Living Well with Bri

Happy Monday!

I recently listened to the latest episode of The Skinny Confidential featuring Mel Robbins (Episode 793), and I can’t recommend it enough! It’s packed with insightful takeaways that really got me thinking about how we navigate life’s ups and downs.

One of the most powerful lessons I took away from the episode is a reminder we often overlook: while we can’t control everything that happens around us or the behavior of those around us, we do have control over one crucial aspect—ourselves. We have the power to choose how we act and how we respond to life’s challenges, whether big or small.

This realization is so freeing because it shifts the focus away from what we can’t change and onto what we can. It’s a perspective that not only builds resilience but also empowers us to live more intentionally.

Things We Can Control

1. Our Attitude

   • Choosing a positive or resilient mindset can shape how we perceive and respond to challenges.

   • A positive attitude contributes to better mental health by reducing stress and improving coping mechanisms.

   • Mel describes our emotions as waves. For most of us when we feel this wave coming on we act on it and get angry or upset. However, she advises us to breathe through the wave and realize you can’t change people (what they do, say, or feel)

2. Our Effort

   • The amount of energy we invest in our goals and relationships is within our control.

   • Consistent effort fosters a sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and growth.

3. Our Reactions

   • While we can't control others, we can control how we respond to them.

   • Practicing mindfulness helps us react calmly, reducing unnecessary conflicts and anxiety.

4. How We Treat Ourselves and Others

   • Prioritizing kindness and self-care enhances self-esteem and strengthens relationships.

   • It creates a cycle of positivity that impacts our mental well-being.

5. Our Habits and Lifestyle Choices

   • Choosing healthy routines like exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep supports overall wellness.

   • Healthy habits are proven to reduce the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

6. Seeking Help

   • Deciding to seek professional or community support when needed is a powerful step.

   • It leads to personal growth and healing, which directly impacts well-being.

Things We Can’t Control

1. Other People’s Actions and Opinions

   • We can’t force others to act or think a certain way, which can be frustrating.

   • Accepting this reduces stress and frees mental energy for self-growth.

2. The Past

   • No matter how much we wish to change it, the past is unchangeable.

   • Letting go and learning from past experiences can improve resilience and emotional health.

3. Unpredictable Events

   • Life is full of surprises—both good and bad.

   • Learning to adapt instead of resisting change fosters emotional flexibility and peace.

4. The Future

   • While planning helps, we can’t control every detail of what’s to come.

   • Focusing on the present reduces overthinking and helps maintain clarity.

With love and gratitude,

Bri