Barbara Schmidt's Blog, page 9

6 Things to Remember When Hurting

My dear friends,

I share this week’s blog with the intention and deep knowing that for so many of us, life has been incredibly challenging over these past few years. Whether you are hurting from the events of the world, or having personal struggles, it is hard sometimes to see the light when the darkness can feel so dense.

So often we strive to completely eradicate the daily struggles of life, but, the more that I live life, the more I realize that difficulty is simply part of being human. It’s the other side of the coin. We have highs and lows and good times and bad times, and as soon as we can settle into this truth, the sooner we can release the desire to change it.

Difficult times and painful moments have a tendency of tricking us into believing that they will last forever. That we will always feel this way, and that there is no light on the other side. This week I want to offer some simple reminders for you if you feel that way. We all have been there, and we all need these gentle nudges to help us move through it.

These six reminders always bring me back to my peace, my confidence, in this truth that no feeling is final, and that this, too, shall pass. I hope they are helpful for you if you are in need of some extra love

1. Life is constantly changing. What you are experiencing now will not be forever. Feel whatever feelings are coming up for you, but don’t dwell in negativity.

2. All periods in life have purpose, and without the valleys, we would not appreciate the peaks. Contrast in life gives life meaning.

3. You can take back your power by remembering that your thoughts are constantly creating your reality. What do you choose to create?

4. No matter what, there is always a takeaway from every situation. Everything that life brings us is an opportunity to learn and grow.

5. Be gentle with yourself. You are doing the best you can in this very moment. Judging and being hard on yourself won’t make the pain go away any faster; it actually prolongs the suffering.

6. You are never alone. Don’t be afraid to speak up when things feel too hard. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak.

I would love to hear what you all rely on when times are tough. Let’s keep the inspiration going in the comments below!

xoxo, Michelle

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Give Yourself Permission

Dear friends,

As children, we are taught to always ask permission. You want to go somewhere? Ask permission. You want to eat something? Ask permission. You want to do something? Ask permission. You want to see a friend? Ask permission.

Permission was always asked before doing anything, at least if you wanted to be an obedient child. I was a follow-the-rules kind of girl, so this was very much me. However, I know there are rule breakers out there, and we can chat about this dynamic in another blog.

While I obviously understand the immense importance of children seeking approval in doing things at a young age, it seems to me that the habit of looking for approval seeps into adulthood in ways that I only recently uncovered.

A couple weeks ago, I was thinking about a creative project I have been brewing for quite sometime. I tend to be perfectionistic when it comes to my work and so, I was majorly stalling on getting the job done. I felt frustrated by my own limitations but also confused as to what exactly was keeping me in this unproductive holding pattern.

I searched my soul for answers, and I realized that underneath all the logistical, mechanical nonsense that my brain was throwing at me, relating to why my desires couldn’t be attained, I was afraid. I was afraid of being wrong, of not being good enough to do what I wanted to do, of failing, of judgment, and of being the subject of the harshest critic, myself.

I was talking to a mentor of mine, who provided me with a life changing prompt: could I find it within me, to give myself permission to do the work that I needed to do. She asked me to recognize that I am already worthy of my desires, and that I do not have to be perfect. I can be afraid, and do it anyway. She asked me if I could give myself permission to fully be myself, and not worry so much about what will happen in doing so.

A light went on in my mind, and I immediately began to take inventory of all the places in my life where I refuse to give myself permission. It also forced me into a serious reflection on why exactly I feel so hesitant to allow myself to just be exactly me, as I am.

What I know to be true is that it’s time for us all to unlearn the conditioned behavior of needing permission or approval from external sources, and to cultivate the courage and belief that we, alone can provide that proverbial nod to do what we know in our soul needs to be done. Can we take a look at our own lives and see where we, for so long, have said no to ourselves, and be brave enough to finally say, yes?

Starting now, I intend to give myself permission to:

…make decisions without seeking external input

…speak freely and truthfully

…not hold back aspects of who I am, for fear of not conforming

…let go of the desire to always be in control

…release the need to constantly change myself

…rest

…be alone

…disagree

…fail

…be exactly who I am in each and every moment.

Truthfully, I find great comfort in making (and publicly announcing) this list of where I intend to step up. It’s freeing to know that we don’t have to wait to live the life we desire, and that it all stems from inside ourselves.

