A small trickle of water can wear away at a rock until there is a huge crevice becoming deeper by the day. It is for this reason that you should always do what you feel is right. Following your dreams and doing what you believe is right will be difficult in the beginning and will become easier the more you stay true. No matter what your goals or dreams are in life, it is always possible to move towards reaching them. It may seem completely out of reach, but by making conscious decision each and every day to move you in the right direction you bring those goals closer to your grasp with each decision and action you accomplish.
A few ways to keep your head on straight when heading towards your goals are:
- Pick one important action regarding your goal that you will accomplish today. No matter how big or small this action is, as long as it moves you towards your goal it is a good choice. This way you will know that each day when the moon is at its peak that you have done something to stay true to your goals and beliefs that day.
- Reassess your priorities regularly. By this I don't just mean write a list of things that are important to you, I want you to go a step further. Write out or think out why these things are important to you. If you have productivity as a priority, why is it important to you to become more productive? Is it simply because you might be able to make more money or look better to your supervisors, or is it deeper than that? Consider all the aspects, and be sure to follow your heart.
- Find a buddy. Another person who has a similar goal to you, who is working towards the same thing as you, or possibly someone who has attained what it is that you are reaching for. Stay honest with this person and hold them to the same standard. By having someone who is on the same path as you, or who has walked that path previously, you open the lines of communication. You make it easier to follow the path because you won't be walking it alone.
Your dreams can be as big as you can imagine them, and you can still attain them. It takes some work, some patience, and the knowledge that this dream will move you one step closer to self-satisfaction. Every single action you accomplish is an action towards personal success. Only you can measure your personal success, so take the leap and start working towards that dream.
Go one step backwards in that if you aren't ready to take and make big actions. Using just your words and thought, start thinking as if you were following your dream. If your dream is to be a doctor, start learning everything you can about health and related topics. Become an expert, and be able to talk freely and openly about the knowledge you have. If your dream is to become a construction worker, start thinking like one and getting little bits of experience in it by doing your own home repairs and offering to help those you know with their minor repairs.
By thinking positively as though you are following your dream, you are mentally setting yourself up for success. Positive thinking is one important part of being able to feel confident in making life changes, no matter how minor or drastic. Keep the level of optimism above the average no matter who you talk to, they will catch your positivity and carry it with them as well.
Love what you do, and do what you love. At least part of your time in each day should be spent doing something that has real value to you. Find what that is, and follow it. You will never regret it.
Every dream has a reality, have you started making yours?
Showing posts with label positive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label positive. Show all posts
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
Monday Musing: Nostalgia
I experienced my first real bout of nostalgia the other day. It was so unexpected and eye-opening, and it took me by surprise.
I was ripping music from my CD's onto the computer so that I would be able to put them on my iPod or listen to them in random with all my other music. I came across a CD that I hadn't seen since before I was pregnant with my daughter, from back in grade 10. It was from a band that was made up of friends of mine from that year; they had made their own CD and sold it in the high school. I started listening to it, and memories of high school came rushing back to me.
Is nostalgia just wishing for what is past? Can a child experience genuine nostalgia? These are questions that have populated my mind. So I looked it up!
According to Dictionary.com, nostalgia is: a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time.
Based on this definition, surely everyone can experience nostalgia, whether it is for something 50 years past or only one.
Memories are surely a very important thing in life, and they keep us looking forward and back at the same time. Nostalgia can be a negative thing, as much as any form of remembering the past. The key is to not let it take over. Remembering the past can keep you from repeating past mistakes, and help to warn you when there is something unsettling around. But they can’t be allowed to take over the primary part of the brain, because then nothing will move forwards.
Allow yourself to remember things that have passed, and think of them fondly. Remember the good times, and the bad times, and use these memories to move forward in life.
Have you ever experienced nostalgia? Did you feel that it affected you positively or negatively?
