What does being productive mean to you? We have come to notice that each person has their own meaning and interpretation of the world, so what does it mean to be productive?
Here is what Dictionary.com has to say:
Pro·duc·tive prəˈdʌktɪv Spelled [pruh-duhk-tiv]
–adjective
1. having the power of producing; generative; creative: a productive effort.
2. producing readily or abundantly; fertile: a productive vineyard.
3. causing; bringing about (usually fol. by of ): conditions productive of crime and sin.
4. Economics . producing or tending to produce goods and services having exchange value.
5. Grammar . (of derivational affixes or patterns) readily used in forming new words, as the suffix -ness.
6. (in language learning) of or pertaining to the language skills of speaking and writing (opposed to receptive).
Now what does that mean? Of course, my interpretation will be different, but I’m going to attempt to go at it from more than one angle.
Productive could mean having a high level of output. Churning out a lot of stuff, be it e-mails, notices, articles, blog posts, etc. Just a lot of whatever it is that you’re doing. So if you are a writer, you will write a whole crapload of short articles that touch on a single subject briefly. Or if you’re a veterinarian, you’ll try to process as many sick (or healthy, if it’s a check-up) animals as you can in your working hours.
Productive could also mean getting things done properly the first time. Doing your best to provide the best possible output you can in an appropriate amount of time. So an example of this would be if you are writing up a report for work, putting enough effort in so that it isn’t sent back multiple times for editing. Or if you are a chef at a restaurant, putting the effort in to ensure that each order is cooked as requested to avoid dishes being sent back.
But to me, personally of course, productivity means spending the majority of your time doing things that are important to you. Doing tons of busy work to fill time just seems like a way to kill time. Why do that, when I can spend my time doing things of real importance?
Making sure that any important things are taken care of is certainly important, but do you have to do it all? The short answer is probably no. There is always someone who is willing, and probably able, to do the busy work for you. So hand off the simple things, and focus on what’s really important.
There is a common saying that I see pop up just about every productivity website that I visit, the Pareto Principle, which says basically that 80% of your income/output/rewards come from 20% (the top 20%) of your input/efforts. So if you focus more of your time on the top 20% of your input, you will see greater results. This can apply to just about everything in life.
The simple matter is: the more time you spend on things that are important, the better results you will yield from them. Therefore, the more time you spend writing productive and informative posts and articles, the better the results you will receive from them. Alternatively, the more time and effort you put into your relationship (either with your friends, spouse, coworkers, or child) the better results you will see and be able to benefit from in that relationship.
Spending your time productively, in this scenario, would relate directly to the quality of work and time spent as opposed to the quantity. When you go about your daily life, consider the impact that your work and efforts in even the smallest things will have on those around you. Consider that even the smallest thing you do will have an impact, then strive to create the biggest positive impact you can.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Also, I am featured over at Green ABC's today for a guest post on eating locally! Check it out!
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Looking forward to 2011 - Making resolutions
Each year, countless people make resolutions that are both non-concrete and immeasurable. A resolution is simply a goal, and to make a goal that will be followed through on, you need certain things.
Goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. By S.M.A.R.T. I mean the following:
Specific – The goal needs specifics determined, so ask the 5 W’s. Who, what, when, where, why, and how. (Example: General goal “Lose weight” Specific goal “Lose five pounds per week” or “Reach 140 pounds”) Particular importance lies on the “Why” because if you have no concrete reason, or purpose to the goal, then you will be less likely to stick to it. Find the why, and then determine the rest.
Measurable – The goal needs to be able to be tracked. Pick certain traits regarding your goal that will aid in assessing your progress. (Example: BMI or measurements for weight loss, physical abilities for fitness, etc)
Attainable – The goal has to be something that is possible to attain. A goal that says “I will not hurt anyone” is unattainable, it is impossible to avoid hurt as it happens sometimes without us being aware. A better example would be “I’m going to help three people each day without expecting anything in return”
Realistic – By realistic the goal has to be both possible to attain, and you also have to be willing to attain it. Self-destruction is one of the top ways that people stop reaching for goals. It is generally easier to attain higher goals, because you will know that there is more work involved and you will find yourself thinking success because of the challenge.
Timely – A goal needs to have a timeframe. If you want to lose weight, saying “Lose 10 pounds” is not finite, you could be giving yourself years to complete this. Instead, think “Lose 10 pounds by June 1” or “Write first draft of novel by March 1” etc. Give yourself a due date, and stick to it.
With these qualities, you become that much closer to success, because your goal will be something real, something that you have put a lot of thought into and prepared yourself for the steps.
Now, let start making goals!
