Sarala Life — Life in Chapters: Careers, Canines, Cabernet & Courage

I will reduce clutter by giving myself grace and redefining my purpose to align with my values and what truly makes me happy. Rather than chasing society’s narrow definition of success, I will focus on:

• Self-belief: Trusting my instincts and recognizing my worth beyond external validation.
• A quality life: Prioritizing daily routines, relationships, and activities that nourish my body, mind, and spirit.
• A value system that speaks to my soul: Identifying core principles (e.g., honesty, kindness, curiosity, courage) and letting them guide decisions, big and small.
• Personal happiness and peace: Seeking joy in meaningful work, rest, connection, and nature, while letting go of what drains me.
• Releasing others’ experiences and expectations: Freeing myself from the burden of living up to other people’s agendas; choosing what resonates with me instead.
• Embracing anger as a healthy tool: Acknowledging anger as information and energy that can protect boundaries, fuel change, and signal misalignment—without letting it fester into bitterness.
• Stopping unnecessary apologies: Reserving apologies for genuine harm I’ve caused, and not for simply existing in ways that others find inconvenient or painful.

To implement this, I will:

• Clarify my values and write them down where I’ll see them daily.
• Audit my commitments, obligations, and relationships, removing or renegotiating what no longer serves me.
• Practice self-compassion: speak to myself with the same kindness I offer friends.
• Set boundaries clearly and follow through with consistency.
• Reframe anger as a cue for action (e.g., boundary-setting, assertive communication, healing).
• Forgive myself for past missteps, and let go of the need to explain every decision to everyone.

The result I seek is a life that feels genuine, liberating, and aligned with who I am at my core—less noise, more intention, and a sustainable sense of peace.