Peace and serenity,
Laura
I was ripping music from my CD's onto the computer so that I would be able to put them on my iPod or listen to them in random with all my other music. I came across a CD that I hadn't seen since before I was pregnant with my daughter, from back in grade 10. It was from a band that was made up of friends of mine from that year; they had made their own CD and sold it in the high school. I started listening to it, and memories of high school came rushing back to me.This made me think. Nostalgia is typically something that you experience many years after the instance or time in your life, or so I thought. It always seemed to me that people became nostalgic of things that were over 20 years past, things they could never return to. Maybe my impression of nostalgia was incorrect, but it had worked for me so far.
According to Dictionary.com, nostalgia is: a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time.
Based on this definition, surely everyone can experience nostalgia, whether it is for something 50 years past or only one.
Memories are surely a very important thing in life, and they keep us looking forward and back at the same time. Nostalgia can be a negative thing, as much as any form of remembering the past. The key is to not let it take over. Remembering the past can keep you from repeating past mistakes, and help to warn you when there is something unsettling around. But they can’t be allowed to take over the primary part of the brain, because then nothing will move forwards.
Allow yourself to remember things that have passed, and think of them fondly. Remember the good times, and the bad times, and use these memories to move forward in life.
Have you ever experienced nostalgia? Did you feel that it affected you positively or negatively?
Peace and serenity,
Laura
Productivity and you
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!
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!
Random acts of kindness
What is the simplest way to brighten someone’s day, along with your own? Do something nice for a stranger. Or a friend. Or even the cashier at the grocery store or fast food restaurant that you frequent.
Complete a random act of kindness. These acts, contrary to popular belief, do not require the use of copious amounts of cash, if any. They can be as simple as helping someone carry their bag/books, opening the door for the person walking behind you, or sharing some homemade cookies/treats.
Nothing says ‘I think you’re important’ like a homemade cookie. Bring in an extra dozen and share them with your coworkers.
There isn’t much nicer to me when I’m walking through a building and someone who is going through the door stops and holds it open for me. They don’t know me, they have no real reason to do so, but they do it anyways. Random act of kindness.
To those who receive a random act of kindness, always always always say thank you! It is incredibly rude to not voice appreciation when someone does something nice for you. Whether you asked for it or not is irrelevant, spread the good cheer and thank them.Maybe you’ll even pay it forward! Spread the joy from one person to the next by passing on good deeds to those around you.
Smile at strangers.
If someone drops something, on the sidewalk, bus, road, in a car, etc, tell them. You could even pick it up and hand it to them.
Let others know when they have dirt/food/newspaper smudges/lipstick on their face/teeth, because chances are they don’t know about it!
Think of things that you would like others to do for you, and start doing them for others! Positivity starts within, and so does kindness.
Memories
How do you qualify and quantify your memories? Are they in physical objects, such as photos, knick-knacks, old artwork or books?
Focusing on objects of memorabilia, do they bring back pleasant or happy memories? An object that you have in your home should remind you of happiness or at least bring a smile to your face. If it isn’t, it’s time to figure out why you’re still holding onto it.
Negative Memories
Is it guilt over a failed relationship? We’ve all been there, trying to hold onto a relationship, whether platonic or romantic, that just didn’t work despite everything. Don’t hold onto your pain, tell yourself that it’s alright, and let it go.
Do you feel obligated to hold onto it, because it’s from family or a friend, and you don’t want to (or are afraid to) tell them why it’s gone if they ask? If someone truly cares about you and your emotional wellbeing, they probably won’t notice (unless it’s something big) and if they do, they will surely understand. Take the time to talk to people, if you are getting rid of it, explain why or at least tell them that you are passing it on to the less fortunate by donating it. Very few people take offense to the thought that their gift will be enjoyed by more than one person.
No matter the reason that you hold onto these negative or neutral memories, any memory that you are keeping in the form of a physical object should be cherished and appreciated. The objects in your home should represent the love and happiness that you want to surround you.
If you want to rehash the past because you think it will ease your mind, do it! Don’t spend your time planning words that you won’t say. Start slow and use “I” statements. If you want to do this, start with something more recent and probably less painful. Something that was hurtful or negative that you want to resolve before it starts to fester.
