I’ve changed recently. Not drastically or overnight, and definitely not become a different person – just a happier version of myself! These are simple action steps that helped me find my happy, and I hope that you find them helpful too!
RECEIVE
I am my biggest critic. YOU are your biggest critic. We obsess about flaws that other people don’t even notice! It comes naturally for me to give in all ways, but when it comes to receiving, I need help.
If I get a pimple, tiny or big, my mind goes to the Austin Powers scene: MOLE..mmm-MOLE. Here’s the thing: people don’t look at you as closely as you do. Don’t you know they’re just as worried about that hair on their chin?
Try this: See yourself through the eyes of someone that sees YOU as awesome. For instance, my husband tells me “you’re the most beautiful woman in the world”, even with pimples, frizzy hair, and no makeup (not even mascara or brows!) But, he means it
When I feel insecure about my blogging career, I envision myself through my friend’s eyes, who remind me I’m smart, growing, and tells me a superstar! I want THOSE glasses that they’re looking through, so try to adjust your critical lens and accept the compliments and adoration from people that love you the most!
“You will never know how beautiful you are to me.” ~my husband
CREATE
Oh, how I love creating my own little space in the blogosphere. For me, it’s an expression of creativity that brings life/meaning to every day. It’s kind of an escape from reality since I’m able to tell a story behind all the pretty pictures and fun clothes. In fact, I like the title of a creative versus a blogger. Crafting a storyline behind each blog post takes me to a productive utopia when I publish a blog post I’m proud of.
“Creativity is not my hobby, it’s my way of life.”
EXERCISE
Yeh, yeh, you hear it all the time: working out increases endorphins. But, do you know what that means? Do you know Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine? I didn’t just make that up, it’s from this reputable source.
I used to hate to work out, and to be honest, getting back into the groove was miserable. But, after 2 months of yoga and lifting weights, my mood has exponentially elevated. I have the flexibility of working out various times of the day, so whether it’s 8:00Am or 8:00PM, I schedule at least 4 workouts a week.
I’m obsessed with Rockin’ Yoga classes at We Yogis here in Dallas, and training (lifting weights) with Julie Hoang Taylor, owner of Fit180.
DEVOTIONAL
Since I’ve started consistently spending time in the Word every single morning (ok, most mornings….I’m human), my life has changed dramatically. My patience actually exists now, my positivity is though the roof, and my gratitude for even the simple things have given me a whole new outlook. Here’s the deal:
God is your #1 fan, so why wouldn't you start your day with a pep talk from the person that put you here on earth to do something great? Share on XHow do you find your happy? Would love to know, so comment below! Have a happy week and go get ’em!
chelf says
that’s the ultimate goal! Not to be someone else, but become the best version of ourselves! Very inspiring post!
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much!!! So glad you liked it!!
GiGi Eats says
I have to admit that I am not my biggest critic. I truly love myself. Sure, I have flaws, but I embrace those flaws and love them – and if others have a problem with them, well that’s they’re problem, not mine! 😉 I am glad you have found your happy!!! So many people never do 🙁
Whitney Kutch says
GiGi I admire you for that and you are right so many people get stuck in that revolving door!! I could tell you love and live life to the fullest on your African Safari!! Looks like a BLAST!!!
Joline says
So happy you found your happy! Tea, hot chocolate or sometimes wine (!) usually does it for me. Quiet moments with a good book. And spending a few moments every day just being grateful.
Whitney Kutch says
What type of books do you like best? I also like to binge watch a great Netflix series and although I am spending way too much time in front of a tv when this happens… I really enjoy it!
Beth says
Great tips, Whitney! I find my happy by creating routines and systems that allow me to prioritize my passion every single day. I also hate making decisions so I put systems in place that eliminate them wherever possible.
Whitney Kutch says
Beth, you and I are so much alike on the decision making!! Sometimes it is pretty easy but then other times… UGH So glad someone else shares this with me!
Jasmin N says
Wonderful tips! I could do with some happiness in my life.
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you and I am so glad this helped!!
Willow says
I love the title of creative over blogger as well. Sometimes I call myself a recipe developer, but what my daily work entails encompasses so much more than that.
Whitney Kutch says
I really like the title Recipe Developer!! You are right about it being so much more than that too! So much goes into it!
Marjie Mare says
Thanks for sharing, once we find that happy place within ourselves, life is so worth living.
Whitney Kutch says
And once we find it its important to show others how to find it!
Stephanie says
What wonderful tips! It’s so hard to see ourselves from someone else’s view, but it’s also necessary. Now that it’s warming up enough, I plan to start working out as often as possible since I like to power walk outside for my exercise. I notice that I am in a better mood when I consistently workout as well.
Whitney Kutch says
Its amazing how much better we feel after working out. Now, the struggle just to get up and go is another story but I have always been so happy afterwards!
Arielle Joy says
what a fun outfit! and a great outlook on life. The best change usually happens overtime. Things that change quickly can be fickle and change back
Whitney Kutch says
Its a daily battle for sure! There will always be set backs in life but practicing how we bounce back and find our happy again, will help eliminate down time.
