The Best Version of Ourselves

pebble beach shawl

Are you the best version of yourself?  What would make you so?  These are the thinking thoughts I've been brewing over.  I guess because it's Lent and soon Holy Week, I become introspective.  I find myself during seasons reviewing my personal goals and creative pursuits.

January first with new resolutions is an obvious goal setting time.  I'm motivated to stretch and grow and usually I wane in my intentions.  The best version of myself is not found during the first try.  Nothing is found during the first try (unless you are lucky!).

my dear deer friends

Spring is here, sort of and so I'm re evaluating my goals.  The goals are the same as always and I've added a few along the way.  However, anyone can list goals!

super secret knitting and my cowl in the background

How do I achieve the best version of myself??

- getting a good night's sleep
-eating the right foods and exercising daily
-carving out that precious time alone in the morning
-journalling and reflecting
-being present
-listening twice as long as talking (a challenge for me)
-showing kindness to others

and most importantly being a positive life affirming voice to myself.



How do you achieve the best version of yourself?


people who love are giving

Comments

  1. BridgetApril 7, 2017 at 9:19 AM

    I think it's one of the biggest challenges, trying to be your best self. I try hard to live in the moment, and to remember that everyone has something challenging going on, not just me (real or imagined).

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:30 PM

      That is so true, everyone has something challenging going on!

      Delete
  2. VeraApril 7, 2017 at 11:03 AM

    It is a challenge for sure. I try to find the positive in everything (which is sometimes extremely difficult). I like your statement of listening twice as long as talking - great advice. And my time in the a.m. is very important to me too.

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:30 PM

      I like to find the positive in everything too, like Pollyanna :)

      Delete
  3. AnonymousApril 7, 2017 at 12:12 PM

    I guess sometimes I am and sometimes I'm an impatient, grouchy witch. But I like to keep it real. And thank you for your recent visit. I can't wait to finish this pair and get them blocking. I want to move on. I totally get how you want to finish your current WIP's first. I feel the same way, especially with my jumper.

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:31 PM

      I cannot imagine you grouchy :) I am probably starting a new project...

      Delete
  4. UnknownApril 7, 2017 at 2:40 PM

    "How do you achieve the best version of yourself?"
    This is such a good question, and such a thought-provoking post.
    Thank you for sharing!

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  5. kathy bApril 7, 2017 at 3:24 PM

    Well listening twice as much as talking is a great one for ME to start.
    I need to Keep at this maintenance thing with my weight loss. Maintaining is as difficult, almost, as losing. also As an Adult child of an alchol I need to keep chaos at a minimum SOmetimes I confuse chaos with action. I have to remember that down time is as valuable as busy time.

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:32 PM

      Maintaining your progress is such an important goal and I bet you do it!

      Delete
  6. elnsApril 7, 2017 at 7:37 PM

    I could definitely apply all of your goals! They are very worthy ones. This one I think spoke to me the most."and most importantly being a positive life affirming voice to myself. " I am so quick to jump into the dark deep end w/o even realizing it. I realize that kind of impulsive critique can be very difficult energy for other people to be around at times. I think that will help motivate me. Great post, good for a personal pause.

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:32 PM

      I just into the dark deep and fight it. Sometimes I win, sometimes it's a work in progress.

      Delete
  7. KwizgiverApril 7, 2017 at 8:10 PM

    What a lovely and thoughtful post. I like your list make you the best version of you.

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  8. RosemaryApril 7, 2017 at 9:11 PM

    Are you reading the Resisting Happiness book? Our church passed it out and has had a weekly discussion group for Lent. The best version of yourself was one of the discussion questions, so thought you might be.

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:33 PM

      I am doing the videos on their website - I did not order the book yet, Do you like it?

      Delete
  9. Juliann in WAApril 7, 2017 at 9:24 PM

    I have not been the best version of myself lately but your post has me thinking that spring break is a great time to put some things back in order and Holy Week is a perfect for pondering and reflecting. Thanks so much for this.

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    Replies
    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:34 PM

      I hope you blog about what you are doing during your spring break, I'm curious.

      Delete
  10. AngieApril 8, 2017 at 3:32 AM

    The most appropriate question as the Holy Week is coming and one I'm not yet clear about. I 'm the best version of myself when I put my beloved first and when I don't waste my time. Also when I make time to pray and read books that inspire. Your blog is both artistic and spiritual. A combination that speaks to the heart.

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:34 PM

      Thank you for visiting! I try not to waste time, and when I accomplish a lot I feel better about myself.

      Delete
  11. Elisa {With Grace and Eve}April 8, 2017 at 8:51 AM

    Oh I like this question. I'll journal on this one. I know the best version of me definitely includes carving out some solo time. I think I'll make a list like you. Thanks for the inspiration x

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  12. Kim April 8, 2017 at 5:02 PM

    Beautiful post Karen, inspiring. I definitely need my sleep, yoga, mediation, solo time, good food, and time to do the things that feed my soul to be the best version of myself. I feel like I am in a constant state of finding that best version these days...still so much to learn, and as I do I find I grow and change a little bit more. Such a blessing to be able to witness the growth in ourselves. Hope you are having a beautiful weekend.

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:36 PM

      You've had lots of changes in your life so I can see that you are adjusting as life changes.

      Delete
  13. BonnyApril 8, 2017 at 9:29 PM

    I'm definitely not the best version of myself but because I love my family so much, I always want to keep trying for them (and myself). Being present, being less judgmental and more supportive, and consciously chosing peace and love are how I'm trying. Thank you for the spring renewal reminder!

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:36 PM

      you sound like me. I try to help too much too. However, I am learning!

      Delete
  14. Caffeine GirlApril 9, 2017 at 11:18 AM

    For the first time, I have realized that Lent serves the same purpose as the High Holy Days. Neither is a one-day deal. Both provide you with time to reflect and try to be better in the future.
    My list would look exactly like yours! In fact, I'm going to copy it into my journal!

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:37 PM

      Time for reflection is good for the soul! I love that you are a sister journal writer :)

      Delete
  15. andiApril 9, 2017 at 12:37 PM

    I do think for me the process of making the goals is much easier than achieving them. I am in a constant struggle to be the best person I can be so that I can be the best friend, daughter and over person to other. Your list and mine could be twins. :) Can't go wrong with wanting to be a better person.
    xo!

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    1. karenApril 9, 2017 at 6:37 PM

      I bet you are the best daughter and friend ever :)

      Delete
  16. MaryApril 11, 2017 at 5:50 AM

    Oh I love the topic (yes, so timely) and your list. I'd need to add "not judging others" and - of course - hot coffee!

    ReplyDelete

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