Before you approach the source of the negativity, try to rationalize your thoughts and get them in order. Think through what you want to say and how you want to say it. Sort out your thoughts and emotions and write them down. When your words and thoughts are organized, it will be easier to think clearly and express yourself. Then open with an “I” statement:
Positive Memories
Do you have photos and trinkets around that remind you of positive and happy memories? Sources of good memories can often make or break how you feel about yourself. If you have a lot of reminder of the good things in your life, then when a sadness or depression strikes you will have the power and the tools in your environment to fight it and bounce back easily.
Are there some pieces of memorabilia that you would like to showcase more? Go through what you have out right now and reassess how it makes you feel. Does any of it cause you to feel resentment or frustration? If you have a negative reaction to something you have presented, get rid of it! You don’t deserve to have something in open sight that causes you mental or psychological distress. Surround yourself with the most powerful memories possible and reap the psychological benefits.
Getting rid of weak or negative memories
When going through your possessions, you will likely come across an item that brings back a negative memory. Decide what you are going to do about it. Are you going to hold onto it, or get rid of it? Are you ready to release the memory and the accompanying emotions?
If you plan on keeping it, are you going to put it in the open so that visitors may see it and ask about it, or will you put it away so that you don’t have to look at it? Putting it away will only cause you to push the emotional response from that item down and may cause undue stress, so if you do that I would recommend making a note to yourself to revisit it when you have thought it through and may be in a better position to deal with the item and its accompanying memories.
Having memories surrounding you with good times and pleasant thoughts is always a good thing, but remember to live in the present and not to dwell too much on what has passed. Life is for the living, so remember to experience it while it’s here, and create new happy memories.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Focusing on objects of memorabilia, do they bring back pleasant or happy memories? An object that you have in your home should remind you of happiness or at least bring a smile to your face. If it isn’t, it’s time to figure out why you’re still holding onto it.
Negative Memories
Is it guilt over a failed relationship? We’ve all been there, trying to hold onto a relationship, whether platonic or romantic, that just didn’t work despite everything. Don’t hold onto your pain, tell yourself that it’s alright, and let it go.
Do you feel obligated to hold onto it, because it’s from family or a friend, and you don’t want to (or are afraid to) tell them why it’s gone if they ask? If someone truly cares about you and your emotional wellbeing, they probably won’t notice (unless it’s something big) and if they do, they will surely understand. Take the time to talk to people, if you are getting rid of it, explain why or at least tell them that you are passing it on to the less fortunate by donating it. Very few people take offense to the thought that their gift will be enjoyed by more than one person.
No matter the reason that you hold onto these negative or neutral memories, any memory that you are keeping in the form of a physical object should be cherished and appreciated. The objects in your home should represent the love and happiness that you want to surround you.
If you want to rehash the past because you think it will ease your mind, do it! Don’t spend your time planning words that you won’t say. Start slow and use “I” statements. If you want to do this, start with something more recent and probably less painful. Something that was hurtful or negative that you want to resolve before it starts to fester.
Before you approach the source of the negativity, try to rationalize your thoughts and get them in order. Think through what you want to say and how you want to say it. Sort out your thoughts and emotions and write them down. When your words and thoughts are organized, it will be easier to think clearly and express yourself. Then open with an “I” statement:
- I feel that your words were/are harsh and hurtful
- I didn’t like how you spoke of
Positive Memories
Do you have photos and trinkets around that remind you of positive and happy memories? Sources of good memories can often make or break how you feel about yourself. If you have a lot of reminder of the good things in your life, then when a sadness or depression strikes you will have the power and the tools in your environment to fight it and bounce back easily.
Are there some pieces of memorabilia that you would like to showcase more? Go through what you have out right now and reassess how it makes you feel. Does any of it cause you to feel resentment or frustration? If you have a negative reaction to something you have presented, get rid of it! You don’t deserve to have something in open sight that causes you mental or psychological distress. Surround yourself with the most powerful memories possible and reap the psychological benefits.