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. By S.M.A.R.T. I mean the following:
Specific – The goal needs specifics determined, so ask the 5 W’s. Who, what, when, where, why, and how. (Example: General goal “Lose weight” Specific goal “Lose five pounds per week” or “Reach 140 pounds”) Particular importance lies on the “Why” because if you have no concrete reason, or purpose to the goal, then you will be less likely to stick to it. Find the why, and then determine the rest.
Measurable – The goal needs to be able to be tracked. Pick certain traits regarding your goal that will aid in assessing your progress. (Example: BMI or measurements for weight loss, physical abilities for fitness, etc)
Attainable – The goal has to be something that is possible to attain. A goal that says “I will not hurt anyone” is unattainable, it is impossible to avoid hurt as it happens sometimes without us being aware. A better example would be “I’m going to help three people each day without expecting anything in return”
Realistic – By realistic the goal has to be both possible to attain, and you also have to be willing to attain it. Self-destruction is one of the top ways that people stop reaching for goals. It is generally easier to attain higher goals, because you will know that there is more work involved and you will find yourself thinking success because of the challenge.
Timely – A goal needs to have a timeframe. If you want to lose weight, saying “Lose 10 pounds” is not finite, you could be giving yourself years to complete this. Instead, think “Lose 10 pounds by June 1” or “Write first draft of novel by March 1” etc. Give yourself a due date, and stick to it.
With these qualities, you become that much closer to success, because your goal will be something real, something that you have put a lot of thought into and prepared yourself for the steps.
Now, let start making goals!
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Inspiration
Finding your own inspiration is easier than you may think. for me, I can do one of the following for inspiration.
For inspiration to write non-fiction
I may read acticles or other informative sources on the subject of interest.
I may think of a topic to write about, and then just write out my opinion of the subject.
These two things give me a concrete starting point and open the door to add more information as it comes up.
For inspiration to write fiction
I may read a novel (or three) from the genre I want to write about
Usually I really have to think of what I call a "consequence worksheet." This is rarely actually a 'worksheet' in that it is usually in my head and not written down or typed up. I will pick an action that I want to do, for example: yoga, and I work out the positive and negative repercussions of completing or not completing the action.
I have only begun doing this consciously recently and I am still experimenting with following through on optional consequences.
Other things I do to stay inspired
I will write out lists of thoughts and ideas, often giving each individual thought at least two full pages for full expression.
I am trying to meditate and expand my abilities of this skill. I am told it is learnable, so I try it. It does seem to help.
I also will talk to my wife. I will confess that many posts, musings, and rambles are based on conversations that her and I have had that cause the ideas and words to bubble around in my mind until I express them through the written word.
What do you do to inspire yourself? It can be for something as simple as getting up in the morning and eating breakfast. Or something as complex as bringing yourself to start programming a huge computer program. Or anything in between.
What keeps you going when you don't want to do anything?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
For inspiration to write non-fiction
I may read acticles or other informative sources on the subject of interest.
I may think of a topic to write about, and then just write out my opinion of the subject.
These two things give me a concrete starting point and open the door to add more information as it comes up.
For inspiration to write fiction
I may read a novel (or three) from the genre I want to write about
For the novel I started for NaNoWriMo, I was reading Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series. It is a very different and unique perspective on the fantasy genre and it really piqued my interestI may listen to upbeat music
A lot of people can listen to music with no lyrics to hype up ttheir creative energy. Personally, I can't focus on anything to 98% of wordless music. I'll just play anything upbeat. My playlist right now includes Glee, Adam Lambert, Lady Gaga, and many many others. It keeps my mind active and since I only listen to it passively the lyrics don't end up in my work.
This works with some non-fiction as well, but it depends more on the subject.For other important things that involve action
Usually I really have to think of what I call a "consequence worksheet." This is rarely actually a 'worksheet' in that it is usually in my head and not written down or typed up. I will pick an action that I want to do, for example: yoga, and I work out the positive and negative repercussions of completing or not completing the action.
I have only begun doing this consciously recently and I am still experimenting with following through on optional consequences.
Other things I do to stay inspired
I will write out lists of thoughts and ideas, often giving each individual thought at least two full pages for full expression.
I am trying to meditate and expand my abilities of this skill. I am told it is learnable, so I try it. It does seem to help.
I also will talk to my wife. I will confess that many posts, musings, and rambles are based on conversations that her and I have had that cause the ideas and words to bubble around in my mind until I express them through the written word.
What do you do to inspire yourself? It can be for something as simple as getting up in the morning and eating breakfast. Or something as complex as bringing yourself to start programming a huge computer program. Or anything in between.
What keeps you going when you don't want to do anything?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Movie Day: Food Inc
So I'm definitely behind the in-crowd in finally watching Food Inc
but everyone has to jump on the wagon at their own pace, right? Right. (see here? I'm at least a year behind the time.)
