Create a LIFE that is YOURS- 5 things to start doing now
I have a challenge for you.. It’s time to create something beautiful, on YOUR terms. It’s this thing called, LIFE.
Ashley Klemm Photography
2019. It took me a good 15 years of life to fully understand the “create your happiness” & “never settle” thing coming into my adult life. I couldn’t understand why I always wanted more. Being 28 years old, I faced an immense pain of not being fulfilled, in any way. My. Heart. Hurt. Why have I worked my ass off in my marriage, mommyhood, my business and personal self to be so unhappy? Anxiety, depression and anger filled my life. Although I’ve never really blamed others for my unhappiness (because that’s just not real and who I am as a person), that fact that I knew it was all on me - was a hard pill to swallow.
Most people describe me as a fiery, passionate, goofy Italian who LOVES desserts and coffee. I am a bonus mommy (since age 17) and I have 3 beautiful children in all. My soul is filled with emotions and empathy. You cry, I cry, we all cry together! Yay! This crazy brain I have is wired with ADHD, a “go-go-go” mindset and a drive to help others. My entrepreneur mindset makes me fulfill my purpose in life.
““When you are in a place where you consciously say, ‘I am done fighting for anything that is stopping my growth’ - that’s when you know you’ve arrived.” -”
5 Things to Start Doing NOW
1. Don’t forget that YOU set the tone of your day. Wake up with positive thoughts. If you wake up and immediately think, “Man, today is going to suck.” Guess what? It’s going to SUCK. Wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and say, “I’m going to kick today’s ass.” Also, practice gratitude - say 3 things you are grateful for first thing in the morning. Getting yourself ready, whatever speaks to your heart, makes a huge difference. For me, that cup of liquid heaven (coffee), some pep talks and putting my face together makes my day that much better. I feel unstoppable and ready to take on any obstacle coming my way.
2. Put yourself first. I’ve given myself selflessly to many who over time have taken advantage of my big heart. Sadly, this cycle started since I was a little girl all the way up until I realized my worth in 2019. I’ve dropped everything in my life to give. Don’t get me wrong, giving is such a beautiful thing. But do not lose yourself in the process. You can say “no”, without an explanation. You can decide to cancel plans to stay home and do nothing. Give it a try, I promise you, it will be the best thing you will ever do for yourself. It will take time for you to stop feeling guilty (mine is still there, once in a while).
3. Remove toxic people in your life. This is most definitely the MOST important piece. I’ve surrounded myself with pretty toxic people my whole life. As a child, it’s hard to have control of that. As we grow, we start to see what is best for us and feel the positive and negative energies around us. YOU are in control. YOU hold the power to reduce your stress and that negativity in your life! You may hurt, you may feel guilty - but at the end of the day, your happiness is what matters. Never let a toxic person bring that down.
4. NEVER settle This hurts for many and is an eye opener. This goes for relationships, careers, goals and boundaries. There was a long time in my life where I’ve cried and fought to become a better person and try and heal s omeone else - when they didn’t want to. I’ve stayed in unhealthy situations because I was trying to protect them. My own soul was deteriorating. Please, do this for yourself. You deserve this. Don’t ignore red flags, don’t ignore your intuition, STOP. PRAYING. THEY. WILL. CHANGE! You cannot fix it, you can’t heal them and you cannot be the punching bag. Many are settling because they are comfortable, because they think they are stuck and ‘happy’ with their current situation. You deserve more.
5. DO not limit your ability. Us as humans, need that feeling of being successful, our souls crave that “Hey! I did this!”. Every person has the potential of greatness. Once you set limits or boundaries, that is when you are putting a barrier on reaching your highest level of achievements. Every night before bed, set goals. Even the smallest of goals. Start kicking ass and taking names, because you're unstoppable, mama!
I am proud of the woman I’m becoming. What makes me most emotional is seeing my genuine smile in photos. I realize that this is what happiness is. Feeling liberated. I am proud for busting my ass and realizing that this happy life that I have, is all in my hands. I sincerely pray that you are working on yours too....you deserve it and more.
Love always, -Judith Campos
Photography by Shanna Zalud with Image 1:27 Photography