Ifeoluwa says
These are really nice tips! I love how you were able to focus and find your happiness. The world is always trying to steal it from us. The things you listed are great for everyday living.
Whitney Kutch says
That is true with the world we live in and its so important we find our happy so we can share it with the rest of the world!
Kate Werthmann says
Im just starting to get back into the gym groove. It does stink!! Also in love with your dress. I think my confidence would go up in something so playful and pretty!!
Whitney Kutch says
It stinks but makes us feel so much better after we have pushed ourselves to just get it done, right? Thank you!! This dress goes with so much and has easily become one of my favorites!
Christina says
Love this post! You exude happiness in those pics! Good for you for finding what makes you happy and claiming it!
Whitney Kutch says
Sometimes its the smallest of things we need to make us happy… Thank you for the sweet compliment!!
Kari says
That tweetable is amazing and so true. Devotionals are so central for me too. Seeing ourselves through God’s eyes helps us to do everything else!
Whitney Kutch says
It just starts the day off on the right foot and helps guide! So glad you agree!
Primetime Chaos says
First of all, you are absolutely stunning! Your face is glowing in these photos!
I agree – when it comes to flaws we are too quick to judge ourselves.
I work a lot with affirmations and they help a lot as well 🙂
xx, Theresa
Whitney Kutch says
Yes, we are our own worst critics so affirmations help a lot!! Thank you for such a sweet compliment!!
Helene says
I loved this reading! Thank you for sharing your personal tips Whitney! I need inspiration at the moment and this came just in time!
Whitney Kutch says
I am so glad this helped!!!
wells baum says
Good post. I think/habits are critical since they shape who are and who we want to become, without all the emotional bagged it took to get started in the first place.
Whitney Kutch says
Yes it does!! For me, it takes practice and setting alarms to stay on task sometimes!
Erin says
These are all fantastic tips! Two of my favorites (in addition to the ones you listed) are to clean out the clutter — a clutter-free life is much less stressful — and to give to others (even if you’re just giving compliments, it doesn’t have to be money. Brighten someone else’s day, though!)
Whitney Kutch says
Erin I agree with you so much on this!! Having clutter cleaned up helps me to think better and feel better!! This is one for the list for sure!
Jillian says
You are so cute and I LOVE this post!!! Like LOVE!!! We really are our worst critics. Thank you for sharing such encouragement and positivity and I Love your outfit!
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you!!! Yes we are and when we focus on the positives we can train ourselves to look past it!!
Holly Lasha says
Awesome. Sometimes you just have to break away from all the noise! Love those boots!!!
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much!!
Nora says
Lovely tips and absolutely beautiful outfit, you look amazing! Creating and exercising are super important. For me these are required for happiness: sleep, healthy eating and some exercise and possibilities to do things I love. At the moment I’m struggling a bit since I feel that my job and studies are taking enormous amount of time but it’s good to know that there are some holidays coming soon. 🙂
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much!! You are doing a great job keeping it all together and getting it all done but yes, make sure to take a little time out of the week for YOU!! Even if its for a nap.
bus & lus says
omg I really LOVE ur style. it’s really so porsh and luxury
your article is also so interesting. keep going
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you SO MUCH!!!
Julia says
I’ve gone through a similar ‘change’ lately….just to get back to the basics and enjoy this gifts of each day. Well done.
Whitney Kutch says
I am so glad you did!! We all need a reboot at times!!
Katrina says
You’re so beautiful darling! I love how you found your happiness and sharing these simple tips we often forget. This is a great reminder happiness is a choice and a lifestyle
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much!!! I am so glad this helped
David Elliott says
I love everything you have to say here. Having people who love you honestly assess you can help you so much. And so much keeping yourself grounding in the word helps so much to make every day better and set your priorities and feel right about the right things.
Whitney Kutch says
I am glad this helped and you are right!!! I dont know what I would do without the word each day setting me on the right foot!
Sabine says
You do look stunning! I also criticize myself more now that I’m 30+… but I wouldn’t want to wake up 20 again 🙂
Whitney Kutch says
You look gorgeous!!! I get it though… we are our own worst critics!
Jijjy's Maison says
Hey Whitney, this is something i am trying to do this year…. thanks for sharing these points. Also want to say you look awesome…….
Whitney Kutch says
You are too kind!! Thank you! I am glad this helped with your goals!
Phaytea's Pulse says
Definitely important to critisise ones self. Love love the outfit
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much!!
Erica @ Coming up Roses says
Starting the day with a devotion is such a great thing to do, girl! Also, lovelovelove the idea of looking at myself through someone else’s glasses when I’m down on myself.
Whitney Kutch says
A lot of times it is easier said than done right? But practice makes perfect…. or close to it. lol
EG III says
Your happiness is clear bY your glow. It truly shines through your smile and demeanor. I too have been my own biggest critic, but dually I am also my own biggest supporter as well…and that is where I find balance.
Hello Whitney says
Oh, thank you so much; that’s so sweet! Balance is such an important part of life.