Since I finally watched this movie, thanks to Zip.ca, I have to say that it was a good watch. It was also a good source of conversation between my wife and I. We discussed the various subjects as they came up, and it was a good conversation. It was definitely interesting seeing how each of our own biases showed up in our opinions. My wife being a meat-loving meatatarian (as she calls herself) who avoids veggies and anything that tastes healthy (also her words), and me being a vegetarian who loves health foods and whole wheat and trying new things. It was definitely interesting.
Most of the things I saw on there, information-wise, were pretty old news. Especially since I read all the other health blogs, and Dr. Mercola's site. But it put pictures to the words, which really resonated with me and made me feel a little bit better about trying to eat real foods. It even struck a chord with my wife when she saw what went into meat fillers (i.e.: ammonia).
Despite the fact that the information for this movie came entirely from the United States, it was well rounded and gave a good insight into their food system. I'm not sure how much different Canada's food policy is, and I have yet to hear of a documentary that looks into it, but I'm sure it can't be that far off. I have to say that our meat in the grocery stores here in Ottawa definitely looks healthier and fresher than the meat they showed in the movie. I hope that means something.
It certainly is amazing to hear about all the different uses for corn, and just reinforces my feelings about eating real foods. Knowing that processed foods are full of corn and soy is really disenheartening. I felt myself feeling really bad and empathizing for the latino(looking) family who couldn't afford the real healthy food and went for the junk food instead because of the price. Buying junk because it's all you can afford is really a catch-22, because you pay for it later in life with your health.
You can tell from how the farmer's are talking about the situation that they are unimpressed. The meat farmers are getting screwed because they're subsidized by the big companies and can easily get their contracts cancelled for any little thing. The female chicken farmer that they featured had her contract cancelled because she believed in having an open chicken house that had windows so that her chickens could see the sun and the outside. She refused to switch to the dark, closed, ventilated chicken house, so she lost the contract with the meat company.
The seed cleaner's story was equally sad, if not worse, because he had been in the same business for years (probably more than fifteen) and he got sued. He tried to fight it, but he ran out of money to pay his legal bills so he was forced to settle with Monsanto. This segment of the movie made me really glad that I consciously avoid soy products, and now I will be even more observant and open to looking where hidden soy and corn might hide.
Paying higher prices to get good, healthy, real food is worth it. It's worth it in the medium term because you'll feel better and you'll have more energy. It's worth it especially in the long term because your body will be healthier and less prone to chronic diseases, not to mention that your immune system will be stronger from you putting real food that provides real energy.
In summary, it was a really good movie and puts everything in perspective. It brushes over a huge range of topics and gives you a taste of each one. The movie features Michael Pollan who wrote The Omnivore's Dilemma
(which I look forward to reading soon) as well as the mother of the boy who sparked Kevin's Law Barbara Kowalcyk. Even if you've read The Omnivore's Dilemma, and Fast Food Nation
, I recommend watching this movie. Because, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So a movie must be a few million at least. Rent it, share it, borrow it, or buy it, it is a good watch and a sobering look at the food industry and how it has evolved.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Please note that some of the links are to the Amazon.com site where you can purchase the titles. If you do, a small commission goes to helping to support Simply Green. I recommend that before buying, you check out your local library, or used book store. Keep the world a little greener and share the love. Thank you.
but everyone has to jump on the wagon at their own pace, right? Right. (see here? I'm at least a year behind the time.)Since I finally watched this movie, thanks to Zip.ca, I have to say that it was a good watch. It was also a good source of conversation between my wife and I. We discussed the various subjects as they came up, and it was a good conversation. It was definitely interesting seeing how each of our own biases showed up in our opinions. My wife being a meat-loving meatatarian (as she calls herself) who avoids veggies and anything that tastes healthy (also her words), and me being a vegetarian who loves health foods and whole wheat and trying new things. It was definitely interesting.
Most of the things I saw on there, information-wise, were pretty old news. Especially since I read all the other health blogs, and Dr. Mercola's site. But it put pictures to the words, which really resonated with me and made me feel a little bit better about trying to eat real foods. It even struck a chord with my wife when she saw what went into meat fillers (i.e.: ammonia).
Despite the fact that the information for this movie came entirely from the United States, it was well rounded and gave a good insight into their food system. I'm not sure how much different Canada's food policy is, and I have yet to hear of a documentary that looks into it, but I'm sure it can't be that far off. I have to say that our meat in the grocery stores here in Ottawa definitely looks healthier and fresher than the meat they showed in the movie. I hope that means something.
It certainly is amazing to hear about all the different uses for corn, and just reinforces my feelings about eating real foods. Knowing that processed foods are full of corn and soy is really disenheartening. I felt myself feeling really bad and empathizing for the latino(looking) family who couldn't afford the real healthy food and went for the junk food instead because of the price. Buying junk because it's all you can afford is really a catch-22, because you pay for it later in life with your health.
