“Take the time to celebrate the steps you have made, the milestones you have passed.”
~ Josh Hatcher

Happy Anniversary to The Authentic Lane!

It’s been one year since my first post on November 13, 2019. And what a year it’s been! Who could have predicted all that 2020 would bring?

I’m overwhelmed at all the love and support you’ve shown the blog in the form of comments, text messages, and emails. I’ve really enjoyed hearing your reactions to the various topics I’ve written about. You’ve told me my posts have touched you, made you think, and inspired you, which is all any writer could hope for! I’ve included some of your comments on a new Testimonials page here on the website.

Here are your Top 10 Favorite Blog Posts so far:

1. Look for the Helpers
As Mr. Rogers advised, in scary times we have to “look for the helpers.” We’ve been seeing the helpers in abundance this week, with neighbors helping neighbors all over the world.

2. It’s all About Emotional Honesty
It takes courage to live authentically, but once you start doing it, you’ll realize how much better you feel about yourself and others. Are you ready to learn how?

3. Why Curiosity is the Newest Relationship Tool
It takes intention and a lot of practice to be able to stay calm and be patient while we are trying to sleuth out what might be going on with someone. Developing a habit of curiosity can help.

4. You’re Stronger Than you Know
You can learn to increase your level of “psychological resilience,” or the ability to mentally and emotionally cope with a crisis, at any age. Now is a good time to start.

5. Where can you do Less?
Doing less for others when it’s appropriate means more time for you. It’s a gift you can give yourself that says, “I am important, too.”

6. Are you Worthy of Love?
The process of learning to love ourselves is nearly identical to the way we begin to care for a new love interest—one attentive, loving action at a time that, over the course of weeks or months, cements a relationship and builds trust. 

7. Remembering our Childlike Wonder
Each of us came into the world as a little babe who knew how to love unconditionally. We just have to learn it again. Thankfully, we can look to the children to show us the way.

8. There’s Room for our Quirks
Simply learning to be ourselves and allowing others to be themselves—that’s what leads to healthy, mature, and satisfying relationships and careers that we can be proud of. There are two things that get in the way, though. Read on to find out what they are.

9. From the Experts: 5 Ways to Cultivate Happiness
We can take steps to deliberately shift our mentality to be more in line with what the research shows helps people to realize their innate potential for joy.

10. How Boundaries Help us Navigate Relationships—Part 1
Boundaries are essentially invisible rules that govern our behavior as social beings. We may find it useful to take a look at ours periodically to determine whether they’re appropriate for us based on our current values.

It’s been a rewarding and exciting first year. My goal for Year Two is to continue to grow readership. Will you help me spread the word?

If you think your friends and relatives would enjoy reading The Authentic Lane, please consider sharing the link to my website on your socials, suggesting friends and relatives join our Facebook group, or forwarding our weekly emails.

I’m so grateful you decided to accompany me on this journey of exploration and discovery! I’m looking forward to next year, and the many ways in which we’ll continue to learn and grow together.

Affectionately,

Elaine