Granting yourself permission, in whichever way you feel called to (and I’d love to know where you intend to do this in your lives) is really a daily practice of noticing, allowing, and being courageous in taking the appropriate action. It’s a relief for me to know that I no longer need to ask others for what I already know I approve of within myself. I hope you’ll give yourself permission to do it, too.

I can’t wait to hear how you’ll take this into practice!

xo, Michelle

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My #1 Red Flag in Relationships

Hi my friends,

In last week’s post, I shared that I recently had some time on vacation to reflect on life and the lessons that have come my way over the past few years. Last week, I talked about the top lesson I’ve learned from relationships, and this week, I want to share what I consider to be my biggest red flag in relationships.

The term “red flag” has been extra buzzy lately. Relationships are a huge part of our lives and greatly impact our emotional state and well-being, so makes sense that we’d want to be on alert to look out for any signs or symptoms of a relationship that’s not aligned with who we are and what we want, as early as possible.

I think that everyone has their own beliefs and opinions on what could be considered a red flag in a relationship, but again, after some recent reflection time, I’ve nailed down my personal #1. For me, this is the make or break in any kind of relationship, and when it’s lacking, it changes everything.

My #1 relationship red flag is: poor communication.

What I’ve discovered about myself and my relationships is that I can likely handle *most* things that come my way. Life is hard, we all know that , and there will always be curve balls and mishaps along the way. The thing that makes life’s difficulties even more challenging and hurtful is poor communication, or even lack of communication all together.

Clear and honest communication is the bedrock of relationships. I am always striving to cultivate relationships where I can speak openly and freely about my desires, needs, and wants, while hoping that the other people in my life feels free to do the same. I find so much relief, peace, power, and clarity when communication is clear.  So, when there is a breakdown or lack of communication, it all starts to fall apart.

When communication isn’t open and clear, it leaves room for ruminating, story telling, anxiety, unnecessary stress, and resentment. And in this stage of my life, I wish to cultivate relationships that hold as little of all of that as possible!

So these days, I look for ease of communication as a sign of a healthy, meaningful relationship. Can the people in my life talk to me? Can I vulnerably talk to them? If yes, I find so much joy and fulfillment, and I feel a deep connection.

I would love to know if this resonates with you, and I’d also love to hear what some of your red flags in relationships are! Let me know in the comments below!

xo, Michelle

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The #1 Lesson I Learned in Relationships

Hi dear friends,

After over two years of pandemic living, I finally decided to take some real time “away” and unplug. As we all are aware, life has felt uncertain and upside down during these times, and for me, the idea of a real vacation seemed like something so out of reach for so long.

I’m always grateful for any real time away because I feel like a change of scenery and a change of pace resets and recharges me like nothing else. What I also love is the added time of reflection; so much comes to the surface when we allow ourselves the time to be still.

While on vacation I had so many insights and personal revelations, but what I wanted to share with you all today was one that touched me deeply in regards to relationships, and also in light of all of the difficulty that we are experiencing in the world around us. In a time that feels more divided than ever, it feels like second nature to want to fix or change or convince people to be a certain way, to act in alignment with who we are, or to strategize how to transform them.

In my life, I’ve had so many experiences in relationships where I entered a relationship with the “idealized” version of that person, bypassing who they really were in that moment. I always felt convinced that I could influence or change a person to match up to that idealized state, somehow, someway.

What I’ve realized after all this time is that it’s really not up to us, it’s not our jobs to try to change people. We can either simply meet and accept people where they are and who they are in this moment, or we can separate and move on, but the idea that we can treat each other like personal pet projects feels toxic and a waste of our own energy.

There’s not a lot that I know for certain to be true, but I do know that we are all here in this life with a unique set of circumstances, challenges, and worldview. We all have unique paths and unique timelines that will allow for us to learn and grow differently. Spending our precious energy and oftentimes, heartache, trying to push someone to learn, adapt, and grow to how we think they “should” be, most commonly when they haven’t consented or really aren’t ready, never really seems to produce the outcomes that we desire, and often creates tension, resentment and anger.

What would our lives and relationships look like if we stopped trying to change each other? If we cultivated a sense of acceptance when asked and were brave enough to initiate separation and boundaries when required?

I say all of this, of course, that we not be tolerant of bad behavior or abuse, but in hopes of letting us off the hook to people, places, and circumstances that really aren’t for us.