Getting rid of weak or negative memories
When going through your possessions, you will likely come across an item that brings back a negative memory. Decide what you are going to do about it. Are you going to hold onto it, or get rid of it? Are you ready to release the memory and the accompanying emotions?
If you plan on keeping it, are you going to put it in the open so that visitors may see it and ask about it, or will you put it away so that you don’t have to look at it? Putting it away will only cause you to push the emotional response from that item down and may cause undue stress, so if you do that I would recommend making a note to yourself to revisit it when you have thought it through and may be in a better position to deal with the item and its accompanying memories.
Having memories surrounding you with good times and pleasant thoughts is always a good thing, but remember to live in the present and not to dwell too much on what has passed. Life is for the living, so remember to experience it while it’s here, and create new happy memories.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Compassionate Parenting: Right vs Wrong vs Who cares?
You are the editor of your thoughts.
Are you choosing thoughts about who is right and who is wrong and spending valuable time and energy analyzing, judging, blaming and criticizing?
This week, focus on you and your child's needs. With this refocus, you can spend your valuable time and energy finding creative strategies to meet those needs.
Quote is from e-mail tips from NonViolentCommunication.com
Can this be used when dealing with any day-to-day interpersonal situation? Absolutely.
Who among us can say that we don't have an underlying, pervasive need to be right? I will openly confess it right now, I often feel that I'm right when discussing pretty much anything, and will sometimes verbally argue with others who I feel are wrong.
But are others truly wrong? Just because I am right, does not automatically make them wrong. There are as many perspectives on a situation as there are people involved or observing the same situation.
So when you find your own defenses firing and the need to fight, take a small breath and try to see it from another perspective. There is almost always a happy medium, and attempting to force your own way can be like trying to move a mountain with your bare hands.
Don't waste your time judging or critisizing when you could be working together towards a peaceful resolution that keeps all parties happy.
You can make that happen. You can change any situation you're put into towards a positive and helpful resolution. All you have to do is try.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Compassionate Parenting series? Click the link for a full list from the series.
Are you choosing thoughts about who is right and who is wrong and spending valuable time and energy analyzing, judging, blaming and criticizing?
This week, focus on you and your child's needs. With this refocus, you can spend your valuable time and energy finding creative strategies to meet those needs.
Quote is from e-mail tips from NonViolentCommunication.com
Can this be used when dealing with any day-to-day interpersonal situation? Absolutely.
Who among us can say that we don't have an underlying, pervasive need to be right? I will openly confess it right now, I often feel that I'm right when discussing pretty much anything, and will sometimes verbally argue with others who I feel are wrong.
But are others truly wrong? Just because I am right, does not automatically make them wrong. There are as many perspectives on a situation as there are people involved or observing the same situation.
So when you find your own defenses firing and the need to fight, take a small breath and try to see it from another perspective. There is almost always a happy medium, and attempting to force your own way can be like trying to move a mountain with your bare hands.
Don't waste your time judging or critisizing when you could be working together towards a peaceful resolution that keeps all parties happy.
You can make that happen. You can change any situation you're put into towards a positive and helpful resolution. All you have to do is try.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Compassionate Parenting series? Click the link for a full list from the series.
Sugar free trial
I've done it before, and I'm doing it again.
Going sugar free. Initial goal is one week. Seven days. Not so terrifying.
The rules: (remember, these are my rules, so if you want to do this yourself, feel free to use your own rules)
-No refined sugar, which means, no sugar in my tea/coffee, no brown sugar on my oatmeal, no sugar in my muffins, etc
-No artificial sweeteners, no Splenda, no aspartame, nothing
-Allowed: natural sugars, such as those in fruits and vegetables.
Started this on Tuesday, but had some bread which had sugar in it, so official start date was Wednesday October 20th.
