Driver of My Own Life
I get called a control freak quite a bit, & I wish I was surprised, but I’m not. There’s truth to that statement. I’m very precise about things, especially when the things pertain to me & the life I’m building for myself. Why wouldn’t I be? I think that too many of us get stuck in cycles...because that’s mostly what life is, it happens in cycles...that we lose sight of where our end goal is. We sorta go into autopilot & forget that we can actually grab the wheel & steer in a different direction, if we wish.
As human beings, we look at the word "control" with a negative connotation sometimes, but the actuality is that it's not all bad. There's actually very few things we can control in the world. The most important one is ourselves. We can really only control ourselves & our actions. So, with that being said, why wouldn't we get control of our lives?
Now, I'm not an accredited psychologist (not yet, anyway) so I can't 100% say these things 100% work & are effective. I can say, however, that these are a few things I do to gain control over my life & ultimately be the "driver."
5 Ways to Be the Driver of Your Life
1. Surround yourself with only the ones you choose.
Everyone has energy. We're more drawn to certain people than others, & usually the reasoning is that we like the energy they're giving off. At the same time, people can be draining, & they can deplete the positive, happy-go-lucky vibes around you. If you don't like someone's energy or feel that they're draining your own, walk away. There's nothing saying that you're condemned to this specific place. Walk away, recharge, & recenter.
2. Put You FIRST.
Trust me, this one is more difficult than it sounds. When you're someone who loves to help others & values being there for them, it's hard to put yourself first. It's almost a double-edged sword being selfless. But, you're important, too. The only way you can be the most beneficial in other's lives & in helping them is when you're full yourself. Meaning, you can't give 100% to them if you're only giving 80% to you. Take care of you. It's not selfish. It's self-love.
3. Do it.
You know how Nike's slogan is "Just Do it." Well, it's one of the best slogans to ever exist. Life is so short. Let me repeat myself. Life is so short. I don't think most of us really understand just how short it really is. So, with that being said, we just need to get out there & do it. We need to do all the things we've dreamed of, all the things we've always thought about, all the things that are placed on our hearts. Don't overthink it. Don't start with the "What-ifs." Trust your gut. Just. Do. It.
4. Let go.
As human beings, we outgrow things constantly. Sometimes I don't think we even realize we're outgrowing it until it's over. That friendship you tried so hard to salvage, the work environment that gave you stress, the relationship you put your all into & received nothing in return. All things that we outgrow before recognizing we are. So, we have to let it go. The butterfly doesn't transform & ask to take the remnants of her life as a caterpillar with her. Neither should we. Let go of the past, let go of the negative & replace it with the positivity of the brightest future.
5. If you want it, you work for it. "No" is never an acceptable answer.
Persistence, determination, perseverance are keys to success & the life you want. Stop apologizing for reaching toward the things & the life you want. Stop just "going with the flow" & be clear in where you're going. Success is not given, it is earned. You have to want it badly enough. Put your life in drive & do not stop until you've reached your location.
Stop apologizing for changing lanes. Stop apologizing for taking control of the wheel. Stop apologizing to the passengers who willingly go along for the ride, but have opinions of their own. This is your life. You are the driver. You are in control of where life takes you...I hope you enjoy the ride.
May your day be ever filled with love, light, and of course, an abundance of chicken tenders💜🌻✨
Cheyenne Pajardo