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Life is tricky.

Every single one of us are on our own path and we have no idea what to expect, we just keep doing what we think is best.

Honestly, it used to scare the crap outta me, the unknown.

At the beginning of 2016, I had been at the same radio station for almost 9 years. It was everything I ever wanted. I was home, both literally and figuratively. I was living my dream. To top it off, I was really good at it.

Then, the unexpected came up behind me, pulled the rug out from under my feet and sent me straight on my ass: A budget cut. As you can imagine, it was immediate panic with a zillion thoughts swirling through my mind. I could barely focus.

What am I gonna do? I can’t move, I have a house. I don’t wanna move. What else am I even qualified for? How am I here when my ratings are through the roof? What is happening? I don’t want to work anywhere else. I’ve given my heart and soul to this place, it’s all I know. Is this all just a dream?

Stop.

You probably have a similar story of a situation that sent you into a tailspin. Life is funny that way. We’re all so different, but all so very much alike.

So, in these crazy moments, how do you handle things? It’s important to prepare because, I’m sorry to say it, you’ll have more of these shit storms coming, no matter how you play your cards.

Your mental health is key. So it’s important that you take care of it. If your mental health is well, healthier, when these crazy spots arise, you’ll react less extreme and more level headed.

Here’s a list of ideas that, when implemented, can help:

Doing things that make you feel good
Getting enough sleep
A regular exercise routine
Learning to journal
Meditation
Creating and Repeating Positive Affirmations

I have found that writing is one of the best things I have ever started doing for myself. Some journal about their days, some write stories, or keep gratitude lists; I write songs. It gets all those feels of frustration, sadness, disappointment, even happiness and excitement out. Having that energy, even a little bit of it leave your body, can feel like a weight lifted. Soon, you’ll feel as light as a feather.

Start small. Try out just one of these into your life to begin. Hold yourself to it daily, even if only a few minutes and gradually grow it to a few more and allow yourself some true “you” time. See how you change, see how you feel. Feel free to report back.

It sounds so cliché: New Year, New Me, You, Everyone. But, many do look at the flip of the calendar year as a chance to fix all the problems in their lives.

And I’m totally here for it!

Just remember: Absolutely nothing, I repeat, nothing in life has a quick fix. (You in the back, you hear that?) Anything you want to achieve this year is possible, with work.

That last part is so incredibly important. It’s also why so many people don’t live up to the resolutions or goals they’ve set out for themselves.

Over the course of the last year or so, I’ve had so many people comment on my positivity, my outlook on situations, my “bright light” and it feels really nice, but it hasn’t always been this way.

For me, what worked were small changes, because small changes can produce big happiness. I’ll give you an example:

I was working nights and would sleep in every morning until my body woke up. Some days it was 9am, some days it was later. But, I never really gave myself a routine to follow, so I changed that. I made sure to get up at a reasonable hour and head to the gym first thing. This pumped up the start of my day so I would no longer feel so out of whack because of my weird schedule. I became more productive and felt more accomplished all because of one…small…change.

Another example:

I noticed I was stressed, but it wasn’t because of anything I personally had going on. It was residual stress. Stress acquired from toxic people in my life. So, I cut it out. I deleted the drama. This is a small change, but not always an easy thing to do because, if you’re like me, you don’t want to hurt anyone. But, if you understand that, even inadvertently, they’re hurting you, then what are ya doing keeping them around?! (C’mon, you know I’m right.) So, they had to go. Weight lifted and almost immediately.

Think of your resolutions (and if you didn’t make any, make one right now.) Is it trying to lose a few pounds? What can you do in your life to help you reach that goal? Maybe it’s a matter of having others hold you accountable. Post it on your social media and keep track of your progress so others can cheer you on. Maybe you want to be more well rested but you find that the time always seems to get away from you. Set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself that bedtime is approaching and stop what you’re doing to prepare to let your head hit the pillow.

It can be as simple as one small change to start your journey to your happiest. What will you implement to get yourself started today?