The two-second mindset shift that's rewiring my brain
Monday musings, vol. 19
Sometimes it’s hard to be vulnerable on here. Not because I don’t want to be—on the contrary, I often say my authenticity is my superpower. But because absolutely anyone can read what I’m putting out there, and I think there’s an extra level of confidence and audacity that you need to be vulnerable to such a wide audience. Sometimes I struggle with that.
There’s this quote I love and have heard many variations of. It’s something like, “To give any less than 100% is to sacrifice the gift.” If I believe my ability to have genuine, authentic conversations is my gift, than I owe it to myself—and to every person who takes the time to read my little corner of the internet—to be totally authentic.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and I thought it’d be nice if I talk about one of my favorite mindset shifts as of late. I’m not exaggerating when I say it has legitimately been causing me to stop, reassess, and reword the way I talk about myself and situations that worry me.
If you’re an overthinker as well, listen up:
When we get the urge to ask What if…, that’s when it’s time to pause, scrap the thought, and replace it with this two-second alternative: Even if…
Like most “life hacks,” this is deceptively simple. The heavy lifting is in actually implementing the mindset shift. Here’s what I mean:
“What if this housing repair costs more than we planned?” —> “Even if the repair ends up being pricey, we have an emergency fund. Thank goodness for that.”
“What if I lose my job?” —> “Even if I lose my job, I have a great network. I trust I can lean on my longstanding connections to be referred for another position within three months.”
“What if XYZ doesn’t work out?” —> “Even if XYZ doesn’t work out, I trust that something better is coming. Rejection is redirection.”
I could give a hundred examples of this mindset shift, ranging from deciding what’s for dinner to the big, heavy life stuff that we all grapple with in various seasons.
I’ve been struggling with a lot of what ifs in my own life, and when someone shared this with me last week, I found myself immediately implementing the “Even if…” approach instead. It’s been an immensely beneficial new skill, and so I wanted to share it here with y’all as well. :)
P.S. If this kind of content is up your alley, check out the original post I made about overthinking, plus a few other posts I’ve made about mindset, personal growth, and intentional living:
Last week was great on the work front. I got a ton of new words down in my manuscript. If you’re following along on Instagram on my journey of writing a new novel in real-time, more on that soon!
When I posted this picture on IG with an update about my writing journey, I got a bunch of DMs for info on my button-up. It’s technically a men’s shirt, but I love it and it’s on sale right now! Here’s the link if you’re interested.
Beyond that, it was a pretty cloudy week. We got some much-needed rain, but I also spent much less time outside because of it. (So so grateful for my walking pad when the weather is bad; I wouldn’t be able to get my steps in otherwise!)
EYEING //
If you haven’t finished Mother’s Day shopping yet—or need an excuse to treat yourself—Shopbop has some great options on major sale. You can get fast (and free!!) shipping as quickly as one-day shipping, so now is the time to place an order.
As a Farm Rio lover, I feel the need to tell you that this adorable makeup bag and this gorgeous blouse are both included in the aforementioned sale and priced under $100.
And these Farm Rio sandals are a bit more but so fun and would work as such a playful but neutral shoe in her (or your, if you’re shopping for yourself haha) closet! The only thing better than high-quality pieces are high-quality pieces that are on sale, am I right?
Someone needs to block Staud’s website from my computer. I added a couple of their new bags to my collection last month, but if I were in the market for a fun new handbag, this one would be in my cart. The color palette on this one is right up my alley as well. I don’t even eat hotdogs, but it’s such a good statement piece regardless! And honestly, that’s why I love whimsical fashion in the first place. These are the kind of pieces a stranger will stop you on the street and ask you where you got it from. (Ask me how I know, haha.) I love a good conversation starter!
I’ve heard amazing (emphasis very much needed) things about this depuffing wand. With cold and hot settings, this wand is clinically proven to decrease under-eye puffiness and increase skin elasticity—something most of us need help with as we age. It’s almost 25% off right now, so this is probably the time to buy.
And I just had to give these cutie little socks a moment. The pickleball girlies are going to love this!
BUYING //
If you’re like me and still get popups (pun absolutely intended) from the occasional pimple, let me let you in on a little secret. These pimple patches work so well and are currently on sale. It’s the perfect time to stock up. I know I am!
I’m a sucker for peplum and a sucker for gingham, so is it any surprise that I had to snag this Anthro top? Probably not.
TRYING //
As a lover of coffee shops, I have to come clean. To all the people who told me that nothing hits quite like an amazing iced coffee from home, you were right. (Although I’m still going to support my favorite local coffee shops, of course!) My husband has been making us coffee with his espresso machine and it’s such a nice treat, especially when we drink out of these fun cups!
I’ve talked about these barrel jeans before, but I have to give them another moment, because every single time I wear them I get so many compliments. They’re fun, flattering, and can be dressed up or down. Don’t miss out!
On the skincare front, I’m trying out this Vitamin C serum. It’s supposed to help with radiance and even your skin tone in the process. I’ll report back with my thoughts.
In the meantime, have a fabulous week!
Love this totally agree with the vulnerability 💫