2018 has been the year of change for me. Not big changes; I haven’t moved house, got a new job or traveled the world but it’s been the year of subtle changes which ultimately, have changed my outlook and in ways… my life. You don’t need a grand gesture in order to change your life – despite what “gurus” may tell you. Traveling the world isn’t feasible for everyone. Moving to another location isn’t as straight and to the point as some people say it is. Circumstances, mental health, physical health, money and a whole variety of other factors can stop us from making these big changes we’re so often told we need to make in order to change our lives. But it’s bollocks.
Changing your life isn’t easy and it certainly isn’t quick. I’m 6 months into the year now (as is everyone else, obviously) and I’m far from where I want to be; mentally, physically, financially and spiritually. But if you don’t start at least trying to change, you’re never going to, right? And it doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop (look at me getting all wise!) Today I want to share with you some small, subtle ways I’m beginning to change my mind, my outlook and my life! Yay!
Yoga
Yoga is the most obvious one because I never stop bloody talking about it! Yoga has made me enjoy exercise again, after years of not doing any due to my anxiety. It gives me something to wake up and look forward to every single day and it literally – literally – supports me in ways I never knew it could. It’s taught me how to breath like, actually breathe. It’s given me faith in my own body again but also taught me that it’s important to do what feels good – not just what is perceived to be good from the outside world. I’m working towards getting stronger, fitter and more aware of my own body and what it needs not just getting toned and trim.
Manifestation
This is one that I know will be greeted with some eye-rolls and I totally respect that not everyone believes in things like this and that’s totally cool. But I’ve started to learn about manifestation and what it entails and I genuinely believe it’s having an impact on my life. Manifestation basically is the process of manifesting your ideals. Imagining yourself in the circumstance you want to be in and considering it already done. Believing that you’ve already got that promotion, for example. And believing it so bad that in your minds eye, you already have it. The idea is that these intense beliefs are projected out into the universe and then you’ll be on the right track to succeed.
Projecting what I need
This ties in to the point I just made but I’ve really focused on thinking about and feeling what I need and what’s perhaps not going quite as well as I hope it would in that particular moment. An example of this was when, in March, I had a dreadful month financially. I thought about it constantly, I worked hard to try and change it (to no avail) and I spoke about the problem I was in both internally and on social media. By April, I had the best ever financial month since becoming self employed. I believe it’s both hard-work and something else… But there’s gotta be something in that.
Doing what I need
Different to the above point but this year, I’ve really started to work on my excessive need to be productive 24/7 and never giving myself down time. I would work frantically from the second I woke up until the second I went to sleep, scheduling posts months in advance, thinking up new projects that I certainly didn’t have time to do and just wearing myself out from it all. Whilst I still work exceptionally hard on my work, my blogging and almost every area of my life, I’ve started ensuring that I do what I feel like I need to do and not feel guilty from it. If that means not working one day because my mental health is bad, fine. Having a nap mid-afternoon? Cool. Ordering a Domino’s even though yesterday I had a Chinese? Whatever, it was yummy!
Expanding my horizons
Again, I don’t mean by extravagant things like moving abroad or sky-diving. There’s so many other ways to expand your horizons, to deepen your knowledge and to become a more well-rounded person. I’ve started reading more non-fiction books and watching more foreign TV shows and films. Educating myself on different topics and just taking a damn interest in things. There’s certainly something to be said for taking an interest in the world around you. I’ve really tried to do that this year and although there’s plenty more I could be doing, I’ve definitely made a promising start!
[…] so, my mindset really has changed (probably due to doing so much Yoga, meditation and leaning about manifestation which again, I know isn’t for everyone) and I know now that we need to believe in ourselves, […]
This is what I’ve been doing & life has never been better.
So glad to hear that! 🙂
I am learning how important self-care is. Thank you for your words.
You’re welcome 🙂
It not easy to change habits of a lifetime.
I think the secret is to attempt the change in small and regular doses.
That’s a very good piece of advice 🙂
Yoga is something I’ve heard can help a lot of people, but I don’t know about doing it myself as I’m not very flexible.
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
You absolutely 100% do NOT need to be flexible in order to do Yoga. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions about it.
Beautiful write-up!!
2018 has been a year of change for me too. I started looking for new opportunities, studied more carefully, read more books and exercised. I also started writing blog posts of my own.
