It’s Not a Phase, It’s a Lifestyle

How many of us have said, “I am going through a phase?” Definitely including me about 1000 times. Is this an excuse for bad thoughts, behavior, negative communication?Ummm….yes it is. When I used to go through one of my phases, my depression and anxiety would get the best of me. I would sleep all day because I didn’t want to live it. I had so many things to get done, but I became numb, and sleep felt like it would heal me. It was in fact, detrimental. I didn’t want to face life because it was too hard at times. Who makes it hard? Your own mind. You are telling yourself you cannot complete tasks, to make commitments, to be a better you. Let me let you in on a little secret, I started painting my bedroom in January, and it is still not done. Why? Well, it just is. Will I get to it? Absolutely, however, on my time frame. Is it hindering me? No. Is is a life or death situation? No. In the past though, I would have just slept the day away to avoid it. I would have taken medications to sleep all day. I was avoiding myself, my mind. NOW, I get to write to you, and see what life creates. I am the one in charge creating my own life. My own colors. The bedroom color will be pretty though and when it gets done, I will probably ask myself, “Why didn’t I get to it sooner?” Why didn’t I get to life a little sooner?! Oh well. I can only live in this moment of time. The past doesn’t affect me anymore and the future is unknown. Very exciting. Embrace change as it comes at you. However, how are you going to react to it? You have to two choices. You already know what they are.

Lifestyle equals habits. Habits are defined as a recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is required through frequent repetition. How often do we live in unconsciousness? Quite a bit. If you disagree with this, that’s ok. We live in a state of being unconscious, it’s called daily routines or, “it’s what I have to do to get by.” I ventured home this last week and I created my adventure from the start. However, I did have some help along the way. It takes a village! These last three days were awesome. I did things that I have never done before. Why? Because I have awesome people to hang out with and help me along the way. Before, my depression and anxiety would hinder these amazing opportunities. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you who made my adventure fulfilled these past few days. Okay, habits. How long did it take me to get to this phase in my life? 38 years! But, I am making it a habit for it to be my lifestyle. There is no going back after I became conscious. If you don’t like how your life is going right now, you do have the power to change it, and only YOU can change it. I just looked up, “how long does it actually take, to break a habit?” It varies from 18 days to 254 days. Might want to get started now. Once you create a new positive habit, it becomes easier and easier, to break the old ones and let the new you, in.

I know I am a Nurse, but there has always been something inside of me telling me, I can do better, and make more of an impact in life. I took a leap, and now I am pursuing a career in coaching. A nurse coach. I have had many coaches in my life when I was in high school, friend coaches, and peer coaches. The friends and peers just didn’t know they were coaches! A coach is defined as someone whose job is to teach people to improve at a sport, skill, or school subject. They improve people. Not just in sports, but in life. Especially life skills. I am in the beginning phase of this new journey, but I can already taste the amazing transformation. And, yes, I can use this as a phase, because it is for the positive. Right now, I have many phases in life, and they are taking me into uncharted waters. Am I a little fearful? Maybe a little. However, fear is an unconscious habit. When fear stops me during the day, I ask myself, “what truly is stopping me?” Just me.

What is stopping you?