Are you living the best possible life you can? Yes, no, maybe? Here is a reminder, you have one life to live just one, and the painful truth is we have no idea how long we have to live it. For a long time, I’ve waited for a particular time to enjoy life. I was seemingly always miserable and irritable with my loved ones and truth be told a little green-eyed as well. I compared myself with women and people I’ve never met; I felt small in crowds and deep down inside I longed for a change.

After moping around and invested time in self-loathing, I discovered Bronze Goddess’ video 'The Secret to Being Happier', which helped me to realise that I am the only person responsible for my happiness. Because, admittedly, I was withholding happiness from myself.

Literally, two days after I started doing things differently. I immediately began to see small changes in my life and others saw them too. My retrospection helped me to make the decision to make the rest of my life the best of my life. I know the situations we face in life sometimes make us want to throw in the towel, but remember that things won't always happen the way we want them to. But these situations can turn into lifelong learning lessons, we never lose, we either win or we learn.

Here I share, six things I practice to living a better life, and they are simpler than you think and I hope they can help you to live a life better than you deserve as well.

1. Eat well

Eat your best and the finest. Having a healthy diet makes the body feel good. Whether you’re vegetarian, pescatarian or a vegan make sure you’re eating a balanced diet. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts and drink loads of water daily. Trust me, your body will thank you for it. Taking care of the inside of our body is important. What I have found that works for me is limiting the amount of sugary and salty food; and preparing my own meals helps me to get creative with the foods I like while taking into consideration the foods that make feel better. For me, it's about eating what makes me feel my best.

2. Work Out

Now that you have started to take care of the inside, let’s take care of the outside. Everyone is obsessed with a slimmer waist and a well-toned body, even me. But it is also essential to be fit. And including workout sessions as part of our daily schedule is highly recommended.  I am no, fitness guru, but I have found that investing at least 15- 30 minutes at three times for the week, gives my body the extra spruce. Finding the time to workout is worth it. So choose when you want to workout, whether early mornings or late evenings and create a system that works for you!

3. Pamper yourself

Take the time for yourself. Take a few minutes out of the day; indulge in a digital detox and do something that relaxes you. The July issue of O Magazine shared some useful tips on 'relaxation for the busy woman' - which I guarantee you will love! But aside from that, find time to indulge in your own company - “me time” every week works wonders! Do it as often as you can and thank me later. 

4. Dress Well

Dressing well always gives me this newly found confidence. Sure we all have different body types, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be confident in your body.

Women like Nadia and Gabi Freshalways inspire to step out and look and feel my best. Wear clothes that complements your body and play around with different styles that bring out the best version of yourself.

5. Surround yourself with positive people

This possibly one of the most important points I have to make ... surround yourself with positive people. Why do you keep company with people you have to tip-toe or walk on egg shells around? When you invite people in your lives, invite those who will make you want to be better not bitter. Anyone who is not making you feel good about yourself or helping you to reach your full potential, kindly point them to the exit door in your life. You don’t owe them any explanations; you don’t need naysayers or egotistical persons in your space.

Sometimes the season has ended with some friendships and we constantly try to hold on to them. You still love them but they are not in the next season of your journey, and you have to learn to okay with that. Surround yourself with people who care for you more than you care for yourself. How will you find them; you probably have them already or they will find you.

6. Be kind to yourself and others! 

Investing in the creation of meaningful relationships, but also give the best version of yourself to your relationships. Don't be one-sided, always expecting but not giving. And don’t give because you want to be talked about, instead give because it is one of the most rewarding feelings you’ll ever feel. Find time to lend a listening ear, volunteering or smiling with a stranger. You would be surprised how these tiny things make a huge difference in someone's life. And while you give of the best version of yourself to others, give to yourself too. Invest in speaking well about yourself and welcome greatness in your life with positive and uplifting words.

You deserve everything that you're willing to work for and with that said you deserve the best life possible. Stop putting yourself last for once and you'll see the tremendous difference in your appearance physically and mentally. Stop existing and start living.

- Ravenne Reid