!
Girl you are so brave to fight this battle!! Love these tips and so glad you are putting yourself first!!
Thank you so much McKenna!
This is such a great post! I love your dress your wearing it is so pretty. I think blogging for you is important. Don’t try to be like everyone else. Because that is when you lose who you are as a person and what makes you unique. 🙂 I think eating well and taking care of yourself mentally and physically is so important. I am happy to know you are doing things that are being good for your health. 🙂
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2018/08/the-oreo-effect-monochrome-b-style.html
Thank you so much Heather! And you make such a great point about blogging!
I love this post so much. There are so many great tips that everyone should start implementing into their daily lives. I also didn’t realize you resigned from your corporate job! Congrats!! That’s such a great feeling!
Aw thank you so much Ashley! And yes I resigned the beginning of this year! It was so liberating!
Oh this dress is so cute
PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram
Filipa xxx
Thank you Filipa!
I think I need to start thinking about these things more for myself as well. You’ve just inspired me (what’s new??)! I’m glad you’re taking time to focus on yourself, your life, and your happiness FIRST. That’s so important!
Aw you are so sweet Stephanie! If you do start, let me know if it has helped you!
This is such a wonderful post! I loved reading about the different ways you have changed your life…so inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing!
http://roadesque.com
Thank you so much Valerie!
I love all the photos your dress is so cute I love it!
http://www.alessabernal.com
Alessa Bernal
Thanks Alessa!
Nice post 🙂
http://www.holeph.com
Thanks!
I truly believe that health is wealth and everyone should take care of our self.
That’s a great move rach,.
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
I couldn’t agree more Jane! Thank you!
I’m slowly working on making all my beauty products clean. It makes such a difference!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
It really does!
Thanks for the great article. I have been reading your blog for some time and I absolutely love what you have been doing! Your content inspires me on a daily basis and I love seeing someone who provides real insights and transparency within the personal growth niche.
Thank you!
This is such an empowering post! I enjoy very much reading you, your texts are so mindful.
I recently quit my corporate job too. It was a harsh decision, but two months later I can tell I may be a little poorer, but 100% happier 😀 .
xo Corina
http://www.unbouquetdamour.com/24-things-i-learned-by-24/
Thank you so much Corina! It is def a hard one to do, but glad to hear you are happier!
I LOVE these tips and so inspirational! health comes first, definitely agree with that! the dress looks really amazing on you x
have a wonderful day!
Thanks Grace! These are more changes I did, but if you find these helpful that is good to know!
You are one admirable woman!!! Making all these changes (especially ones like resigning from the corporate life and being mindful of how you eat) take guts!! I need to follow your lead on the clean beauty!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Thank you so much for your kind words Morgan! They mean a lot!
You have come so far, lady- and you have turned your experience with cancer into a renewed + refreshed outlook that focuses on LIVING! I love it!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Aw you are too sweet Ashley! Thank you so much!
My husband and I were just talking about the “it’s not a big deal” thing. It’s easier said than done in the heat of the moment, sometimes. Especially when you have two toddlers stomping around screaming for seemingly no reason. haha. But we’re trying to do just what you’re talking about here. Let things go, and just be happy, and live the good life.
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
It totally is easier said than done! As long as you are trying and communicating that is the best way start!
This is such a great post! First off, sorry to hear about you being diagnosed with cancer! But I love the way you view things! yay to resigning from your job so you can enjoy life to the fullest.
I sure hope though that you can kick cancer’s b*tt soon and walk away from it unscathed!
Thank you so much Belle!
These are tips I definitely need to be incorporating in my life! Great post girl!
You’re welcome Brooke!
Such a wonderful post. These are all such great lifestyle changes everyone can start making. I love that you’re putting yourself and your health first and it sounds like all your small changes are making a positive impact on your health.
xo, Laura
Thank you Laura! It really has made a difference!
Oh my gosh, this was such a wonderful read. I love what you mentioned about admitting you feel good about yourself, and the power of saying “I look beautiful”. I don’t think we hear the message that it is good to talk ourselves up enough. I also have been more mindful on what I eat and how I eat the older I get. There is this natural reaction to want to supply my body with nutrition instead of junk. Thank you for sharing all these incredible lifestyle changes. XO, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
Aw thank you Ellese! So true about fueling our body with nutrition!
Very well written post,perfect dress <3
Thanks Kinga!
It’s definitely so important to take care of our health first — happy that you are seeing a better difference since leaving your job. Best of LUCK!
Thank you Lily!
Such a great post (and aLso you look amazing). I’m working on a lot of this myself – especially mindful eating and listening to myself.
Aw thank you so much Lee!
First off I am so happy to hear you’re doing better! I think getting out negativity and stress is important to do. I know sometimes it can’t be helped because well life but I do think to try to maintain a positive attitude is so important.
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thank you so much Ruth! I agree that sometimes it can be helped, and that is ok. As long as we are able to realize and change our mindset, it all works out.
This is such a lovely read dear. Indeed, blog for your enjoyment. Being true to yourself is the best thing you can do to your blog. Anyway, love the retro style of this look dear. Such a chic dress!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you so much Jessica!
Thanks for sharing with is. Everyone wants to live a better life. But everyone can’t. By thy, it’s really an effective post for me.
cute outfit.
This was amazing.