You can tell from how the farmer's are talking about the situation that they are unimpressed. The meat farmers are getting screwed because they're subsidized by the big companies and can easily get their contracts cancelled for any little thing. The female chicken farmer that they featured had her contract cancelled because she believed in having an open chicken house that had windows so that her chickens could see the sun and the outside. She refused to switch to the dark, closed, ventilated chicken house, so she lost the contract with the meat company.
The seed cleaner's story was equally sad, if not worse, because he had been in the same business for years (probably more than fifteen) and he got sued. He tried to fight it, but he ran out of money to pay his legal bills so he was forced to settle with Monsanto. This segment of the movie made me really glad that I consciously avoid soy products, and now I will be even more observant and open to looking where hidden soy and corn might hide.
Paying higher prices to get good, healthy, real food is worth it. It's worth it in the medium term because you'll feel better and you'll have more energy. It's worth it especially in the long term because your body will be healthier and less prone to chronic diseases, not to mention that your immune system will be stronger from you putting real food that provides real energy.
In summary, it was a really good movie and puts everything in perspective. It brushes over a huge range of topics and gives you a taste of each one. The movie features Michael Pollan who wrote The Omnivore's Dilemma
(which I look forward to reading soon) as well as the mother of the boy who sparked Kevin's Law Barbara Kowalcyk. Even if you've read The Omnivore's Dilemma, and Fast Food Nation, I recommend watching this movie. Because, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So a movie must be a few million at least. Rent it, share it, borrow it, or buy it, it is a good watch and a sobering look at the food industry and how it has evolved.Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Please note that some of the links are to the Amazon.com site where you can purchase the titles. If you do, a small commission goes to helping to support Simply Green. I recommend that before buying, you check out your local library, or used book store. Keep the world a little greener and share the love. Thank you.
Adopting Simplicity: I could never...
When you hear people mention simplifying or minimizing, is your first though I could never live without (insert object/service here)? I know I used to.
But it's really not that frightening or traumatizing to go without things that you may have become accustomed to. Take your cell phone for example. I carry my cell phone everywhere with me. I have it at work, I have it at home, and it's next to the bed while I'm sleeping. Do you think that I could live without it? It would be difficult, that is for sure, but I could manage.
But how? How could I bring myself to go without something that is currently an integral part of my daily routine?
Simple. I lived without being constantly connected to the world via telephone communication, and I could surely do it again. Cellular phones only picked up really big in the last 15-20 years. Now look where we are, there are 6 year olds out there with cell phones.
Crazy, I hear you say, what could a 6 year old possibly need with a cell phone? Believe me, I asked myself the same question. Believe it or not, it's a simple answer. His/her parents thought that the kid might need to get a hold of it, and thought little Jimmy/Jane was too good to be 'forced' to use the school's phone. Now, this general situation may not be all encompassing, I'm sure that each parent has a very good excuse for giving their dependent and non-self sufficient child a cell phone.
But the simple fact is this: it's just an excuse. There is no real good reason for a child so young they are not even capable of crossing the street alone to have a cell phone.
This is only one example of course, but look at the things you have in your life. Before you start thinking I could never live without ... think about why not. Why couldn't you live without it?
Why can't you live without cable television? Because reality is too much to handle? Or because you need a way to 'relax' after work? There are so many wonderful things to experience in the world.
Don't waste your time and energy on things that don't contribute positively to your life.
Go out and live your life. Relax in the fresh air and allow your senses to take in and be encompassed by the world around you. There is more out there than can ever be seen, but that is no reason to not try.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of other posts from this series:
Step 1
Ask yourself this...
Be Here Now
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth
But it's really not that frightening or traumatizing to go without things that you may have become accustomed to. Take your cell phone for example. I carry my cell phone everywhere with me. I have it at work, I have it at home, and it's next to the bed while I'm sleeping. Do you think that I could live without it? It would be difficult, that is for sure, but I could manage.
But how? How could I bring myself to go without something that is currently an integral part of my daily routine?
Simple. I lived without being constantly connected to the world via telephone communication, and I could surely do it again. Cellular phones only picked up really big in the last 15-20 years. Now look where we are, there are 6 year olds out there with cell phones.
Crazy, I hear you say, what could a 6 year old possibly need with a cell phone? Believe me, I asked myself the same question. Believe it or not, it's a simple answer. His/her parents thought that the kid might need to get a hold of it, and thought little Jimmy/Jane was too good to be 'forced' to use the school's phone. Now, this general situation may not be all encompassing, I'm sure that each parent has a very good excuse for giving their dependent and non-self sufficient child a cell phone.
