Yesterday I referenced some changes I've been making to help me find myself again: be accountable to myself, respect my capacity and needs, and honor my authenticity. An exercise that I've found endlessly helpful is asking myself "What would the person I want to be do in this situation?" I ask myself this question sans judgment and as a compass of sorts, helping me find the path I'm seeking when I seem to be a little lost. The question also helps motivate me to make changes that seem asinine or unimportant when the stormy cloud of depression is following me around.

One thing I need to be mindful of is the trap of perfection. Just because I'm identifying and embodying habits and traits of the person I want to be, doesn't mean I am failing if I don't act accordingly 100% of the time. Even just 1% of the time is better than not at all. It feels good to be gentle with myself. Another guideline is to keep things positive. I try to avoid using phrases such as "The person I want to be DOESN'T...", but instead re-frame it into a positive attribute.

That being said, I am compiling a list that I may or may not add to in the future (see what I did there?!) but can help keep me accountable and motivated.

The person I want to be...

• Revels in the things that bring her joy: interesting rocks, sentimental quilts, goofy dogs, the shimmer of raindrops on trees, pants that fit right AND are comfy...
• Speaks honestly, kindly, and with conviction
• Asks for help and accepts the outcome with gratitude that I have people in my life I can ask for help from
• Shares my skills, knowledge, and abilities with others
• Is patient with others, trusting they are doing what's best for them
• Honors my creativity. I create with joy, curiosity, and acceptance
• Trusts myself. I know what's right for me, and it's okay if it's not right for others
• Respects my space. A tidy home helps me feel at ease
• Creates time instead of finding time. If something is important to me, I make sure I create space to do it
• Is clear about what I need - physically, emotionally, mentally - and communicates those needs to others