Why am I doing this? It's a test, a trial so to speak. It makes me have to remember to check labels of foods, and pushes me more towards raw, whole, real foods.
Also, sugar depresses the immune system, it's addictive, along with countless other issues
It's eye opening, and it's inspiring. I love the feeling. I haven't gotten any withdrawal symptoms, which is surprising. But we'll see.
Once I make it to a week, maybe I'll continue and make it to a month.
(Sidenote: I've also stopped eating meat, and significantly cut down my dairy and egg consumption.)
Have you ever tried something new, just temporarily, to see if you could do it and how you would feel?
Do you think I'm crazy and out of my mind for trying something like this?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Going sugar free. Initial goal is one week. Seven days. Not so terrifying.
The rules: (remember, these are my rules, so if you want to do this yourself, feel free to use your own rules)
-No refined sugar, which means, no sugar in my tea/coffee, no brown sugar on my oatmeal, no sugar in my muffins, etc
-No artificial sweeteners, no Splenda, no aspartame, nothing
-Allowed: natural sugars, such as those in fruits and vegetables.
Started this on Tuesday, but had some bread which had sugar in it, so official start date was Wednesday October 20th.
Why am I doing this? It's a test, a trial so to speak. It makes me have to remember to check labels of foods, and pushes me more towards raw, whole, real foods.
Also, sugar depresses the immune system, it's addictive, along with countless other issues
It's eye opening, and it's inspiring. I love the feeling. I haven't gotten any withdrawal symptoms, which is surprising. But we'll see.
Once I make it to a week, maybe I'll continue and make it to a month.
(Sidenote: I've also stopped eating meat, and significantly cut down my dairy and egg consumption.)
Have you ever tried something new, just temporarily, to see if you could do it and how you would feel?
Do you think I'm crazy and out of my mind for trying something like this?
Peace 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
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
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 21 — Someone I judged by my first impression
I may come off as crass, or harsh, or prejudiced right about now, but in this day's topic (someone I judged by my first impression) I'm reading it as someone I judged wrongly by my first impression. Now, I do have someone for this, and I will get to the tweet on that very shortly.
I just want to get off my chest, and out there, that I am very good with first impressions. If I don't like you as a first impression, chances are there is a good reason for it. I have incredible intuition, and it has saved me from much misfortune through the years just by listening to my gut instinct of certain people.
When I come across someone that I instantly do not like, it's not their clothes, or their skin colour/religion/race/etc that puts me off. It's something non-verbal and not obviously visible. It'll be the way they stand, the way that they talk to others, their eyes. Eyes are very easily read, by someone paying attention, and they give me a lot of information. If I get the bad feeling from someone, I may still be friendly, I will certainly try to be, but there will be no trust and no reliability from them.
Every now and then, I'm wrong, and it will change within a day if I realize that it was a mis-reading.
So, with that off my chest, onwards:
@NewGuyAtWork The first second I saw you, I took you for a dumb Neanderthal high school kid who didn't give a shit. I'm sorry. You're awesome. <3
This person never knew that there was a moment that I didn't like him. Or that I dreaded the thought of having to train him. One hour of sitting with him, chatting, and everything changed. Now we are friends, and I don't regret it. Always good to see that first impressions are not always right.
Love, openness, and peace,
Simply Me
I just want to get off my chest, and out there, that I am very good with first impressions. If I don't like you as a first impression, chances are there is a good reason for it. I have incredible intuition, and it has saved me from much misfortune through the years just by listening to my gut instinct of certain people.
When I come across someone that I instantly do not like, it's not their clothes, or their skin colour/religion/race/etc that puts me off. It's something non-verbal and not obviously visible. It'll be the way they stand, the way that they talk to others, their eyes. Eyes are very easily read, by someone paying attention, and they give me a lot of information. If I get the bad feeling from someone, I may still be friendly, I will certainly try to be, but there will be no trust and no reliability from them.
Every now and then, I'm wrong, and it will change within a day if I realize that it was a mis-reading.