But the simple fact is this: it's just an excuse. There is no real good reason for a child so young they are not even capable of crossing the street alone to have a cell phone.
This is only one example of course, but look at the things you have in your life. Before you start thinking I could never live without ... think about why not. Why couldn't you live without it?
Why can't you live without cable television? Because reality is too much to handle? Or because you need a way to 'relax' after work? There are so many wonderful things to experience in the world.
Don't waste your time and energy on things that don't contribute positively to your life.
Go out and live your life. Relax in the fresh air and allow your senses to take in and be encompassed by the world around you. There is more out there than can ever be seen, but that is no reason to not try.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of other posts from this series:
Step 1
Ask yourself this...
Be Here Now
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth
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
Finding inspiration
What inspires you? For me, it can be reading articles, or just sitting outside.
Lately, I'm having a hard time finding inspiration. Maybe because of some stress and frustration at home, but it's becoming harder to focus on creation.
I find myself reading a lot of articles and working towards expanding my knowledge, and yet at the same time I have difficulty putting my thoughts into words. I can't really even consider it writer's block, because it's happening in general conversation as well.
Listening is a skill that has always come easily for me. The ability to listen without interrupting, and hear more than just the words being said, but the meaning and intonation beneath them as well is a skill that I've discovered many people don't possess. In light of this, I try and spread it further, and expand my understanding level.
I enjoy listening to people, hearing them talk about things that they find important. Sometimes I have a hard time because a person's beliefs or thoughts are different from my own, but I remind myself that each person has their own perspective. Your perspective on any given subject will likely be at least minutely different from mine, and at most completely opposite, and that's okay.
But finding the words to express the feelings and thoughts inside my own mind has always been a struggle, and lately I have been trying to break out of my shell somewhat and express myself. Only the words in my vocabulary just don't quite express the meaning I'm trying to share.
Perhaps my emotions are far to different, or perhaps most people just use words that are "close enough" to how they feel. I'm not sure, but I'd like to find out.
To find within myself the feelings that I have, I try to focus and relax. I tend to fight against feelings, particularly negative ones, and in doing that I restrict my ability to feel emotions fully. My mind will automatically shut off and void out any emotions that I would guard against, and so I find it very difficult to break out of that.
I have been writing down thoughts when I feel them, but it's not a regular thing. I definitely recommend it, because it helps to discover the feeling as it happens, instead of trying to remember it. You might find yourself with a whole new perspective on your own emotions, which may help you to understand yourself. Finding your true emotions is essential when trying to determine your purpose, and that's what I am trying to do.
Follow me on this road, and let me know what thoughts you have. Share with me, and I will share back. Relationships are built based on truth and openness, so here is my statement of openness. Give love, and receive love in return. Life is a wonderful experience, so go out and experience it. Find your inspiration, and follow it. Challenge your walls and restrictions, and push through.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Lately, I'm having a hard time finding inspiration. Maybe because of some stress and frustration at home, but it's becoming harder to focus on creation.
I find myself reading a lot of articles and working towards expanding my knowledge, and yet at the same time I have difficulty putting my thoughts into words. I can't really even consider it writer's block, because it's happening in general conversation as well.
Listening is a skill that has always come easily for me. The ability to listen without interrupting, and hear more than just the words being said, but the meaning and intonation beneath them as well is a skill that I've discovered many people don't possess. In light of this, I try and spread it further, and expand my understanding level.
I enjoy listening to people, hearing them talk about things that they find important. Sometimes I have a hard time because a person's beliefs or thoughts are different from my own, but I remind myself that each person has their own perspective. Your perspective on any given subject will likely be at least minutely different from mine, and at most completely opposite, and that's okay.
But finding the words to express the feelings and thoughts inside my own mind has always been a struggle, and lately I have been trying to break out of my shell somewhat and express myself. Only the words in my vocabulary just don't quite express the meaning I'm trying to share.
Perhaps my emotions are far to different, or perhaps most people just use words that are "close enough" to how they feel. I'm not sure, but I'd like to find out.
To find within myself the feelings that I have, I try to focus and relax. I tend to fight against feelings, particularly negative ones, and in doing that I restrict my ability to feel emotions fully. My mind will automatically shut off and void out any emotions that I would guard against, and so I find it very difficult to break out of that.
I have been writing down thoughts when I feel them, but it's not a regular thing. I definitely recommend it, because it helps to discover the feeling as it happens, instead of trying to remember it. You might find yourself with a whole new perspective on your own emotions, which may help you to understand yourself. Finding your true emotions is essential when trying to determine your purpose, and that's what I am trying to do.
Follow me on this road, and let me know what thoughts you have. Share with me, and I will share back. Relationships are built based on truth and openness, so here is my statement of openness. Give love, and receive love in return. Life is a wonderful experience, so go out and experience it. Find your inspiration, and follow it. Challenge your walls and restrictions, and push through.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Happy Halloween!!
