Healthy Chicks

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The other day, my blogger friend & relationship expert Jen was interviewed on CTV News, where she said some things that really stood out for me. She was stressing that the New Year is a time for fresh beginnings a.k.a checking in with yourself whether you are in or out of a relationship.

Checking in? Now what exactly does that mean, you ask?

Single ladies may ask, “Am I happy where I am?” “Am I focusing on myself?” “Am I being open minded?” “Am I enjoying what I am doing at work/play/home?”

And those that are in a relationship may wonder, “Have things gone stale?” “What can work better?” “Are we affectionate enough?” “Does he/she make me feel good about myself and/or bring out the best in me?”

These are the kinds of questions that you may ask yourself to figure out if you are being the best you, no matter what your relationship status. 

Jen’s most valuable lesson was reminding us to live our best selves. Never let go of that passion. If you like to paint, heck buy an easel and paint away! Don’t worry about being judged by others if you want to quit your high-paying job to take on something that’s more “you.” Don’t let other’s take advantage of you or your time. Learn to say no when you want to say no. Learn to say yes when you know you’re holding back.

Take chances, follow your heart and live for yourself.

In the words of the lovely Jen Kirsch:

“When you are at your best self. You don’t have a need for someone; they just act as a bonus in your life. So it’s really important to do the stuff you normally do and allow it to happen by being your best self.”

This really struck me hard. Of course, being with someone can be the most wonderful time of your life, but not if you aren’t living your life as well. And when you find that someone you can do that with, hold onto it for dear life, as those are the things healthy relationships are made of.

As Jen noted, relationships are not easy, but the most successful ones are where there is continuos growth, and commitment to one another to get through those tough times. Now that’s team work at its best!

[watch Jen’s full interview on CTV News here]

Do you check in with yourself here and there? What has been the biggest challenge in your current or past relationships? How do you get through and maintain a healthy balance?

XoXo,