I’m finding myself getting very irritable of late. Like I’m stuck stationary when I want to be moving forward. I stopped writing for almost an entire week, and have been feeling kind of stuck. This is very hard to break through, and despite being able to talk at length with people about the things that are on my mind, I haven’t been able to put it into writing. I’m not really sure why exactly; maybe I was piling too much freelancing on my plate. I have regained some semblance of control over that and allowed myself to take a break over the weekend. I’m feeling much better now about writing and the flow of words, and I plan on making sure that this lesson stays forefront in my mind.
There was a whole different source of frustration for me fairly recently, and I did know that it would happen. Being around people who are so vastly different from me in almost every way is very challenging and emotionally draining. It takes a lot of effort not to snap or freak out about things that I cannot control. It’s not that these people are bad people, they are just different from myself and I am pretty firmly set in my ways and my thoughts.
There was also the rampant focus on weight in terms of how it impacts physical appearance. There is so much more to a person’s appearance than just their weight. Every compliment that was shared during the weekend had relevance to that person’s weight and/or how much weight they had lost. Sure, some people need to lose weight, but it’s not a matter of numbers or girth, it’s a matter of health. The focus being on just size is frustrating and aggravating.
I once believed that to be considered a healthy weight, you had to be a size 6 or less. Now I’m sitting comfortably in a size 10 (or so) and I’ve never felt healthier. Sure I have a little bit of weight on my hips, legs, and stomach, whatever. I eat pretty much whatever I want and don’t fluctuate in weight. I eat healthy foods, and I try to get in a little bit of activity every day. Some days are better than others, but I don’t beat myself up over it. If I’m feeling particularly ‘bleh’ then I know it’s either time to eat some food, or time to get my body moving.
I don’t beat myself up about having any extra weight either. It’s healthy to have a little bit of flub. It helps keep me warm (that was certainly a huge challenge when I was size 3-6) and if I get sick I don’t worry about eating, I can focus on relaxing and healing. Even after I got my wisdom teeth removed, I had lost about 10-15 pounds. Once my mouth felt better and I could eat properly again, I ate whatever I wanted and my weight went right back up to where it was. No muss, no fuss. This is where my body wants to be, so why should I fight it? Just to fit within someone’s ideal of what a perfect woman looks like? No thanks. I’m perfect the way I am, because I am perfectly Laura. Why would I want to be anyone else?
Fighting with self-image is a huge challenge that many girls, women, and even boys and men go through. For what? So that companies make money trying to tell you that you will feel better about yourself if you lost 5 more pounds, if you fit into that lower size, if you buy this, buy that. F*ck it! Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” and I stand by that. Take the focus off of appearances, and worry more about actions and words. Take the focus off of being “beautiful” and “pretty” and focus more on being “confident” and “comfortable” with yourself, your children, your family and your friends.
When E comes to me in the mornings after she’s gotten herself dressed, she asks me: “Mommy, do I look beautiful?” and I always reply “You look very comfortable and ready for your day.” She smiles and gives me a hug. Because being comfortable and ready for your day is more important that being fancy, stylish and pretty. Being dressed to be able to take on your day and show it that you’re the boss is both essential and freeing. When you don’t have to worry about how you look beyond being appropriately clothed, you have more time to focus on what really matters, like play, work, fun, and learning.
In the morning when I get dressed, I choose clothes that are comfortable. Always. If I’m not going to be comfortable in my clothing, I won’t be able to focus on my daughter, my wife, my job or my friends. I will be too busy worrying about if there are wrinkles in my clothing, or how much I have that this shirt chafes, or how much I’m going to need to soak my feet at night after wearing a horrid pair of shoes all day. Why bother? There are so many more important things in life to experience, so many positive things, to worry about focusing on something as silly as looking perfect. Because perfect is different to everyone, and just because the magazine or advertisements say that you’ll be perfect in a size 0 doesn’t mean you will be.
Feel confident in your own body, because it is perfect for you. What else can you ask for?