Halloween to me is a day to dress up in something you wouldn't normally wear. Now, I don't take it to the degree, and dress like a hooker or anything. I'll just throw together a really off the wall outfit.
It's fun, and it doesn't cost me anything because I just use whatever I already have in unusual combinations.
My daughter this year is going as a bride. She is wearing her flower girl dress (which was white or off-white, not sure which) and my veil from when I got married in August and a bundle of pink plastic flowers I got as a Christmas gift from her two years ago.
So cute! I can't wait to post a picture of it.
What are you doing for Halloween? Do you dress up? Do you go out, or do you stay in? Tell me all your gorey secrets (pun intentional).
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
It's fun, and it doesn't cost me anything because I just use whatever I already have in unusual combinations.
My daughter this year is going as a bride. She is wearing her flower girl dress (which was white or off-white, not sure which) and my veil from when I got married in August and a bundle of pink plastic flowers I got as a Christmas gift from her two years ago.
So cute! I can't wait to post a picture of it.
What are you doing for Halloween? Do you dress up? Do you go out, or do you stay in? Tell me all your gorey secrets (pun intentional).
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Link sharing time!
Here are some links I've found over the past week or so that have peaked my interest and I would like to share.
76 Dangers of Sugar - Dr. Mercola uses some big words, but puts it pretty simply despite the large list and long article. Very informational, and all concise.
"I Could Never Give Up..." - Leo put it straight forward and true. Saying you could never just means that you aren't ready to embrace alternatives. Really makes you think.
Stuff No One Told Me - 52 - Straight forward and true.
Digging for Savings - This is different from any secondhand store I've ever seen, and I wish we had outlet's like this where I live!
Waste Free School Lunches - Week One - I like how all the stuff matches and it can be suited to each child.
Compassionate Parenting - Yes it's a subscription website, and they don't spam. They only send their tips, and I have been receiving them for almost 2 weeks now. It's just a quick nice reminder of things to think about when speaking to your child (or anyone, for that matter)
That's all for now.
If you come across any links that you'd like to share, or want me to feature one of your site's posts/articles, send me an e-mail.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
76 Dangers of Sugar - Dr. Mercola uses some big words, but puts it pretty simply despite the large list and long article. Very informational, and all concise.
"I Could Never Give Up..." - Leo put it straight forward and true. Saying you could never just means that you aren't ready to embrace alternatives. Really makes you think.
Stuff No One Told Me - 52 - Straight forward and true.
Digging for Savings - This is different from any secondhand store I've ever seen, and I wish we had outlet's like this where I live!
Waste Free School Lunches - Week One - I like how all the stuff matches and it can be suited to each child.
Compassionate Parenting - Yes it's a subscription website, and they don't spam. They only send their tips, and I have been receiving them for almost 2 weeks now. It's just a quick nice reminder of things to think about when speaking to your child (or anyone, for that matter)
That's all for now.
If you come across any links that you'd like to share, or want me to feature one of your site's posts/articles, send me an e-mail.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Compassionate Parenting: Apply it to everyday life
I was doing a lot of reading yesterday, and came across a few websites and articles about compassionate parenting. Reading through them gives you that "well duh how did I not think of that??" feeling, and to be honest, made me feel like a bad and mean parent.
Not a happy feeling. But then I got to thinking...
If we can be compassionate towards our children, why can't we be compassionate towards one another?
Is it so hard to take a little bit of time out of our day to take notice and care about the feelings and emotions of those around you? Particularly those who you are close to?
When we are upset, we tend to get selfish and self centred and feel that the world is being mean to us. It's not, it's just our emotions playing games, and interpreting things wrong. Try thinking back to the last time you were angry. Take a step back and think about why you felt that way.
Say you had a fight with your significant other about dishes. Was it really about dishes, or was there something else? Were you being defensive because you don't like being argued with? I get that sometimes, I will admit it. I'll get defensive because I don't like being shown why something I've done is wrong.
But that's life. We have to do things wrong sometimes to learn. Learning is the most important we can do as humans, because it advances us and makes us pay attention to what's around.
Can you take a step back while you're upset? Not always. But if you realize after the fact, and discuss it with the person who made you upset, maybe you can find a way to keep it from happening again.
Isn't it worth a little extra effort if it makes everyone's day easier?
I'm going to try. Are you?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Compassionate Parenting series? Click the link for a full list from the series.
Not a happy feeling. But then I got to thinking...
If we can be compassionate towards our children, why can't we be compassionate towards one another?
Is it so hard to take a little bit of time out of our day to take notice and care about the feelings and emotions of those around you? Particularly those who you are close to?
