FINDING YOUR NICHE: WHAT DO YOU LOVE?

Trying to find what you love can be a harder task than you might imagine. Whether it be yoga, exercising, traveling, or making soaps... I'm here to maybe help guide you in the right direction, finding activities that truly bring out the best in you.

Many people get so caught up in their careers/lifestyle, that it can be hard to find time to do things you enjoy. But, I mean, society taught us to be engulfed in our careers in order to be successful. Who CAN you blame? And what does being "successful" actually mean? To me, being successful describes all areas of your life, not just your career. Why not make the time to make your life truly successful?

1. MAKE TIME.

This is so essential. In order to find what you love, it is beneficial to find the time in doing these things. I know careers, kids, and life in general takes up most of your time, but setting aside time for YOU will make you happier. Whether it's 30 minutes, 3 hours, or 2 days, finding the time to engage with things you love will result in a happier YOU. Now how does that sound?

2. TRYING OUT NEW THINGS.

This one is also a biggie. It is always nice experiencing new things, especially if you're on the search for a new love. For example, my love for yoga didn't just start because I went to a yoga class once. If you would've told me 2 years ago that I would ended up loving yoga, let alone TEACHING IT, I would've thought you were CRAZY. However, because I picked up a one credit yoga course in order to fulfill my college requirements and participated in 3 yoga classes a week, I fell in love. At first, it was just to fulfill my credits. But after a couple of weeks of focusing on myself, listening to my breathing, and acknowledging MY body, I not only improved my self awareness but it also affected the things around me. My grades improved, my relationships improved, and my health improved. I became a happier person, just by giving myself one hour every other day of the week. As I became more in love, I pursued a job teaching exercise at the gym at my college. With this, I made sure to teach yoga and spread the feeling that I feel of self happiness to others. This all happened because I tried something new.

3. FOCUSING ON YOURSELF

Happiness starts with you. Seriously. I know it is a cliche saying, but it's true! I feel like so many people focus on others and what makes them happy, and I'm not saying that is bad either. It's in our nature to be giving I believe, and it makes us happy making others happy. However, you need to focus on yourself as well. Do things with others, but also do things for yourself and with yourself. Many people I know are actually scared to be by themselves, and I think this is the underlying factor when it comes to finding peace and happiness within yourself. Finding comfortability within your own skin is essential to happiness. You can't find happiness if you aren't happy with yourself. Many people actually stem off of this, and change what they aren't happy with within themselves. For example, exercising. Improving the physical appearance of oneself is a great way to express self love. But actually getting in the gym is the hard part... Motivating yourself enough to keep that improvement steady is the huge issue that we see today with failing goals. You have to keep the motivation going!

4. KEEP THE MOTIVATION

Whether it's working towards a workout goal, a traveling destination, or a recipe for a jam spread, YOU HAVE TO KEEP THE MOTIVATION GOING. Motivation is like the fuel to a car, and in order to keep the car rolling, ya need constant fuel. The same concept lies within finding what you love. In order to find that happiness, consistency is so essential! With my love for yoga like stated before, it took more than just participating in one class. It took more than just waking up before 8 AM to make it to class. It took effort in falling in love with yoga. I had to keep the motivation for me going in order to see such great benefits. Post things around the house, set motivational reminders on your phone, make your significant other help you! Once you get past the point of change and on the track of it being routine, it almost becomes a second nature. Keeping that motivation within yourself is so necessary to keep that love growing.

I hope these four steps in finding what you love has helped you, because they have tremendously helped me. I am such a better person just from taking time out of my day for myself. Stress free, anger free, and happy. Whether it be hiking, biking, painting, or writing, I hope all of you guys spare just a little time for yourselves. Because in this society, it's hard to self love and feel comfortable within one's skin. I hope I made it little bit more reachable for you guys, and like always, if you have any questions: Do not hesitate to ask! I am here to help and heal you and would love to be your guiding words.

XOXO,

Hannah