So, with that off my chest, onwards:
@NewGuyAtWork The first second I saw you, I took you for a dumb Neanderthal high school kid who didn't give a shit. I'm sorry. You're awesome. <3
This person never knew that there was a moment that I didn't like him. Or that I dreaded the thought of having to train him. One hour of sitting with him, chatting, and everything changed. Now we are friends, and I don't regret it. Always good to see that first impressions are not always right.
Love, openness, and peace,
Simply Me
Day 20: The one who broke my heart the hardest ALSO...
Wow, talk about a depressing topic there... Heart breaking... Lucky me I haven't had too much of that.
I will go with someone I was friends with (very good friends, we'd hang out almost everyday at school.) that I dated for just over 2 weeks.
That seems lame, heart broken after 2 weeks, you'd think that'd be like a gust of wind.
But in that 2 weeks, we were very close, and I thought we were happy.
Then we got intimate, and I got dumped on Christmas Day. That night was the first night I cried myself to sleep.
So, DC, this tweet is for you.
@DC You broke my heart and stepped all over it. Now you think we can be friends? Good luck. Please leave me alone and find someone else to hurt.
ALSO!!!
Happy news!!!
I got a new job! I will be working for the federal government in a temporary position. I know, temporary, seems so lame and insecure. But it's through a very good placement agency (run by the government to fill spots that need someone for a spot like maternity leave, back to school, etc) and as long as I show up and I work productively (no issue there) I will keep getting new contracts!
Happy days!!
I start next Monday (the 27th) and I'm counting the days!
And, as always,
Happiness and peace,
Simply Me
I will go with someone I was friends with (very good friends, we'd hang out almost everyday at school.) that I dated for just over 2 weeks.
That seems lame, heart broken after 2 weeks, you'd think that'd be like a gust of wind.
But in that 2 weeks, we were very close, and I thought we were happy.
Then we got intimate, and I got dumped on Christmas Day. That night was the first night I cried myself to sleep.
So, DC, this tweet is for you.
@DC You broke my heart and stepped all over it. Now you think we can be friends? Good luck. Please leave me alone and find someone else to hurt.
ALSO!!!
Happy news!!!
I got a new job! I will be working for the federal government in a temporary position. I know, temporary, seems so lame and insecure. But it's through a very good placement agency (run by the government to fill spots that need someone for a spot like maternity leave, back to school, etc) and as long as I show up and I work productively (no issue there) I will keep getting new contracts!
Happy days!!
I start next Monday (the 27th) and I'm counting the days!
And, as always,
Happiness and peace,
Simply Me
Day 13 of 30: Someone I wish could forgive me
With 8 days til the wedding, things are getting a little stressed out around here! I think that everything is pretty much done, but every time I think that, something new comes up.
With that, today's tweet is to someone I wish could forgive me. Now, this one kind of goes with yesterday's post because it happens to be to my daughter.
@EmiBear You may not remember it, but I'm sorry. I'm sorry it happened, and I'm sorry I didnt notice it sooner. I hope you can forgive me, I love you
Some things in life are just hard to accept, and looking in the mirror only gets harder when my little girl does something or says something that reminds me of what happened to her. Nothing to severe, not like you hear about on TV. But bad enough for me. I wish every day that I had opened my eyes sooner, and left that *expletive* years before I did.
But the past is the past, and thankfully for the most part she seems to have recovered. She was top of her class in senior kindergarten, and I'm sure she'll be up there this school year. She is happy, smiling, intelligent (sometimes too much so). I love her dearly, and every day I pray and hope and wish that she turns out to be normal. So far so good.
Positivity and love spread across the globe,
Simply Me
With that, today's tweet is to someone I wish could forgive me. Now, this one kind of goes with yesterday's post because it happens to be to my daughter.
@EmiBear You may not remember it, but I'm sorry. I'm sorry it happened, and I'm sorry I didnt notice it sooner. I hope you can forgive me, I love you
Some things in life are just hard to accept, and looking in the mirror only gets harder when my little girl does something or says something that reminds me of what happened to her. Nothing to severe, not like you hear about on TV. But bad enough for me. I wish every day that I had opened my eyes sooner, and left that *expletive* years before I did.