When we are upset, we tend to get selfish and self centred and feel that the world is being mean to us. It's not, it's just our emotions playing games, and interpreting things wrong. Try thinking back to the last time you were angry. Take a step back and think about why you felt that way.
Say you had a fight with your significant other about dishes. Was it really about dishes, or was there something else? Were you being defensive because you don't like being argued with? I get that sometimes, I will admit it. I'll get defensive because I don't like being shown why something I've done is wrong.
But that's life. We have to do things wrong sometimes to learn. Learning is the most important we can do as humans, because it advances us and makes us pay attention to what's around.
Can you take a step back while you're upset? Not always. But if you realize after the fact, and discuss it with the person who made you upset, maybe you can find a way to keep it from happening again.
Isn't it worth a little extra effort if it makes everyone's day easier?
I'm going to try. Are you?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Compassionate Parenting series? Click the link for a full list from the series.
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
Adopting Simplicity: Ask yourself this...
When trying to determine a task/item/pastime/etc...'s priority, as yourself this:
Does it fulfill me in any way? Meaning, does having it around make you feel better, more accomplished, or does it just serve as a status symbol?
Can I enjoy it? Is it something that will get active use, or just sit in a corner/on a shelf/in a closet for months/years?
Why do I have this? Did you buy it because someone else had one, and so you felt that you needed it? Or is it something that you can truly use to benefit yourself somehow?
Ask yourself these simple questions when making choices about anything that takes your time or money. Make sure that when you spend money, you really get your value out of it. If it's something that will go out of style in less than five years, is it really worth your energy now?
Take a breath, and remember that all you can be is all that you want to be. You just need to take the steps to get there. Ensuring that you are not surrounded by things that distract you from your goals is a surefire way to find the energy to push yourself towards them.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from this series:
Step 1
Be Here Now
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth
Does it fulfill me in any way? Meaning, does having it around make you feel better, more accomplished, or does it just serve as a status symbol?
Can I enjoy it? Is it something that will get active use, or just sit in a corner/on a shelf/in a closet for months/years?
Why do I have this? Did you buy it because someone else had one, and so you felt that you needed it? Or is it something that you can truly use to benefit yourself somehow?
Ask yourself these simple questions when making choices about anything that takes your time or money. Make sure that when you spend money, you really get your value out of it. If it's something that will go out of style in less than five years, is it really worth your energy now?
Take a breath, and remember that all you can be is all that you want to be. You just need to take the steps to get there. Ensuring that you are not surrounded by things that distract you from your goals is a surefire way to find the energy to push yourself towards them.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Adopting Simplicity series? Here is a list of the other posts from this series:
Step 1
Be Here Now
I could never...
Three important things per day
Simplify your holidays by adding depth
100 posts!
We interrupt your regularly scheduled posting for a quick milestone post! Monday's musings will resume next Monday.
Yes, that's right. I am making a gratuitous 100th post post! In commemoration of my 100th post, I'm going to post my top 10 favourite posts from my archive. For your enjoyment. Let me know what you think, let me know if you think I left one of your favourite posts out.
Top 10 in no particular order:
1. Youtube, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
2. I received a blog award!
3. Day 6 of 30 - A Stranger... and A Dream??
4. Monday Musing: Happy thoughts
5. Personal revisitation of yoga
6. All Natural Cleaning products... found in your medicine cupboard and baking supplies!
7. My camping experience
8. Day 13 of 30: Someone I wish could forgive me
9. Monday Musing: Automatic negative reactions
10. Wednesday's small step: Recipe sharing
I'm also going to post my top 9 posts based on pageviews (since my stat page only gives me nine). Just for fun :)
1. Idea
2. I received a blog award!
3. Personal cooking experiment
4. Giving hurts sometimes, but it's worth it
5. Wednesday's small step: New pastimes
6.30 Tweets for 30 Peeps Challenge - Day 1
7. My take on Earth Hour
8. Day 9 of 30: Someone I wish I could meet
9. My camping experience
What do you think?
I think I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with this, and expanding my subject matter. I thoroughly enjoy writing, and giving myself more freedom to expand on ideas makes it a lot easier to be inspired.
What inspires you?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Yes, that's right. I am making a gratuitous 100th post post! In commemoration of my 100th post, I'm going to post my top 10 favourite posts from my archive. For your enjoyment. Let me know what you think, let me know if you think I left one of your favourite posts out.