Showing posts with label action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label action. Show all posts
Rearranging your space to clear the air and feel better
This weekend, M and I finally got around to rearranging the bedroom. Our bedroom is an odd shape, so trying to maximize on that space with a queen-sized bed is rather challenging. Space was cramped, and I couldn’t open the closet door fully on either side. The dresser drawers were partially blocked, and the cat decided that instead of trying to find its scratching post it would use one of our pillows as a resting place.
I finally got fed up with it, and we decided to start fresh. We emptied the room of everything except the bed (it’s too big to move around, but at least it rolls!) and moved the bed to the other side of the room. Arranged everything around that, bookshelf on the other side, kitty litter closer to the door (less litter tracks to walk through now!) and the closet doors open fully! What a relief!
This made me realize how important it is to rearrange your furniture and belongings periodically. It’s refreshing, like a new haircut. You get to take a fresh look at your space and where you want your belongings to go. Arrange it in a way that it esthetically pleasing as well as functional, and embraces your personal flair in your surroundings.
Feeling the need to constantly rearrange your surroundings and your furniture can be indicative of subconscious issues that you may not be addressing, but that doesn’t mean that you can move around the couches every few months when the seasons change, or when you get a new item.
Plan out your big furniture items first as they will be the hardest to place if you place the smaller items first. The big items will also shape the formation of your completed room. If you want to maximize on space, consider keeping your shelves all on one side of the room, and ensure that you have an open space in the middle of your room. If you are looking more for comfort, set it up to emphasize that. No matter what you want your room to look like, you can make it happen and without professional help.
Rearranging a room in your home also opens the door for some decluttering and cleaning that you may have been putting off for a while. It’s a lot easier to go through your belongings and decide what to keep and what to purge when you have to take it all out and put it back in. This sounds like a cumbersome task, but it isn’t so bad if you can be honest with yourself.
If you are doing your bedroom, go through your clothes and decide which ones you really don’t wear anymore and donate them. If you are rearranging your living room, go through your movies shelf and pick out which movies you don’t watch anymore and donate them. Things that are just taking up space in your home will only create mental clutter, so the sooner you get the monkey off your back, the better!
Cleaning hard to reach places also becomes easier when the shelves are emptied and the floor uncovered. What normally would have been a time-consuming task involving shifting furniture and moving small trinkets around will now take less than fifteen minutes (or less) because the area will already be cleared! Take those few minutes and get rid of those hidden dust bunnies. The air in your home will thank you.
Everybody goes through periods where their tastes change, and their preferences adjust. By rearranging parts of your home periodically, you are allowing your personal energy to flow positively as you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. You can clean and purge your areas with limited effort, and you will feel better knowing that it is as you want it to be. Be the master of your own domain, and allow yourself to feel at ease and at peace with your own surroundings. It can make all the difference in the world.
Fresh air is good for your energy
No matter what season it is, it is important to get fresh air everyday. It will give you energy. It contains less re-cycled air. Re-cycling air is not a good thing for you, unless you have trees that are growing in your air circulation system, as it simply leaves the carbon dioxide in the air which lowers the amount of oxygen that is circulating.
Going outside gives you that immediate rush of fresh oxygen which will also help wake you up if you are feeling a slight drag in energy level. It's hard to stay motivated and awake when you are surrounded by fluorescent lights and old air. So if you feel yourself starting to fade in energy and liveliness, take a step outside and breathe deeply.
If you work in a densely populated area, such as downtown, it may seem counterproductive as the air is not as clean as it would be in the suburbs or somewhere surrounded by trees. It is still very effective and helpful to give yourself a quick perk in the middle of your day. If this is the case, and you feel that it isn't giving you the longer effects that you get from elsewhere, just make sure that you get some fresh air when you are back in the less populated area of your city.
Getting active while you're outside also helps, because it increases the amount of fresh oxygen that is being circulated through your blood. Exercise already boosts your mood and energy level, so kicking that up a notch with some fresh air will only make it pack a more powerful punch.
There is always time to go outside for a few moments. If you are watching TV and don't want to miss your show, just wait for the commercial. No one enjoys watching the commercials anyways, so take opportunity of the break to take a step outside and jog or walk around your yard. If you are on the computer just take an extra break when you go to the bathroom (for example) and step outside afterwards for a quick pick-me-up.
