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There are habits or routines in life that are very important for us to leave behind to be able to clear our toxic and embrace peace and as well create room for most important things. 


So below are 3 things I stopped doing in the past 11 months and what they made room for.

So over the past 11 months my life has shifted quietly in way I didn't expect. They never happened overnight, but looking back, I can point out or see three things I stopped doing and how the space they left behind made me grow into a more confident and open version of myself. 

## Three Things I Stopped Doing, and What They Made Room For



* I stopped hiding inside my shell

For years, I let shyness take lead in many parts of my life. I avoided attention, crowds and even opportunities that could help me grow. But this year I consciously stepped out of the pattern. I surprised myself when we organized a team during a tech event and we were told to perform in from of hundreds of people and ai really played out the leading role and to our surprise our team emerged . I even danced in front of everyone during my aunt's anniversary party. Something the "old me" would have never thought about.
 
![IMG_20251205_094631.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmTjYvZfQkuc8F4fdVui5m9KNz1a8rFwXkFZzijtShDT7v/IMG_20251205_094631.jpg)

***What filled the space?***

Courage. Self-belief. And realizing that confidence only grows when you dare to use. 

* I stopped avoiding people 

I used to keep myself socially distant and making a new friend felt like cracking a mountain and I would overthink every small interaction. So this year, I have stopped doing that. I try to listen and to genuinely get to know them and that way, slowly and very real the friendship starts growing naturally. Getting to know people is really interesting because you get to know their story and some of the resonates with you too. 

![IMG_20250715_131137.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmTHqwkYit5dyr12tzEGWX4ibAxKUW8PafypCVkfg3s7yR/IMG_20250715_131137.jpg)

***So what filled that space?*** Well, new friendships, deeper understanding, and the joy of allowing people into my world. 

* I stopped undervaluing my skills

Another quiet habit I dropped was doubting my own abilities. I used to believe and even say to myself that I can't get anytime right or do things perfectly, I even used to cry about it sometime but this year, especially recently, I paid more attention to the things I can accomplish, the skills I've learned and the efforts I've put in and the progress I've made. 

![IMG_20250724_071900.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmTW5HzJvVySMjeM3FbXTA9oVnNtvAQ9saMTXYQ8xyybsK/IMG_20250724_071900.jpg)

***What filled the space?***
Well I now feel more confident that I do have a lot of things I can achieve. A sense of pride, knowing I'm not an idle machine and I am creative. 



I haven't suddenly turned perfect. I still get nervous , and there are days when under confidence tries to creep back in. But the difference now is I'm facing those fears now, I no longer sit with them. And I try to take things one step at a time and each small step keeps opening up more room for growth. And honestly I'm so proud of myself for it all 💜

Leaving those habits behind has helped me simplify my life, made my life feel more intentional, happy and lighter, and to me, is the heart of minimalist living: clearing out what holds you back so you have space for who you are becoming. 

<center> <sub> Images belong to me </sub> </center> 

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