These are some of my “life rules” that I noticed I follow more regularly. I was thinking about this post and how sometimes I feel like I make decisions based on a whim, in reality I’ve already established a set of rules that I follow to get me through life. I’m not saying they are perfect or I follow them exactly, but rather these rules are more of a guide.
1. Make plans 24 hours in advance, but be open to spontaneity.
I love to say yes to things. I also like to have “me” time. If the timing is right, I’ll go to an event with less than 24 hours notice, sometimes making plans on the same day(!), but by making this rule I find I’m able to balance the introverted “recharge” with the more social parts of my life.
2. Don’t hang out with people who make you feel less than.
This is intentional vague and is intended to be a catch-all for people in your life who don’t bring joy (spark joy?). There are certain people who demand a lot of time and energy, but don’t reciprocate their interest in you. Sometimes this can be in the form of a toxic relationship where everything is about the other person, and other times it can be about that one time I met a guy on OKCupid who was too clingy so I ghosted him. If the relationship is not mutually beneficial then it’s okay to move on from that.
3. Read all the books!
It was only just within the past couple years that I started reading books outside my favorite genres and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the results. I actually want to read both fantasy and political books. There’s room in my brain for both!
4. Never buy items full price.
I’ve never met someone who does this, but it demands to be said: never buy anything full price. There’s always a discount! Ask the sales associate, look on the website, get the Honey Chrome Extension, ask a friend for a referral code, or even just wait 2 weeks to get a better deal. Save your freaking money, nothing can be gained from full price. I was in Old Navy at the start of the fall season last year and I saw this adorable velvet top, but it was still full price, I put it right back on the rack even though the temptation was so strong to buy it. It wasn’t worth it, and I ended up not going back to get the sale item anyway, so I saved money by resisting temptation!
5. Every time you start to feel overwhelmed, ask for help.
This is a new rule for me. I like to think that I am an independent person and I am capable of figuring things out on my own, however, I’ve started to notice certain patterns where I get into an anxious mindset and start to feel overwhelmed and my mind just starts to focus on this one thing that is making me anxious (this has been happening frequently in crowded places). It’s been a process to identify what makes me feel this way and telling the people around me that I’m overwhelmed so we can get out of the situation. Beyond this anxiety thing, I think that this can also apply to other aspects of life, like when my workload is too heavy or there are personal issues taking over your time. It’s always okay to ask for help.
Feel free to share any of your life rules in the comments! ♥
Heather Allen 
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