Adapting to morning habits, as a person who'd like to delete mornings altogether, has been hard. Luckily, also equally rewarding.

You'll be defeated, dejected and angry... but only till you accept the that failing is a part of the package. Except, that you will be a complete prick to yourself and try it all over again next morning. And the next. And yet again. Till you hardly remember failing.

Being positive, like all things human, is a habit. So you don't really think about it, it's how you react in situations. For that to happen, it must be in your blood and in your mental wiring. That's why it's a daily activity.

I have identified my trouble areas and formulated 18 simple affirmations that I read to myself every morning. It's about two pages in my notebook and because I make a consistent effort to work on myself, these sentences have helped me tremendously to stay strong and preserve my aura. Speaking to people makes me realize how commonplace these issues are. So, for those adapting to healthy morning routines or even building their self esteem, this post is worth a read.

It's a convenient, easily customized and a fun read on your way to work/ school or while procrastinating on the WC.

1- Don't sweat the small things.

Most things are small things. They are persistent. Yet, bending over backwards to solve the little inconveniences and stress triggers that pop up everyday, will drain you. These include general maintenance and upkeep, whining friends, traffic lights you'd rather smash and even walking behind the slowest person at rush hour. They will kill your soul only if you let them. The solution? Don't give in. Focus on your goal and the big picture, because that is what you can control. You can't rid your day of minor flaws, not by reason or control. But you can choose to filter your energy.

2- Stop comparing yourself to others, you twinkling star.

Probably the most pointless and thankless exercise in existence.  Of course it helps to know what others are up to and constructively observe and understand the principles governing their lives. But it is no good wondering why certain 'things' are happening to others and not to you and then whine and feel hopeless. Your life is in your control and only your rules apply. The rules of other's lives have no place here, no matter how hard you try!

3- Can't do anything about it? Chuck it in the fuck it bucket.

You can really only control your actions and reactions to situations. You can't control circumstances and shouldn't control people. The latter especially, cause that's a dick move. You have to let things go after doing your best. Else it will consume you and you will never find peace. Keep doing your best though, this is not an excuse to sit back and switch on Netflix.

4- Standing up for yourself, every time.

I believe the key to long lasting peace is standing up for yourself the moment you're being walked over or misquoted. The people violating your boundaries will be very offended by it, but that's not your problem. No matter who it is, remember your job is not to protect everyone's ego. It may even take you by surprise, paralyze you and break you a little when someone bullies you. You're not a doormat so don't behave like one. If it jeopardizes your position, it means you're doing something right.

5- Say no when you want to, without shame or guilt.

Not 'maybe'. Not 'let me think about it'. Not 'later'. There is really no reason to not say no. It may be very uncomfortable, thanks to the constant social conditioning that rewards us for being obedient "sheeple". But the minute you say the magic two letter word to everything that doesn't make you happy, you speak the truth to yourself. You draw boundaries and keep out what doesn't belong. You graciously draw in what you seek. If that is not the core of self love, pray tell me what is?

6- Establish healthy boundaries and uphold your self esteem.

My generation and the ones before me were raised without acknowledging the existence of personal boundaries. It has been a disaster. The truth is, that a healthy self esteem is not possible without healthy boundaries. Having healthy boundaries is acknowledging what makes you uncomfortable and being vocal about it. It is simply claiming ownership of your personal spaces irrespective of what people say. Personal space is sacred, so do not let others walk over it as they please.

7- People get trashy only when they are insecure. Greater the insecurity, trashier the conduct.

People are designed to be joyful and...human. But sadly, most people allow themselves to be victims of fate and other people's nastiness. They absorb all this crap and reflect it. Thus, a douchebag is born. They have lost their own joyful selves and now they want to ruin you too. People who push and shove in metros when they needn't. People who pass shitty remarks when they should feel happy for you. People who push buttons because they don't like how happy you look. Yeah, I know you have come across these douchebags, who shouldn't really bother you but they do. But you know what? They are failing to deal with their pathetic selves and that is not. your. problem. Don't participate in their cycle. Protect your energy. Let's hope they heal themselves and let's not make them our problem.

8- Don't take advice from people you do not want to become.

Listen to your teachers, your parents, your elders, your watchman, your administrative managers, your boss...yada yada yada. If people exhibit toxic behavior, you have no obligation to listen to them, no matter who they are. In fact, when you cannot avoid these people, make conscious efforts to limit contact with them. (Watch this space for more info about dealing with toxic people!). I have been in close contact for very long with people having extremely negative and self destructive tendencies. Trust me, they are the the real energy vultures. They spiral around trivial details and bicker no end. They have no gratitude and they will persist till you react to their toxicity. Such people are sadly, sometimes unavoidable. So build a thick skin and do not let them get to you. You will give in some days but, stay as strong as you can and zone them out without apology.

9- Take nothing personally.

Nothing is personal. If someone's being a prick, don't let them get comfortable, but do not let them get to you. You do not have to stoop to being a crappy person and you sure as hell, do not need to react to them. See the difference? You don't let them get away with bad behaviour but you do not take what they say personally. It is a subtle yet achievable balance, where you retain your power. So breathe deeply, detach and slay.

Part 2 will be on its way!