But the past is the past, and thankfully for the most part she seems to have recovered. She was top of her class in senior kindergarten, and I'm sure she'll be up there this school year. She is happy, smiling, intelligent (sometimes too much so). I love her dearly, and every day I pray and hope and wish that she turns out to be normal. So far so good.
Positivity and love spread across the globe,
Simply Me
Day 12 of 30: The person I hate the most/caused me a lot of pain
So I guess there's no way to be positive about this one. The person who caused me a lot of pain would be my most recent ex.
He treated our daughter like she was no one, neglected her and underfed her. I didn't know until after we split, and it haunts me to this day. It has been 2 years, and it still hurts to think about.
So here:
@FuckFace You ruined my life, and I have no respect for you. You are a waste of air, time, space, and life. You don't deserve anything you have.
Onwards to positivity, I am happy now and so is my daughter. She has been adopted by my fiancee, and she has been thriving since. We have lots of love and joy in our lives, and I wouldn't look back to change it for the world.
Love always,
Simply Me
He treated our daughter like she was no one, neglected her and underfed her. I didn't know until after we split, and it haunts me to this day. It has been 2 years, and it still hurts to think about.
So here:
@FuckFace You ruined my life, and I have no respect for you. You are a waste of air, time, space, and life. You don't deserve anything you have.
Onwards to positivity, I am happy now and so is my daughter. She has been adopted by my fiancee, and she has been thriving since. We have lots of love and joy in our lives, and I wouldn't look back to change it for the world.
Love always,
Simply Me
7 different ways to use salt
So, like I said, I love finding fun new information on the internet.
Found on AboutMyPlanet.com, a list of new ways to use salt. Regular table salt.
Check out the full list here.
I love that these tips and ideas are actually practical, and use an everyday household item.
Let me know if you have tried any of these, and how they work! I am interested in seeing different peoples opinions of these uses.
Lots of love,
Simply Me
Found on AboutMyPlanet.com, a list of new ways to use salt. Regular table salt.
Fantastic!
Check out the full list here.
I love that these tips and ideas are actually practical, and use an everyday household item.
Let me know if you have tried any of these, and how they work! I am interested in seeing different peoples opinions of these uses.
Lots of love,
Simply Me
I received a blog award!
Anyways, the rules of blog awards, or something, state that I have to feed you guys 7 fun, unique, or at least somewhat interesting facts about myself. That you may or may not know. Sooo... here goes:
1. I am absolutely petrified of pretty much anything with more than 4 legs. So insects, spiders, scorpions, etc. All the tiny things in life. Snakes, however, with no legs, are not a problem. I love them.
2. I love animals, and would love to own a big house with lots of animals in it eventually. Kind of like a crazy cat lady, but not just cats. Want to keep my crazy options open. Maybe I'll be the crazy hampster lady?
3. Reading is something I've always loved, even though I read too fast and almost always have to read a book twice to understand it.
4. I'm a big nerd at heart, I love learning new things, playing on the computer, and playing video games.
5. Kind of a segway off the last one, I'm not an especially social person. I like spending time with people, I'm not a hermit or anything, but I really enjoy sitting down by myself and just relaxing, knitting, listening to music, watching tv, etc.
6. I have a 6 year old daughter, who is the cutest thing ever, that changed my life. I was 17 when I had her, and I wouldn't take it back. I love her very much, and I don't feel that I've missed out on anything because of her.
7. Last but not least, in case anyone hasn't picked up on it, I'm a lesbian. I'm getting married at the end of this month (August 31st!!) to the best, most wonderful, most supportive woman I've ever met.