There’s a huge world out there, and I believe that there’s a space and a place for us all. If we can connect with ourselves and our true values, wants, morals, and desires, communicate clearly, and release what isn’t aligned, I believe we can find so much power, joy, and peace.

We are all deserving and worthy of love and acceptance, and I know it is always available to us.

xo, Michelle

 

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6 Simple Tools I Use to Manage Frustration

Dear friends,

I don’t know if this resonates with all of you (I mean, I hope it does), but these past few months have felt intense. Can you relate? I’m not sure if there’s something happening in the cosmos, on this planet, or just in my small life sphere, but boy have I felt tested in so many areas as of late.

When cultivating self-care and mindfulness practices, the thing that we must remember is that we don’t do them so that we can have a perfect, fricton-free life, but we practice them so that we can manage the friction, frustration, and discomfort that ultimately will come at some point during our lives.

Though I will admit that there have been times that I haven’t managed my emotions and my frustrations as gracefully as I would hope, I will always strive to cultivate the awareness within myself to notice when I’ve slid off track and bring myself back again.

I strongly, heavily rely on a few simple tools to calm my nerves, release my stress, and bring me back to a sense of peace.

If you’re anything like me and you’ve found yourself in a season of frustration, or you know that such is life, and these moments will come, I hope you’ll find benefit from the tools below, we all deserve some peace when life deals us a crummy hand.

Mix it Up: I find that when I’m feeling frustrated, it’s generally a signal that there’s some stagnation in my life. The best way to bust through stagnant energy is to take a new action. Try something new. Change your scenery. Move your body. Do whatever you can do to move yourself from the current state of agitation into a place of peace. Lately, for me, this has been running, which is shocking to me because I have never, ever, been a runner. It’s been working wonders for me, and I’ll write more about that another time!

Take Five: Usually frustration stems from being, and feeling too busy, when this is the case, I always find relief by taking a break and sitting in silence. Meditation truly is a cure-all, in my opinion, but especially in circumstances such as these. When you start to feel that frustrating feeling, excuse yourself, wherever you are, (you can even step into the bathroom, and take a moment to just be with yourself, and remember that you have the power to create peace in any situation.

Stay Focused: Another culprit of frustration is feeling scattered and having scattered energy. Whenever I slip into multitasking, I truly feel completely out of sorts. I make mistakes, I run late, I’m forgetful, and that leads to all these agitating feelings. When I remember to do one thing at a time, and be present to whatever is in front of me, I remember my power and I find my calm.

Say No: People pleasing is a big source of frustration for me. When I spread myself too thin, and say yes to things that I really wish I said no to, I get super irritable. The beauty of this is that it truly is okay to say no to situations and circumstances that don’t feel aligned with your well-being and your highest good. You can say no to the party or the dinner or the social gathering, if it means that you say yes to yourself and your sense of peace.

Get Clear: Lately, a massive source of frustration has been a feeling of confusion. When I don’t have a sense of clarity, I feel completely upside down. I crave clarity, and so, when I find myself feeling frustrated I’ll ask myself the important questions to see where I can understand answers, desires, and clarity that will bring me back in alignment.

Breathe: When all else fails, remember to breathe. If you don’t have the time, effort, or awareness to take part in the tips above, remember that taking a nice deep breath, anywhere, at anytime, can help relieve a tense situation. A deep breath can shift your energy, release your stress, give you pause and help you to find that space where you can take the next right action. When in doubt, breathe it out.

Wow, I feel better already! How about you? What are some of your go-to’s when managing frustration and irritability?

xo, Michelle

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How I Get Myself Out of Ruts

Dear friends,

There’s something to be said, and benefits to be listed, about having a really solid routine in life. I know I tend to function and operate at my best capacity when I have good, healthy habits in place, and my routine feels solid and fulfilling. I could write about habits, routines, and their benefits, but that’s going to be for another day. Today we’re going to talk about what happens when we get too comfortable in those habits and routines—when we fall into ruts.

Even with good intentions and healthy habits, it is natural for us to fall into a stagnant place where we feel like we aren’t growing, moving, and changing. There are two really frustrating aspects, in my opinion, about being stuck in ruts. First, when it takes me too long to realize that I’m actually in one. And second, when I don’t take the necessary actions to get out of it.