The positive effects on your body and energy level outweigh the few moments that it takes to get the air, so take a step for your own health. Each day, try to get outside at least twice for at least 30-60 seconds. You can always increase that amount, so don't worry if you think it's too short a time. Fit it into your schedule wherever you feel like it, and don't let yourself make excuses. It can make all the difference in your work day and keep a smile on your face.
Peace and serenity,
Laura
Going outside gives you that immediate rush of fresh oxygen which will also help wake you up if you are feeling a slight drag in energy level. It's hard to stay motivated and awake when you are surrounded by fluorescent lights and old air. So if you feel yourself starting to fade in energy and liveliness, take a step outside and breathe deeply.
If you work in a densely populated area, such as downtown, it may seem counterproductive as the air is not as clean as it would be in the suburbs or somewhere surrounded by trees. It is still very effective and helpful to give yourself a quick perk in the middle of your day. If this is the case, and you feel that it isn't giving you the longer effects that you get from elsewhere, just make sure that you get some fresh air when you are back in the less populated area of your city.
Getting active while you're outside also helps, because it increases the amount of fresh oxygen that is being circulated through your blood. Exercise already boosts your mood and energy level, so kicking that up a notch with some fresh air will only make it pack a more powerful punch.
There is always time to go outside for a few moments. If you are watching TV and don't want to miss your show, just wait for the commercial. No one enjoys watching the commercials anyways, so take opportunity of the break to take a step outside and jog or walk around your yard. If you are on the computer just take an extra break when you go to the bathroom (for example) and step outside afterwards for a quick pick-me-up.
The positive effects on your body and energy level outweigh the few moments that it takes to get the air, so take a step for your own health. Each day, try to get outside at least twice for at least 30-60 seconds. You can always increase that amount, so don't worry if you think it's too short a time. Fit it into your schedule wherever you feel like it, and don't let yourself make excuses. It can make all the difference in your work day and keep a smile on your face.
Peace and serenity,
Laura
Speechless
Maybe it's the weather, and maybe it's just me, but it seems like it's getting harder to express yourself. Walls are closing in and looks are given for the smallest of variances from the norm.
But what is the norm? And why can't it change?
Should those with creativity be forced to live in a world and mindset that does not permit use of their talents? Sometimes it seems like dreaming of becoming something or someone that doesn't bring in a huge salary is looked down on. Why should everything be about making lots of money? Is it so hard to believe that you can be satisfied with your life without being a millionaire?
It boggles my brain, as I find my consciousness awakening from within my own mind, that people are so distracted that they don't realize they're being herded.
Each and every person has the capability to help make the world less stressful, more satisfying and more relaxing than before.
To do so is unbelievably simple, yet unbelivably challenging at the same time. Each person, if/when they awaken to themselves, needs only to stop talking. Stop talking without thinking about what you're saying. You don't need to be in contact with hundreds of people at the same time, because doing so only perpetrates the image that you need to be in contact with people to be successful and feel content.
It's a hard fact, but you don't. To be content with your life and the people around you, you first need to be content with yourself.
This is why I am advocating and repeating and underlining the fact that you need to do things for yourself, and you need to do them consciously. Because your subconscious mind, normally, just wants to go with the flow. Well, right now the river is flowing in such a way that will not improve the quality of life for anyone.
So don't be afraid to push against the crowd, you may discover more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
But what is the norm? And why can't it change?
Should those with creativity be forced to live in a world and mindset that does not permit use of their talents? Sometimes it seems like dreaming of becoming something or someone that doesn't bring in a huge salary is looked down on. Why should everything be about making lots of money? Is it so hard to believe that you can be satisfied with your life without being a millionaire?
It boggles my brain, as I find my consciousness awakening from within my own mind, that people are so distracted that they don't realize they're being herded.
Each and every person has the capability to help make the world less stressful, more satisfying and more relaxing than before.
To do so is unbelievably simple, yet unbelivably challenging at the same time. Each person, if/when they awaken to themselves, needs only to stop talking. Stop talking without thinking about what you're saying. You don't need to be in contact with hundreds of people at the same time, because doing so only perpetrates the image that you need to be in contact with people to be successful and feel content.
