
By Janet Lovelace
Personal growth is a journey without a destination — there are many paths to take, but the experiences you have along the way are what’s most important. Finding new avenues for personal growth may be the perfect solution if you feel stuck. To get started on your journey, take a look at these suggestions from Burien-News.
Volunteer
Giving time to a cause you’re passionate about is a great way to learn more about yourself. It can also make you happier and help you meet new people. Think about issues that are meaningful to you, as well as how they impact your community. You can volunteer at a variety of places:
• Homeless shelters
• Organizations that fight domestic violence
• Animal shelters
• Community cleanup programs
Return to School
Learning something new is a great way to grow as a person. For instance, if you want to change your career or improve your understanding of business, getting a degree is an excellent idea; there are even online programs that allow you to specialize in any aspect of business, such as accounting. If that sounds appealing to you, check this out. College courses teach skills that are useful in many areas of life, such as:
• Resilience
• Critical thinking
• Networking
Turn Your Passion Into a Business
If you’re unhappy at your current job, follow your bliss to a more fulfilling career. Starting a small business isn’t easy, but it’s not as impossible as you may think. In fact, you can file the necessary paperwork for a limited liability company without a lawyer, and most states post the requirements on their websites. LLCs are excellent options for new business owners because they offer a variety of benefits:
•Tax breaks
•Legal separation between owner and company
•Flexible ownership
Transform Your Home Into an Oasis
Creating a calm space to return to at the end of the day can reduce stress and provide a positive environment for personal growth efforts. The following are great ways to transform your living space:
•Light candles for soft light and fragrance
•Choose neutral colors for walls and furniture
•Declutter and organize
•Keep your home clean
•Add some greenery
Try Meditation
Meditation offers a wide range of mental and physical health benefits. Research shows that people who meditate have an 87 percent decrease in their risk of hospitalization for coronary artery disease. The best part is that you don’t have to commit a large block of time to this practice — 10 minutes daily is enough to see improvement.
Talk to a Life Coach
Everyone needs help once in a while. If you’re too busy, stressed, or discouraged to pursue personal growth on your own, talking to a life coach may help. Life coaches help people set goals, discover their strengths, and overcome obstacles. You can find a life coach through several avenues:
•Coaching directories
•Matching services
•Referrals
•Local searches
Start a Gratitude Journal
Gratitude is purposefully reflecting on the positive things in your life and expressing thanks. The practice is linked to many benefits:
•Provides a coping mechanism after trauma
•Promotes positivity
•Increase self-esteem
•Boosts feelings of connection
There are many ways to practice gratitude, and journaling is among the most popular. To start a gratitude journal, set aside a few minutes each day to write down what you’re grateful for. It may be challenging at first; however, you’ll find that the more you express gratitude, the more you’re thankful for.
Growing as an individual takes self-reflection, hard work, and commitment, but the results are a healthier life. By making changes like starting a business, creating a healthier home, meditating, and practicing gratitude, you can become the person you’ve always wanted to be.