The thing about ruts is that, over time, they feel defeating, deflating, and overwhelming. And if we let them go on for too long, we start to believe that those feelings are our new reality, forever. This is when getting stuck in a rut starts to morph into serious mental health dilemmas, prompting anxiety and even depression.

While every rut I’ve ever been in has felt different and has been caused by different circumstances, there has always been an affirmation that I use to get myself out of it. As Tony Robbins says, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.”

This phrase always, always helps me to see the light, and remember that I have the power to make new choices, try new things, and see things from a new perspective. And it always works.

Most recently, I started a running practice. I have never, ever (ever!) considered myself a runner. In fact, running has always been hard and torturous to me. Somewhere in my mind, I wrote the story that running is impossible for me. I have always believed that something like running a marathon would never be in the realm of my possibility. I believed this story, and I believed that I was incapable, even though I had never tried to run.

So a few months ago I told you all that I heard a little voice inside urging me to try running. I was in the beginning stages of a rut. I wasn’t feeling great mentally, physically, or spiritually. I got the nudge to throw on some sneakers, go outside, and run. For just 20 minutes. Without over thinking or coming up with reasons why not, I just did it. And I felt so accomplished. As well as, motivated, inspired, encouraged, and uplifted.

I decided to make running (even if it was a short amount of time, with no true goal in mind) a weekly practice. It got me out of my rut. It gave me a new physical experience in my body. It showed me new parts of my neighborhood. It connected me with other runners on the street. It was meditative. It made me present to my mind and my body, and how my body reacts to a new cardiovascular activity. It sparked creativity within me. It gave me a new sense of hope. It made me feel like new possibilities were available to me. Because if running felt impossible, and I was actually doing it, what else could I do?

Now, I’m not saying all of this to encourage you all to start running, but rather, ask yourselves, what is something you can do, that’s new, that will light you up, and break your own mold? Is there something you’ve always wanted to study? Or practice? Or experience? Is there a new route to work that you can take that’s a more scenic one? Can you check out a different coffee shop when getting your morning coffee and meet a new barista? Can you strike up a conversation with a stranger in line, rather than holding a grudge for the long wait?

What can you do to break your cycle and experience something new? What is something different that you will do, so that you can receive something exciting?

I can’t wait to hear, please let me know!

xo, Michelle

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10 Tips for Effective Communication

Dear friends,

I want to talk about communication today, and why I think many, many of our problems could be mitigated or lessened if we mastered it in an aligned way.

The other day I was catching up with a friend, who was telling a story about how she felt a bit frantic about the uncertainty of our lives. She specifically was upset about the lack of communication in her work, as far as scheduling, working from home, and the fear of staying employed. We chatted about it all and I completely resonated and empathized with everything she was saying, and I know so many of us are going through very similar emotions. The one thing that stuck out to me in a major way, was just how big the communication piece was for her in this very difficult time. Her employer was not communicating with her at all, which caused her to write her own stories, and stew in her own anxiety, with no answers or clarity.

As we know life can feel difficult and confusing, but with the intention to communicate clearly, regularly, and with aligned intention, we can start to feel a deeper sense of power, purpose, and certainty.

From my own personal life experience, I notice a world of difference within myself when I practice mindful communicating skills. So often our issues stem from small miscommunications that grow to be major life problems, and I think it’s empowering to know that we can set the intention to communicate better, clearer and in a kind way, we can start to feel more at peace and in control of the lives we lead.

I’ve pieced together 10 helpful tips to remember when seeking to be a better communicator. I rely on these on a regular basis, and I hope they can come in handy for you, too!