Basically I’ve invited more challenges to my life, and I’m really enjoying myself this year.
I’m so glad to hear that! 🙂
I love this post! It’s made me feel so positive and determined to really change my own fortunes. I love the concept of manifesting and projection – I totally agree that both hard work and good intentions can make all the difference. I need to get back to a positive place as the last couple of months have been actually good for me (for once!) and I’d love to carry that forward. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Beth x
Awh I’m so glad to hear that, I hope you can carry the positivity forward into the rest of the year 🙂 xxx
I really want to try yoga, as I’ve heard such good things about it! I might give it a go at home with a YouTube video and see how I get on.
You totally should it’s life changing xxx
I really want to do Yoga again. I used to go years ago and I absolutely loved it. It is definitely something I should try again!
You totally should xxx
I’m sure I say this every time I read a post where you mention it, but I need to do more yoga haha.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Haha it’s likely! 😂 Check out my Yoga With Adriene recommendation! cxxx
Love, love, love all these points! You are so self-aware and I’ve a lot to learn form these points 🙂
Thanks so much! Xxx
Manifestation is all about inviting positive energy in your life. It’s something that I have experienced in my life too 😊
I’m glad to hear that 🙂 xx
It makes me so happy to know what you need and want in your life right now and are willing to change things accordingly. Good luck lovely!
Thank you xxx
I totally agree!2018 has been an amazing year of lots of change.I love the aesthetics of your blogs, how you bolden your text, it really makes a difference.So happy that you found your favourite exercise!Have you tried pilates?
Thank you 🙂 no I haven’t! Would be keen to give it a go xxx
Sometimes, when you look back, you realise it was the smallest changes that made the biggest difference. With all this positivity and congruence, I have no doubt 2018 will be a big year for you! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you 🙂 xx
I started yoga at the beginning of the year and really noticed an improvement. Let that slip over the past month or so and really need to get back into it.
Steph x
http://www.wanderlustpulse.com
Glad to hear you’ve seen an improvement xxx
These are some very good and valid points! I believe you’ve got to envision what you want too, and believing in it so much it becomes true. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of positive thinking! x x x
Absolutely not 🙂 xx
I LOVE yoga. I don’t do it as often as I’d like though. It calms me down immensely.
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
Same here 🙂 xx
I’ve been doing Yoga since November and I’ve honestly benefited so much from it! I’m also trying to implement more manifestation/law of attraction into my life – won’t do any harm! x
G
https://www.teawithgi.com
Absolutely wont do any harm at all 🙂 xxx
My year has had it’s ups and downs. We bought a new home but I lost both my grandparents. It’s been full of struggles and hardships. But has also had great joys. I’m fighting depression and I’m sure my wife is too. I found that my bullet journal seems to be something I can focus on to set goals for my work and family. I am working on growing and expanding my blog and reading posts like this help me see that there is hope and ways to do better. Thank you!
Sounds like you have some great coping mechanisms which is great. Hope the second half of the year is more positive for you!
Yeah me too. Working hard to make it great.
Loved this post, some great tips which I’m definitely going to try! xx
https://lifeofablindgirl.com
Thank you 🙂 xx
I want to start yoga xx
You should, it’s easy and free if you do it from home xx
Good for you… I am sure you are much happier now… 🙂
Thanks, I’m not sure about that but I’m getting there.
Hi Jenny! Good for you for doing these subtle changes. I believe they’re so much better than doing nothing at all and wonder why our life is still the same. 😅 I’m doing something like this too in the form of small monthly goals. And so far so good! 🙂
Oh for sure! Can’t stand it when people moan but don’t actually do anything to change it!
Girl yoga is such a wonderful thing! I was a huge skeptic towards it, but once I gave it a try, I couldn’t go back. I wish I would have discovered it years ago. XOXO.
http://www.deltahoteljuliet.com
Me too I wish I had started earlier. I don’t really get why people are skeptics, it’s literally just exercise haha xxx
I started doing yoga too and I love it! I’m glad you took it up too. I can tell you really like it because you can’t stop talking about it. I can’t either lol. Let’s keep talking about it. It really is a great form of exercise.
Glad you’re enjoying it too xxx
Really enjoyed reading this post and it gave me some great ideas on how I can change my life in little ways. Yoga is something I’ve been meaning to try for ages so will definitely try and get round to giving it a go! X
https://iamstephaniejay.co.uk/
Try Yoga With Adriene, she’s great for beginners xxx
Its wonderful that you’ve found things that have a positive impact on your life. I dont know much about manifestation and projecting but i think i’ll read up on them.
They’re very interesting 🙂
I’ve started doing yoga a few months ago too. Yoga helps me relax and focus on the present. I’ve also expanded my horizons this year by joining the blogosphere. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people who shared my passion for writing, travel, and photography. I never thought I’ll be finally doing this, but I guess if you have a more positive outlook in life – you tend to take risks and work towards a positive outcome. Hope you’ll have more great things happening in your life this year!
Totally agree 🙂 xxx
Love love love this. It’s so important to focus on your own wants and needs. Something I need to do a little more if I’m honest!! Thanks for always being so genuine and honest with us, that’s one of the many reasons I pop back to your blog xx
Thank you so much 🙂 xxx
Love this post, such great tips! 6 months into the year, and I feel as if I’ve gone a little of the rails as well. But, it’s never too late to get back on track. I also completely believe in Manifestation, and putting those positive vibes out into the universe. Good luck, hun! (:
Thank you 🙂 hope you find your way back on the rails!
Really great post!
I am playing again with the idea of starting yoga. Maybe it will be one of my monthly goals. It’s a bit tricky because I am not flexible at all. Love, Iga http://www.igaberry.com
That’s the biggest misconception of Yoga- you DON’T have to be flexible in order to do yoga. Just like you don’t have to be fast in order to go running 🙂 xx
loved this post Jenny! So glad Yoga is helping and you’re loving it, it’s one thing I’ve never tried, do you recommend any ways to learn from home? 🙂
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk
Yoga With Adriene! On YouTube 🙂 xxx
I love this Jenny. I’m hoping this year will be the one for subtle changes for me. I’m trying to establish more of a routine which isn’t easy working from home and just become ‘better’ in small ways. These are great tips x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thank you 🙂 the small things really do count! cxx
I really love this post! I tried yoga briefly for a while to help with chronic pain, and it was really amazing!
I hope you continue to reach your goals and aspirations throughout the year 🤞☀️
Awh that’s great that it helped you 🙂 xx
Congratulations on making a stronger commitment to taking care of yourself this year. It’s so important to take care of yourself both for your own good and those around you – being your best self is just impossible if you’re not meeting your own needs. I can relate to so much of what you described. I knock myself out over achieving at some things and then wonder why I’m ready to collapse. One client I worked with had a great way of helping us see that pursuing perfection often times meant that we were not delivering a bunch of other things. He was a strong proponent of things being “good enough” so that we could move on to something else that would have an impact, instead of spending hours trying to make our work flawless. He was a wise man! Congrats again Jenny and have a great second half of 2018.
Joan Senio
kindness-compassion-and-coaching.com
@joansenio1
Sounds like a very wise man indeed!
This was such a great post you’ve definitely got me thinking of ways I could improve my own life! I’ve always wanted to try Yoga I know so many people love it but I’ve still never got round to it so by the end of this year I want to have at least given it a go!
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
Good! Glad to hear that 🙂 Good luck with it! xcan’t x
Small changes are the framework for big changes. It all adds up to a life shift 🙂
Absolutely agree 🙂 xxx
😀
This is such a great post, Jenny. Sounds like you’ve really got a strong mindset. Projecting what you want is truly a handy knack and keeps people determined. I’m sure you will get exactly where you want to and I’m rooting for you.
Katie
littlekaatie.com
Thanks so much! I hope so too xxx
Love this post! I have heard about manifestation before but am going to watch some of the YouTube videos mentioned and give it a go! Thanks for sharing 😊
Raw Alignment has some good videos on it 🙂 xxx
I’ve been trying really hard to manifest this year, it’s been a hard one full of changes but I think it is working! ❤
Chloexlizabeth.blogspot.co.uk ❤
Yay! That’s great to hear 🙂 xxx
This is a great post to share! So true that implementing small changes can make a big difference to your life. Manifestation sounds so interesting, I’m a big believer that a positive attitude can create positive things to happen so this is something I’ll be looking into more!
