Curate Your Feed
Hello, hello! If you’re like me, you’re just a little addicted to social media. OK. Maybe more than a little. It's no secret that the content we consume can significantly affect our mood, self-esteem, and overall mental health. But what if I told you that you have the power to curate both your virtual and mental space to be more uplifting and empowering?
Think of your social media feed as a vibrant garden within your control. The first step in cultivating this garden is to weed out the negative. This means removing anything that undermines your confidence, sparks comparison, or simply doesn't resonate with you. It's time to unfollow, mute, or block them. You will be glad you did. I know it made a big difference for me.
The same can be said about your thoughts. Identify the negative self-talk and doubts that cloud your thoughts and consciously decide to let them go. This isn't about ignoring them but acknowledging their presence and then choosing to evict them from your mind, much like unwelcome squatters. Remember, you're the queen of your mindset, and negativity has no place in your kingdom.
Once you've cleared the weeds, it's time to plant more of what you want to see. In the digital world, this means following accounts that spark joy, inspire, and reflect the woman you are or aspire to be. Look for content that understands that you are meant for more and spreads positivity. I love my feed. Last night I saw reels with Meryl Streep killing it, people dancing and singing which was contagious as I found myself dancing and singing in my pajamas. I was informed and inspired by Dr. Mark Hyman and Gabby Bernstein; and I laughed until I cried when I saw an amazing cat video - and I didn’t expect that!
In the garden of your mind, plant seeds of positivity and practice using thoughts that uplift and empower you. Remind yourself of your strengths, your accomplishments, and your worth. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that growth often comes in waves, with each effort building on the last.
The final step in cultivating a flourishing garden—both virtually and mentally—is regular care and nurturing. In the digital world, this might involve setting boundaries around your social media use, such as designated screen-free times or using apps that remind you to take breaks. Studies have shown that we sleep better if we turn our screens off at least 2 hours before going to bed and it is a good practice to turn off your notifications for a block of time so you can focus on what matters most.
Adopt a mantra or affirmation that you can use regularly. Choose a phrase that resonates with you, something that reinforces the positive messages you want etched in your mind. Here are some examples: “I will prioritize self-care.” “I will practice gratitude.” “I will live my life with purpose.” “I will be myself.” Repeat your mantra or affirmation throughout the day, especially when negative thoughts surface. This practice reinforces a positive mindset and serves as a beacon, guiding you back to your core values and the woman you're becoming. You can put post-its with your affirmations or mantras on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror, or you can create a digital image to go on your phone - whatever works to keep you on track.
You're not just reconfiguring your social feed and your thoughts, you are declaring a powerful statement of self-love and your worth in the world. So, start today. Believe in yourself and be magnificent and unstoppable!