Know who you are and what you want:  If you’re unclear from the inside out, the outside probably won’t ever feel truly aligned! When faced with any sort of interaction, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of who you are, and what your true desires are. Clarity is a key component of communication.Say what you mean, and don’t play games:  Too often we are afraid to say what we actually mean, for fear of negative retribution, but when we aren’t 100% clear with our words, things go haywire anyways. It’s always best to say what you mean, and avoid word gimmicks that try to manipulate a person or a situation.Be intentional with your words:  How many times have you said something without thinking and immediately regretted it. Our words our powerful, and it’s really easy for things come out of our mouths without fully thinking of what they mean and what they represent. Try to be aware and mindful of what you’re saying, the words you’re using, and the intention behind them. You’ll feel must more in control of your conversations when you know fully that you always mean what you say.Be present in every interaction: So much miscommunication comes from not being present to our own interactions. There have been countless times that I’ve gotten myself into a hairy situation or argument because I wasn’t fully paying attention to an important conversation, and missed a needed detail. Being present not only saves you time, it lets the other person or group of people know that you care and that you value the time spent in dialogue. Your relationships with colleagues and loved ones will begin to flourish when you provide your presence.Take responsibility: Being responsible for proper communication has been a big one for me personally. There have been many times when I have sensed that a person I’m in conversation with, and I,  are not actually on the same page, and we begin talking without addressing the confusion, hoping it might simply, magically, sort itself out. Waiting for someone else to clarify a situation is pretty frustrating and time consuming. If you sense that thoughts and words aren’t clear, take it upon yourself to reach out, speak up, in whatever form of communication needed, to clear the air, and set up a solid foundation for that communication and relationship to flourish.Ask questions:  There’s a meme on social media of a person who, in conversation, asks “what?” so many times before finally giving up and not ever getting the answer to the question. I tend to be that person, but the truth is, asking questions brings clarity. If there are pieces of your conversational puzzle that don’t make sense, it’s on you to ask for more detail and clarity! You are not wrong, and you are not an inconvenience when you ask for more information in any circumstance.It’s okay to be vulnerable: We are all human beings, with thoughts, feelings, emotions, and sensitivities. Think about this when communicating with someone else. When we enter a situation with armor and an ironclad wall around us, we get that type of communication in return. Breaking down barriers, by being vulnerable is a wonderful way to connect with someone, and often times, will bring about a deeper, more meaningful relationship.Tell the truth: It has become increasingly more clear to me how much I really dislike lying: any version of it. So when I sense someone isn’t telling the full truth, or is pitching a half-truth, or is straight up telling no version of the truth, I shut down. I can’t take it. Telling the truth, even when it’s hard, is a sign of respect. The truth might not always be an easy pill to swallow, but I guarantee it is always worthwhile.Know that sometimes it’s time to be silent and listen: In many cases, interactions require silence, where we can step back, contemplate, marinate, and then speak again. There have been so many times in my life where I wish I had taken moments of silence to collect myself, rather than spewing out the first words that came to mind. Sometimes the quiet moments can feel unnerving and uncomfortable, in practice, we can start to value those in-between moments, knowing that in that stillness we can find the answers and the space in order to feel clarity in speaking again.Take space: In any circumstance, it is always okay to take space from a situation to collect yourself, get clear on what you want to say, and come back in a calm and composed way. I find that whenever I allow myself the space to sit, breathe, and understand, the outcomes of the situation always feel more resolved and aligned.

I hope these powerful reminders help you in life and in your communications! Remember, we are all approaching situations with our own unique circumstances and life experiences, so we will never fully see a situation with the same set of eyes, but I believe if we start to incorporate some of these tactics into our every day lives, we will see the benefits of understanding, patience, and kindness.

xo, Michelle

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The Life Changing Practice of Surrender

My dear friends,

This week I want to share some thoughts I have with you about the practice of surrender. As much as we may wish otherwise, life is completely unpredictable and uncontrollable, and I know this year has proven this to be completely true. As the days and weeks and months continue to pass, and as we continue to live in incredible uncertainty, it’s important to remember that even though this year feels extraordinarily out of control, there might be a ounce of comfort in knowing that there was never any control anyway.

So this brings me to the concept of surrender. In my life personally, this year has brought up a handful of challenging situations that made me want to control every single aspect, hoping to influence the outcome. It made me anxious with worry, and my mind continued to spin contemplating what actions I could take to get what I wanted. As we all know, plotting and spinning and manipulating a situation rarely brings us what we desire, and subsequently makes us feel even worse in the process. Every single time I tried my hardest to control a circumstance, I was presented with a roadblock, a dead end, a state of non-resolution.

All of these moments for me personally, reminded me of the importance, and the grace that comes from active, conscious surrender. The practice of surrender means releasing the need to control, taking whatever aligned actions are called for in the moment, and allowing situations to unfold in the timing and in the manner needed. I call it a practice, because in order to do this, with grace, it requires such. It’s not easy for us to let go of the reigns, to trust, to allow, and to breathe through the uncomfortable moments of uncertainty. But when we do, when we allow and trust and hold onto a steady stream of faith, we create the space for the most miracles and unfathomable outcomes. In doing so, we give our hearts and our minds a much needed break, and we allow the energy of the external forces that be, to do the work for us.