Top 10 in no particular order:
1. Youtube, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
2. I received a blog award!
3. Day 6 of 30 - A Stranger... and A Dream??
4. Monday Musing: Happy thoughts
5. Personal revisitation of yoga
6. All Natural Cleaning products... found in your medicine cupboard and baking supplies!
7. My camping experience
8. Day 13 of 30: Someone I wish could forgive me
9. Monday Musing: Automatic negative reactions
10. Wednesday's small step: Recipe sharing
I'm also going to post my top 9 posts based on pageviews (since my stat page only gives me nine). Just for fun :)
1. Idea
2. I received a blog award!
3. Personal cooking experiment
4. Giving hurts sometimes, but it's worth it
5. Wednesday's small step: New pastimes
6.30 Tweets for 30 Peeps Challenge - Day 1
7. My take on Earth Hour
8. Day 9 of 30: Someone I wish I could meet
9. My camping experience
What do you think?
I think I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with this, and expanding my subject matter. I thoroughly enjoy writing, and giving myself more freedom to expand on ideas makes it a lot easier to be inspired.
What inspires you?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Brown-bag it!
So since I now have a desk job, and come home significantly less stressed every day, brown-bagging my lunch and snacks should be easy. It is a cheap way to eat, and it's also way healthier. Not to mention the fact that it's way easier to avoid as much waste as possible.
Except that I'm running low on ideas. We rarely have leftovers, since we make pretty much enough to feed everyone.
Right now, I take one container (cottage cheese size) of veggies, and one container (same size) of fruit. I have been bring along extra plums, since they're super ripe and we have a whole basket of them to eat. I bring a bagel, or bread, and put peanut butter on it.
It's kind of boring. I need ideas.
Anyone have any quick and easy ideas? I was thinking of possibly making a huge batch of pasta salad to keep in the fridge for quick lunches, since I love pasta salad, but I don't have any good sauce recipes.
Help me out here people! Please!
Thanks in advance!
Simply Me
Except that I'm running low on ideas. We rarely have leftovers, since we make pretty much enough to feed everyone.
Right now, I take one container (cottage cheese size) of veggies, and one container (same size) of fruit. I have been bring along extra plums, since they're super ripe and we have a whole basket of them to eat. I bring a bagel, or bread, and put peanut butter on it.
It's kind of boring. I need ideas.
Anyone have any quick and easy ideas? I was thinking of possibly making a huge batch of pasta salad to keep in the fridge for quick lunches, since I love pasta salad, but I don't have any good sauce recipes.
Help me out here people! Please!
Thanks in advance!
Simply Me
Where to start? Any ideas?
So, in case no one has noticed, I love writing. I love expressing myself, and I love writing down and inventing new ideas. I haven't actually written a short story or a chapter since my ex (expletive) decided to erase my personal folder off the computer approximately 2 and a half years ago, deleting 3 short storys, about 100 poems, and a long novel type story that I had been working on for about 5-6 years.
Now, I'm feeling the writing bug infestation coming back, but I'm stuck with a where. Where do I start? I can't go back to my old style of writing, because I have changed too much. I am happy, and so I can't write the depressing, somber, mopey poems of olde. I have my days where I feel like crying all day, and laying in bed staring at the ceiling. But they are much more infrequent.
So where do I start? I have no ideas, no specific inspiration. I need someone to slap me (figuratively) with an idea. I need a muse, and I need one now!
Love stories get old, and that's most of what I can think of, so if any one of you who passes along here, please leave even just a random sentence (as nonsensical as you'd like!) and it will be used to try to inspire this bug.
Thanks to anyone who leaves a note, if you do, I will personally send you whatever I write with the inspiration you have given me.
Love and serenity,
Simply Me
Now, I'm feeling the writing bug infestation coming back, but I'm stuck with a where. Where do I start? I can't go back to my old style of writing, because I have changed too much. I am happy, and so I can't write the depressing, somber, mopey poems of olde. I have my days where I feel like crying all day, and laying in bed staring at the ceiling. But they are much more infrequent.
So where do I start? I have no ideas, no specific inspiration. I need someone to slap me (figuratively) with an idea. I need a muse, and I need one now!
Love stories get old, and that's most of what I can think of, so if any one of you who passes along here, please leave even just a random sentence (as nonsensical as you'd like!) and it will be used to try to inspire this bug.
Thanks to anyone who leaves a note, if you do, I will personally send you whatever I write with the inspiration you have given me.
Love and serenity,
Simply Me
Day 9 of 30: Someone I wish I could meet
Someone I wish I could meet. There's a whole lot of those. How can I possibly narrow it down? I guess I'll just pick one off the top of my head!
@Gandhi Your quotes inspire and I would love to speak with you to discuss life and everything within. You are the icon of serenity and peacefulness.
Who is your inspiration? Who do you wish you could meet, or talk to, or even just have a single 5 minute conversation with?
Lots of love,
Simply Me
@Gandhi Your quotes inspire and I would love to speak with you to discuss life and everything within. You are the icon of serenity and peacefulness.
Who is your inspiration? Who do you wish you could meet, or talk to, or even just have a single 5 minute conversation with?
Lots of love,
Simply Me
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