I think you’d get on really well with manifestation then! 🙂 xxx
Yay to yoga!!! The best phrase I heard from my yoga instructor is that “Yoga is a work in, not a work out.” That’s the way I treat it. Yoga allows me to calm my mind and take a much needed break from the world. Glad to hear yoga is treating you well too! 🙂
I LOVE THAT PHRASE!
Great tips! Definitely given me some inspiration x
Thanks 🙂 xx
Great idea for a post! I need to work on some of these things.
Thanks 🙂 xx
Thank you for sharing this, this was such a lovely post to read! I’ve heard soo many people talking about the benefits of yoga recently, I may need to try it out! x
You totally should 🙂
How inspiring! I’m really glad you’ve shared the small ways your life is changing. I’ve tried yoga a couple of times but really found that I love pilates at the moment. I love that it’s low impact but still helps you to be strong and toned, I suppose yoga is much of the same thing! Manifestation has been talked about a lot but something I’ve never tried! I agree with expanding your horizons as well! I’ve been watching a lot more documentaries recently as I’m so curious about the world! And never be worried to give yourself what you need!!
Much love,
Molly xo
http://gracetoglowandgo.com
Yoga definitely is similar to Pilates and you can intensify up or down depending on how you feel 🙂 xx
I might give it a go to change up my routine! xx
Yoga is so transformational, both mentally, physically and spiritually. Just doing something for as little as 15 minutes a day can really change my mood and whole outlook on the day. I’ve never heard of manifestation, but it sounds very positive and optimistic. I’ll have to try that one! Thanks for the suggestions Jenny 💖 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Yay! A YouTuber called Raw Alignment has some Manifestation videos 🙂 Yoga really is! I haven’t done any today but looking forward to getting back into it tomorrow xxx
Sounds good, I’ll check out the videos, thanks! 💖 Same here, had a day off from yoga today but looking forward to it tomorrow as well ☺️ xx
I need to start doing yoga again x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
You totally should!
Yoga has already helped me so much! I’m trying to write down my thoughts and feelings too without letting them boil over and overwhelm me xx
That’s a good plan 🙂 xxx
Thanks for sharing 🙂 Yoga always helps with my anxiety too!
It’s amazing for anxiety!
Yay you! I’m also doing more yoga (just 10-15 mins every morning) and focusing on getting a bit more structure in my life. It is really difficult because I’m super disorganised (and pretty lazy) but your post has spurred me on! X
Glad it helped 🙂 I’m the complete opposite – organised and always on the go – but it’s difficult for me too xxx
I’d skipped my morning yoga but I just did it because of you! 😊
Manifestation and yoga are giving big changes in my life too. I wanna suggest you should check out Dream life Series of Lavendaire (Youtuber). Maybe You know her. She’s like my mentor. I believe you take a lot of inspiration from her videos. And learning a new language is a great tool to widen your vision.
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll check her out 🙂 xxx
That’s amazing! I did a manifestation course a few months ago, and loved it. It really has changed my approach to my life. I think there are parts of it I still need to work on myself, but I just reviewed all the things that have manifested for me since the course and was amazed. And yoga is aces 🙂 that’s had the biggest impact on my life as well!
Wow I didn’t realise you could do courses on it! That’s amazing and something I’d love to do 🙂 xxx
Check out Brooke Hampton at Barefoot Five – if you’re interested in doing a course 🙂
It’s a really nice post and my year so far is good. This year I mainly concentrated on improving my fitness and I get inspired when you speak about Yoga.
Keeping going ❤️
Thanks 🙂 xxx
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This is such a great post! I definitely need to do more of these things!
Thank you 🙂 hope you manage to do them! xxx
I’ll try my best! X
I can relate to so much of this! But I need to do more yoga for sure!!
You totally should 🙂 xxx
Such amazing tips here my darling! You’ve got this!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you 🙂 xxx
I highly believe in manifestation. I feel like I was doing it before I really knew what it was. I swear it’s how the majority of my shelf (which is mostly hardcovers) has been filled for mostly free or super cheap (which is great because at my current job I don’t make much and it all goes to bills and food). Although I should be trying to use that energy for a better job :/ . I think that energy brings the right people into your life at the right times. So even when things don’t seem to be going right it doesn’t take long for things to balance out. Manifestation is super interesting to me to if you ever want to discuss it and what it’s done for you I am always Available!
Oh for sure! I think it’s interesting too and love hearing people’s experiences with it 🙂 xxx