It's a hard fact, but you don't. To be content with your life and the people around you, you first need to be content with yourself.
This is why I am advocating and repeating and underlining the fact that you need to do things for yourself, and you need to do them consciously. Because your subconscious mind, normally, just wants to go with the flow. Well, right now the river is flowing in such a way that will not improve the quality of life for anyone.
So don't be afraid to push against the crowd, you may discover more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Do things for yourself
Stop right now. Stop whatever you're doing.
Think about what you're doing. Is it for you, or is it for someone else?
When was the last time you did something for yourself?
Can you remember?
Well, I want you to do something for yourself. Right now.
Eat something you enjoy. Write something you want to write. Give yourself 15 minutes to relax in silence. Listen to some music. Whatever you like.
Just do it.
It'll feel good, and you'll feel better.
You spend all day trying to do things for other people. Who is more important to you than yourself? If you answer anything other than "ME!" you have your priorities mixed up. Even if you have a baby, or a child, or whatever else, YOU are still the most important.
Why?
Because if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to help other as effectively, and you'll burn yourself out. Then who will help those you were helping?
So take some time and do something just for you.
You won't regret it.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Think about what you're doing. Is it for you, or is it for someone else?
When was the last time you did something for yourself?
Can you remember?
Well, I want you to do something for yourself. Right now.
Eat something you enjoy. Write something you want to write. Give yourself 15 minutes to relax in silence. Listen to some music. Whatever you like.
Just do it.
It'll feel good, and you'll feel better.
You spend all day trying to do things for other people. Who is more important to you than yourself? If you answer anything other than "ME!" you have your priorities mixed up. Even if you have a baby, or a child, or whatever else, YOU are still the most important.
Why?
Because if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to help other as effectively, and you'll burn yourself out. Then who will help those you were helping?
So take some time and do something just for you.
You won't regret it.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Adopting Simplicity: Be Here Now
Life is buzzing all around, and you feel jostled and rushed. How can you enjoy life and embrace what you have when you constantly feel pushed, prodded, hurried? Answer: you can't.
You can't always be thinking about what's next, and still enjoy what's happening around you.
You have to Be Here Now.
Pay attention to where you are at any given moment, and what you're doing. When you do something, do it completely. Don't multitask, unitask. Spend all your focus on one thing. When you're reading, read. Try to avoid doing multiple things at once, because your focus will be dispersed, and you will have a hard time truly enjoying what you're doing.
When you're eating, enjoy the flavours, the textures. Take smaller bites, and chew a little slower. Taste the flavours in your mouth.
When you're reading, focus on the words and the pictures they create in your mind. Imagine the book as reality, and immerse yourself into it fully.
When you're washing dishes, feel the warm soapy water on your hands, and the cleansing power it has on the dishes. Feel the dishes as they lose their dirt and become clean.
Enjoy the little things you do, and they will bring you ever more pleasure.
Because life is for the living, so live in the now.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from the series:
Step 1
Ask yourself this...
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth
You can't always be thinking about what's next, and still enjoy what's happening around you.
You have to Be Here Now.
Pay attention to where you are at any given moment, and what you're doing. When you do something, do it completely. Don't multitask, unitask. Spend all your focus on one thing. When you're reading, read. Try to avoid doing multiple things at once, because your focus will be dispersed, and you will have a hard time truly enjoying what you're doing.
When you're eating, enjoy the flavours, the textures. Take smaller bites, and chew a little slower. Taste the flavours in your mouth.
When you're reading, focus on the words and the pictures they create in your mind. Imagine the book as reality, and immerse yourself into it fully.
When you're washing dishes, feel the warm soapy water on your hands, and the cleansing power it has on the dishes. Feel the dishes as they lose their dirt and become clean.
Enjoy the little things you do, and they will bring you ever more pleasure.
Because life is for the living, so live in the now.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from the series:
Step 1
Ask yourself this...
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth
Cancelled my cable? Why yes I did!
After much deliberation, and discussions with the wife, we decided to cancel the cable subscription.
What? I hear some people cry in outrage, How can you LIVE without cable?
