5 Ways to Live a Bold Life

bold life

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by the J.M. Smucker company. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rewind back to the year 2007 when I found myself in the middle of England’s countryside surrounded by a golf course and cow pastures. I was a year out of college and a year into my first job as a public relations professional. I was feeling lost, excited, nervous, and hopeful. I was missing my family but I couldn’t wait to start my first day on the new job.

When I graduated from college with a degree in journalism, the week after graduation I started working at a public relations agency that was focused on the automotive industry. I was quickly working my way up the ranks when I had a private meeting with the CEO of the company.

One of our main clients, who was based out of England, was looking for an interim communications manager while they worked on filling the spot. The CEO of my company ran my information by the client and I was selected for the role. I quickly agreed to the opportunity, packed my bags, and found myself across the pond in a matter of weeks.

The job was in the middle of England’s countryside and nowhere near anything that related a town or a city. Upon my arrival, I had a car waiting for me at the country club where I stayed. Having never driven on the other side of the road, I was a bit skeptical and let out a few screams as I ventured onto the roads.

My days led into weeks which led into months of navigating the countryside, tackling project after project at work, making friends, and taking adventures to London when I could.

Even though I have a passion for travel, this work experience overseas completely took me out of my comfort zone. In college, I studied photojournalism abroad in the England, Scotland, and the Czech Republic. I, along with a group of other Michigan State students, ventured overseas armed with camera equipment, hopes, and dreams. We returned home with friendships, unforgettable memories, and countless photographs.

Yes, that trip was out of my comfort zone but I was surrounded by other students who were going through the same experiences and adventures. My work trip, however, was just me, navigating the unknown waters of working overseas.

Looking back on the work trip, I realized that I endured emotions and experiences that helped shape who I am today. I was entered into a situation that helped me overcome nervousness and fear to be confident and bold. I learned five very important lessons when it comes to being bold that I still carry with me nine years later.

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5 Ways to Live a Bold Life

1.) Embrace Fears

Don’t shy away from your fears. I’m not saying that you have to be an adrenaline junky or put yourself in harm’s way. Take baby steps if necessary. It’s important to not let life’s fears run your life. By living a life full of fear, you’ll miss unforgettable adventures, experiences, and opportunities.

Are you afraid of making mistakes? Don’t be. We are all bound to make a few mistakes here and there. Learn from them instead of living in denial.

Try turning your fears into a source of inspiration.

2.) Learn Through Adversity

Adversities are a part of living, and we choose the way we react to each adversity in our lives. Tough, challenging times can teach us a lot about ourselves and others. Adversity can make us come face-to-face with learning how we deal with integrity, responsibility, drive, and fear. Adversity is an important part of life because it can teach us so many life skills and valuable lessons.

3.) Be Yourself

You are you. You are amazing. You are full of so much. So, instead of trying to be someone else or please everyone, just be you. You are you for a reason. You have so much to offer to this world. Everyone is different and its our differences which make us unique and awesome.

Yes, I have insecurities. Yes, I have fears. Yes, I have oddities. But, over the years, I have learned to embrace my insecurities, fears, and oddities to be myself. Love yourself for all that makes you you.

4.) Conquer Doubts

Challenges can be scary. But, challenges can make you so strong. Instead of thinking about all of the scary things associated with challenges, try to find the positive notes. Those positive aspects will help calm your fears and give you the right mindset about the challenges that you might face.

Take for example when our son was born with clubfoot. I remember the moment the pediatrician walked into my room the day after he was born. The doctor talked about our son’s vital signs, told us that he was a big and healthy baby boy, mentioned that he had signs of clubfoot, and then handed us a referral slip to a pediatric orthopaedist.

A few days after that, another doctor handed him to me and I tried to stay strong. My eyes had to fight the tears that wanted so badly to fall down my cheeks. What did she do to him? He was only a few days old and yet he was covered in casts. His perfect little toes were hiding from the world.

Months and months came and went as we watched him hit milestone after milestone. From lying on his back to rolling over, from holding up his head to sitting up on his own, he was learning each and every day. The milestone that my husband and I anticipated the most was watching him take his first steps. To us, that meant that his defiance conquered any doubts. And then it happened.

Throughout my life, I’ve had some doubts but I’ve always been driven to conquer them. Why live a life full of doubt when you can embrace challenges, look at the positives, and soar above life’s hurdles?

5.) Prepare for Success

It’s all about starting the day with positive vibes. Create a morning routine, set a daily schedule, make a priority list … do what it takes to make sure you have your head in the right place, your mind focused, and your priorities correctly outlined.

For me, I’m all about having the morning routine set me up for success throughout the day. Routines help keep schedules organized, maintained, and set. Yes, there are some things that might happen to throw a wrench into the system. But, for the most part, my morning routine is the same day in and day out.

I know not everyone is a morning person. Trust me, my eyes weigh a million pounds until the clock strikes 8:00 a.m. My son is usually bouncing around in his crib at 7:00 a.m. so I’m forced out of bed a little earlier than I would prefer, especially with my late bedtimes. But, having a routine helps me to slowly wake up all while getting myself alert and ready to take care of our son.

bold life

One of my favorite parts about my morning routine is my cup of coffee. Yes, I’m one of those “but first, coffee” people. For life’s boldest moments, Dunkin’ Dark® coffee provides coffee lovers with a distinctly bold, yet smooth, never bitter taste to keep you inspired throughout the day. Coffee lovers can enjoy the rich, smooth roast of Dunkin’ Dark® coffee without tasting any bitter notes.

Dunkin’ Dark® coffee is Brewed for the Bold – coffee lovers who aren’t afraid to take risks and make bold moves. Whether pursuing a lifelong dream or mixing up your daily routine, Dunkin’ Dark® coffee is the perfect bold blend.

So, create a morning routine and don’t forget to pick up Dunkin’ Dark® coffee the next time you’re at the grocery store (or order online at dunkinathome.com). You can enjoy a bold cup of coffee to help you live a bold life thanks to their new K-Cup® Pods (10-ct or 16-ct) and new packaging for the 11-oz. and 18.4-oz bags of ground coffee. For more information, click here: http://www.dunkinathome.com/BrewedfortheBold.

How do you live a bold life?

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by the J.M. Smucker company. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The post is brought to you by Activate by Bloglovin and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
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Comments

  1. Embracing my fears and learning to be myself and love who I am is definitely hard, but something I am working on every single day. Thanks for this.

  2. Thank you for the awesome tips! I totally love your highlights and most of all, for Dunkin Donuts. I am a big coffee drinker and cant start my day without a cup or two. Im sure this post will be very helpful. Will share too. xx

  3. Love these tips!!! Just discovered your IG feed as well and have subscribed to both. This post was really something that was of great help to me, not only in life, but for starting my business as well.

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