When I finally released the need to control the situations in my life, the situations began to unfold in the very best way. Outcomes that I couldn’t have even imagined were presented to me, and I didn’t have to manipulate or force to achieve it. And sometimes, life just takes time and space to unfold fully, and who are we to rush the timing of life?

I hope this serves as a gentle reminder that you don’t have to do it all, figure it all out, and make things happen, life will meet you half way. Release your tight grip of control and open your mind and heart to the possibilities and outcomes that can arise when we create the necessary space for it.

So I ask you, where in your life can you start to practice surrender?

xo, Michelle

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5 Affirmations for Summertime Self-Love

My dear friends,

With the rising temperatures and changing schedules, the summer season is upon us. I always loved summertime as a kid, it felt so lighthearted, careless, and free.

Even though life doesn’t always allow us that same sense of childlike joy, it is possible to conscientiously cultivate a mindset to better set ourselves up for difficulty from the inside out.

It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges of life; thoughts seem to multiply especially if they are of worry, anxiety, and unease. One of my favorite ways to remember to see the good in life is by incorporating positive affirmations into my day. We think thousands of thoughts every single day, ask yourself, how many of these thoughts are helpful, positive, or guiding you towards where you want to go.

Affirmations are just happier thoughts, and a way to cultivate more of what we want in our minds. We have no control over what thoughts come into the mind, but we have 100% control over which thoughts we will allow to occupy space. So we can use affirmations every day to help us to cultivate the life and mindset that we truly wish to have.

With that in mind, I want to share with you these affirmations for summertime that I’ll be happily using. Take a look at the list, feel free to rewrite them to make them your own, and try them out!

1. Fun is purposeful and meaningful in my life.

2. It’s okay for me to relinquish control and go with the flow.

3. I am present and at peace with what surrounds me.

4. I am excited for all of the creative possibilities to enter my life.

5. I welcome ease and peace into my life.

xo, Michelle

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5 Green Flags in Relationships

My dear friends,

So often we talk about red flags, things to look out for, signs that someone might not be who they say they are, and intuitive hits that things might not be all that they seem. Content about red flags has been popular lately, and rightfully so. It’s important to be mindful, aware, and in tune with where you are, who you’re with, and what the intentions might be. This week, however, I wanted to switch gears and shed some light on green flags, the good signs, the positive omens, and the things to look for that make you breathe a sigh of relief and let you know that in this moment, things are okay.

We’ve all been through so much over the course of these two years of a pandemic and global turmoil, many of us are suffering and feel like we are at the end of our ropes. It can be hard to be open, receptive, and vulnerable to new people because quite honestly, it’s a little scary out there.

The thing to remember is that beneath the surface of all the chaos and uncertainty that happens around us in the world, I do believe that the right people will come in to our lives at the right time, and it is our willingness and ability to be clear, connected, and centered within ourselves that we can cultivate and maintain these relationships.

I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my personal relationships, but in my lifetime of experience, when these five factors are in play I feel much more calm, centered, and at peace.

 

1. Clear communication. Open and clear communication absolutely put me more at ease. (It’s actually why it’s first!) Relationships should not feel like games, clear communication dissolves that tit for tat mentality and creates a level field for all involved.

2. Honesty and vulnerability. I really value when someone can speak from their heart in a kind and compassionate way. There’s nothing more frustrating than playing guessing games with someone and not really knowing where you stand. The right people will be truthful and open and won’t leave you questioning yourself.

3. Integrity. It’s really common to meet people who say all the things they think you want them to say, but if their actions don’t align with their words, it can leave us feeling duped and disappointed. Seek out the people who say what they mean and mean what they say.

4. Displays healthy boundaries. We all are unique in our wants, needs, and desires. It’s important for all of us to care for ourselves in an aligned and kind way. Brene Brown recently noted in a study that the most compassionate people she has met are the ones with the strongest boundaries. The people who know when to say yes and when to say no are the ones to keep around.

5. Isn’t afraid to admit mistakes. Part of the human experience is making mistakes, the power of a misstep is owning it, learning from it, and making amends when needed. Strong character comes from the ability to know when to apologize.

What are some green flags you’ve experienced in relationships? I’d love to hear in the comments!

xo, Michelle

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