I'll tell you, it's simple. There are so many things in the world that I want to do, that she wants to do, and that our daughter wants to do. Why should we pay for a service that is a detriment to our lives? Without the cable subscription, there is no pull towards sitting on the couch watching television all day.
We are given only a limited number of hours per day.
Eight hours are spent sleeping (on average)
One and a half hours spent commuting to and from work
Eight hours spent working
One hour spent getting everything ready to go to and from work
You're left with seven and a half hours. Seven and a half hours in one day to do something great, something inspirational, or just something that will make you feel content. In those seven and a half hours, you also have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, take care of your pets, spend time with your children and spouse, tidy the house, wash the dishes, etc.
How can you do that if you are watching television?
Not to mention the advertisements that are non-stop. I won't miss those, let me tell you.
Do you have a cable or satellite television subscription? Why or why not?
If you don't, do you try to convince others to cancel theirs?
If you do, do you think people without televisions or cable are odd?
Peace (in the home, at last) and serenity,
Simply Me
What? I hear some people cry in outrage, How can you LIVE without cable?
I'll tell you, it's simple. There are so many things in the world that I want to do, that she wants to do, and that our daughter wants to do. Why should we pay for a service that is a detriment to our lives? Without the cable subscription, there is no pull towards sitting on the couch watching television all day.
We are given only a limited number of hours per day.
Eight hours are spent sleeping (on average)
One and a half hours spent commuting to and from work
Eight hours spent working
One hour spent getting everything ready to go to and from work
You're left with seven and a half hours. Seven and a half hours in one day to do something great, something inspirational, or just something that will make you feel content. In those seven and a half hours, you also have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, take care of your pets, spend time with your children and spouse, tidy the house, wash the dishes, etc.
How can you do that if you are watching television?
Not to mention the advertisements that are non-stop. I won't miss those, let me tell you.
Do you have a cable or satellite television subscription? Why or why not?
If you don't, do you try to convince others to cancel theirs?
If you do, do you think people without televisions or cable are odd?
Peace (in the home, at last) and serenity,
Simply Me
Thinking or doing?
There are some things that you may come across that make you think. Like, really make you think.
Lately, I've been reading a lot on personal development as well as simplicity. Primarily from those two sites, but they cross link to others, and I find myself thinking a lot more.
But thinking and doing are two different things.
There are a lot of things in life that I want to do. I think about them, I plan possibilities, I imagine what I would do, what I would think. I often spend so much time thinking, that there's no time left to do.
You can do things without thinking but the consequences might be negative. (Ever said something you didn't mean just because it flew out of your mouth before you thought of it? Yeah.)
You can think things without doing but then you won't ever actually get anything that you want done. You'll just be dreaming. Or at worst, lazy.
To be productive, and not destructive, you need balance.
A balance of thinking and doing will not only get you up and moving, but make sure you're processing it effectively beforehand.
Think about what's important. Important to you, important to do, important to feel. Whatever you deem as important, is important. It needs to be taken care of, because you need for it to be taken care of.
So pick one thing. One thing each day that you want to get done. Then do it. Just do it. Plan it, make sure you understand all the angles.
Then do it.
You'll thank yourself.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Lately, I've been reading a lot on personal development as well as simplicity. Primarily from those two sites, but they cross link to others, and I find myself thinking a lot more.
But thinking and doing are two different things.
There are a lot of things in life that I want to do. I think about them, I plan possibilities, I imagine what I would do, what I would think. I often spend so much time thinking, that there's no time left to do.
You can do things without thinking but the consequences might be negative. (Ever said something you didn't mean just because it flew out of your mouth before you thought of it? Yeah.)
You can think things without doing but then you won't ever actually get anything that you want done. You'll just be dreaming. Or at worst, lazy.
To be productive, and not destructive, you need balance.
A balance of thinking and doing will not only get you up and moving, but make sure you're processing it effectively beforehand.
Think about what's important. Important to you, important to do, important to feel. Whatever you deem as important, is important. It needs to be taken care of, because you need for it to be taken care of.
So pick one thing. One thing each day that you want to get done. Then do it. Just do it. Plan it, make sure you understand all the angles.
Then do it.
You'll thank yourself.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
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