Now, onto the 9 blogs I think deserve this award:
Rob Johnson from Rob's World
Annah from Red Means Go
Deanna Duke from Crunchy Chicken
Tamara from Quest for Happiness
Lisa from Condo Blues
Beth Terry from Fake Plastic Fish
Mark and Melanie from No New Plastic
PrettyPrincessXo from I wish I was a Disney Princess
Amanda Lynne from 20 Something and Loving It?
They all rock for different reasons, and you should totally check them all out.
Peace, love, and happiness to everyone
Simply Me
Day 8 of 30: Favourite Internet Friend ... AND fun new ways to reuse old coffee grounds!
So today's Challenge Tweet is to be directed at a favourite internet friend. This may sound surprising, but I actually don't have many internet friends. I have people who's blog I follow, or people who I talk to primarily over the internet, but no one who I can honestly say that I met online and only (or primarily) talk to online. So I'm going to send this tweet out to Crunchy Chicken, who despite being a mother and wife, and having a job, manages to keep the rest of her viewers and readers entertained. Myself included.
@CrunchyChicken You are an inspiration and a fantastic person. You reach out to people you have never met, both to support them and be supported. You rock!
And for today, a fun little link for new ways to reuse coffee grounds!
We've all heard of throwing them in your compost, or sprinkling them in your garden to help keep pests away and fertilize them. Well, here at Simply Green, I am passing on a new list which piqued my interest.
Some of the fresh ideas are: skin exfolliant! (fabulous!) furniture scratch fix! (who doesn't need that when you have pets?) and deodorizer! (for your fridge, skin, shoes, anything!)
So if you like to reuse stuff, and love your coffee, click the photo caption above and read up on The Good Human's top 16 ways to reuse coffee grounds.
Lots of love, all,
Simply Me
@CrunchyChicken You are an inspiration and a fantastic person. You reach out to people you have never met, both to support them and be supported. You rock!
 |
| Click HERE! |
And for today, a fun little link for new ways to reuse coffee grounds!
We've all heard of throwing them in your compost, or sprinkling them in your garden to help keep pests away and fertilize them. Well, here at Simply Green, I am passing on a new list which piqued my interest.
Some of the fresh ideas are: skin exfolliant! (fabulous!) furniture scratch fix! (who doesn't need that when you have pets?) and deodorizer! (for your fridge, skin, shoes, anything!)
So if you like to reuse stuff, and love your coffee, click the photo caption above and read up on The Good Human's top 16 ways to reuse coffee grounds.
Lots of love, all,
Simply Me
Monday Musing: Happy thoughts
Sometime this past weekend, the issue of labeling others as "gay-haters" (in this particular incident) simply because they did not do what was wanted of them came across to me as it's own form of discrimination. How can people of a minority (gays, coloured people, blind/deaf, etc) base the opinions of others on something so small? How can one say that they don't treat everyone like that, and the person of minority is assuming that it's simply with them that there is a problem?
Discrimination takes many forms, you need to think positively to affect positive change. If you automatically assume that whoever has done you a wrong is discriminating against you, then you are discriminating against yourself, because it means that you feel that something about you is worthy of being treated as less.
Take charge, tell yourself that there is nothing wrong with you. Because there isn't. You are all beautiful, wonderful, perfectly unique people. And people are not all the same. So rejoice in your differences, for they make you, you.
Peace and love,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Monday Musing series? Here is a list of the other posts from this series:
Gardens
Automatic negative reactions
Thanksgiving
Sustainable eating
Contentment
Crutch or Reason?
Discrimination takes many forms, you need to think positively to affect positive change. If you automatically assume that whoever has done you a wrong is discriminating against you, then you are discriminating against yourself, because it means that you feel that something about you is worthy of being treated as less.
Take charge, tell yourself that there is nothing wrong with you. Because there isn't. You are all beautiful, wonderful, perfectly unique people. And people are not all the same. So rejoice in your differences, for they make you, you.
Peace and love,
Simply Me
Enjoy my Monday Musing series? Here is a list of the other posts from this series:
Gardens
Automatic negative reactions
Thanksgiving
Sustainable eating
Contentment
Crutch or Reason?
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