Self-improvement is so much more than a healthy diet, exercise, and daily meditation. It's a conscious choice and commitment to do better, to be better, and to strive to be the best version of ourselves ongoing.

Presumably, everyone would want this. Right?

Why then do we live in a world where depression and anxiety are so prevalent that some beautiful soul takes their life every 40 seconds?

Probably because this world is constantly telling us we're not enough and we exhaust ourselves trying to be.

On a daily basis, we are bombarded with advertisements for products we are told we need to achieve something desirable we won't have without them; we are forced to see how well everyone else seems to be doing when we open social media; and we are judged, negated, and berated by strangers who face no consequences for their quick-witted degradations.

Consider also that Covid isolated us, indirectly directing us to social media and gaming communities to socialize. It's just unfortunate that our attempts to connect with others often have the adverse effect of making us feel bad about who we are; and some are ill-equipped to cope with feelings of deficiency, therefore leading to suicide.

Unfortunately, the only way to reduce the incidence of suicide and the depression and anxiety leading up to it is to promote self-improvement.

How can we do this?

💕By actively working to improve our own mental and physical health, we show others that effort is required to maintain and sustain a better way of life.

💕By demonstrating resilience through healthy coping skills, we show others that there are ways to overcome all obstacles.

💕By giving ourselves grace when we err, we show others that no one is perfect or gets it right all the time.

💕By learning to regulate our emotions and maintain our sense of ourselves despite life's curve balls, we show others that we don't have to let what happens to us determine who we are or how we experience life.

How we show up in the world always serves as an example to others of how life can be enjoyed despite the difficulties that are an unfortunate part of existence. Our kids see how we respond to others and react in certain situations and will unconsciously model that behavior. Our romantic partners, family, and friends witness the ways we handle complicated matters and resolve issues. Even strangers are impacted by our choice to be courteous and respectful or rude and entitled in public.

As humans, we have a domino effect on each other. So, being consciously aware of our impact on others hopefully motivates us to be better and do better, not just for ourselves, but for the good of society.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT CHALLENGE

• Choose one behavior you would like to improve about yourself. It can be something as simple as stopping yourself when you are about to use the word "should" to judge yourself or someone else, or as difficult as deciding not to drink alcohol or eat fried foods anymore, out of respect for your physical body.

• Share your intention with those closest to you. Support and encouragement will increase the likelihood of your success. Plus, the jokes and jabs they might tease you with when you falter will lighten any disappointment you might have otherwise felt and compel you to do better since people are noticing when you lax.

• Actively and intentionally work towards your improvement goal. Make your new commitment to yourself a daily practice. Say it. Do it. Be it. Eventually, whatever it is will become second nature.

• Reward yourself for your achievement, as well as for every "win" along the way. People laugh when I reach over my opposite shoulder and pat my back while verbally acknowledging whatever I've accomplished or done well. It may seem silly, but it positively reinforces the behavior, thereby telling my brain to continue to perform that behavior for that approval. Plus, it's a funny way to invite others into your celebration and share your desire for yourself. Then, maybe they will be inspired to improve something about themselves, as well. Positivity is contagious!

✨No matter who you are or what your circumstances, you do have the power to change your mind to change your life. In doing so, you just might save someone else's life, as well.✨

💖For more inspiration on how to do better and be better, subscribe to my FREE Substack.

➡️Then enter your email here on the website to read the first two chapters of my bestselling memoir GASPING FOR AIR: The Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse.