This week, despite the freezing temperatures and white fluffy snow, our step is to go outside! That’s right, outside; where the snow is (at least where I live!) and the wind and everything.
Why? Well, quite simply because it is beautiful and it is good for you. The fresh air is good for you and the cold air will help wake you up out of the demi-hibernation mode that just about every living thing goes into during the winter months.
The sunlight, despite the fact that the rays are not direct enough to cause a Vitamin D reaction in your skin, will make you feel better immediately. The crisp air will open your airways and fill your blood with fresh oxygen.
Taking this time for yourself will not only make you feel better, but it will help you to appreciate the world around you better. It will also help stave off cabin fever, which occurs in notoriously high amount during cold and miserable weather.
The time you spend outside doesn’t even have to be long. Five to ten minutes is what I would recommend as the minimum, longer is even better as long as you are dressed for the weather. Recommended time to stay out, in my opinion, is around half an hour. Give your lungs and body a chance to acclimate to the weather outside a bit and get comfortable. Reap the benefits of fresh and beautiful air.
No matter what the season is, taking time to get outside and enjoy the air and environment around you is beneficial. It gets you up and moving, you will get some fresh air, and you become more aware of your surroundings.
So take a few minutes to step outside and enjoy the world around you. Get outside!
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Showing posts with label small step. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small step. Show all posts
Want a healthy glow, even in the winter?
There is a new study published December 24, 2010 that indicates that healthy looking skin can be influenced heavily by a nutrient found in colourful fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are nutrients that are known for being found in carrots and are fantastic antioxidants.
Not only are they very effective antioxidants, but it turns out that they can give you a healthier looking skin tone, which many Caucasians (myself included!) suffer from a lack of in the winter. The lack of strong enough UV to produce a skin reaction and suntan causes many pale people (again, I’m as pale as you can get without having a pigmentation deficiency) to run to the drug stores to buy up some self-tanning lotion.
Instead of spending your money on these expensive and often non-functioning lotions, we can now opt instead to purchase colourful fruits and vegetables to give us a healthy glow that will go along with a healthier body.
A list of foods with carotenoids can be found at nutrientreference.com
The abstract of this study can be found at ehbonline.org.
Not only does this study show that carotenoids bring about a healthy glow in your skin, but it indicates that a large portion of individuals actually prefer the glow that comes from these nutrients as opposed to the glow from obtaining a suntan. Figure that out!
I can say that I will be keeping my eyes peeled for these foods more now that I had previously. Not only is it a healthy nutrient to consume, but it improves your skin tone. It doesn’t cost you anything extra aside from adding a little bit to your grocery bill, so that makes it a more believable source immediately.
So if you think your skin is looking a little bit pasty in the winter, take a trip to the grocery store and pick up some delicious fresh and colourful vegetables and fruit. Your skin will thank you, your digestive system will thank you, and your health in general will thank you!
(source: NaturalNews.com)
Not only are they very effective antioxidants, but it turns out that they can give you a healthier looking skin tone, which many Caucasians (myself included!) suffer from a lack of in the winter. The lack of strong enough UV to produce a skin reaction and suntan causes many pale people (again, I’m as pale as you can get without having a pigmentation deficiency) to run to the drug stores to buy up some self-tanning lotion.
Instead of spending your money on these expensive and often non-functioning lotions, we can now opt instead to purchase colourful fruits and vegetables to give us a healthy glow that will go along with a healthier body.
A list of foods with carotenoids can be found at nutrientreference.com
The abstract of this study can be found at ehbonline.org.
Not only does this study show that carotenoids bring about a healthy glow in your skin, but it indicates that a large portion of individuals actually prefer the glow that comes from these nutrients as opposed to the glow from obtaining a suntan. Figure that out!
I can say that I will be keeping my eyes peeled for these foods more now that I had previously. Not only is it a healthy nutrient to consume, but it improves your skin tone. It doesn’t cost you anything extra aside from adding a little bit to your grocery bill, so that makes it a more believable source immediately.
So if you think your skin is looking a little bit pasty in the winter, take a trip to the grocery store and pick up some delicious fresh and colourful vegetables and fruit. Your skin will thank you, your digestive system will thank you, and your health in general will thank you!
(source: NaturalNews.com)
Wednesday's Small Steps: Weekly 'Earth Hours'
Everybody heard of Earth Hour? It’s the last Saturday in March where the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) organizes and sets up a time (8:30pm) where everybody who wants to participate turns off their lights for one hour.
Seems pointless, right? This is one example of small changes adding up to big effects. The first year it ran, it was in Sydney, Australia and approximately 2.2 million residents turned off all non-essential lights. Fast forward to March of 2010, and over 120 different countries participated with a minimum of 100 million people having participated. 90 million of them were in the US alone. Large and well-known structures are taking place in turning out their lights, including Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sydney Opera house to name a few.
If you’re still sitting there thinking it’s only one hour, once a year, take the next step. Pledge to participate in a weekly ‘Earth Hour’ and turn out the lights for one hour once a week. Give yourself some family time or alone time, and enjoy the natural light of candles or sunlight. Go for a walk, play some board games, read a book, or tell scary stories.
Each week set aside one hour where you will turn off all electronics and focus on real life. Turn off the cell phone, log off the computer, and unplug the television. Spend time with your family, friends, or with yourself. Let your mind flow where it wants to flow without restricting it. Allow yourself to try new things and to do things outside of your routine. Enjoy the freedom.
Small steps will save the world. All it takes is one step in the right direction. Enjoy your time, save energy, just once a week.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Seems pointless, right? This is one example of small changes adding up to big effects. The first year it ran, it was in Sydney, Australia and approximately 2.2 million residents turned off all non-essential lights. Fast forward to March of 2010, and over 120 different countries participated with a minimum of 100 million people having participated. 90 million of them were in the US alone. Large and well-known structures are taking place in turning out their lights, including Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sydney Opera house to name a few.
If you’re still sitting there thinking it’s only one hour, once a year, take the next step. Pledge to participate in a weekly ‘Earth Hour’ and turn out the lights for one hour once a week. Give yourself some family time or alone time, and enjoy the natural light of candles or sunlight. Go for a walk, play some board games, read a book, or tell scary stories.
Each week set aside one hour where you will turn off all electronics and focus on real life. Turn off the cell phone, log off the computer, and unplug the television. Spend time with your family, friends, or with yourself. Let your mind flow where it wants to flow without restricting it. Allow yourself to try new things and to do things outside of your routine. Enjoy the freedom.
Small steps will save the world. All it takes is one step in the right direction. Enjoy your time, save energy, just once a week.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Looking forward to 2011 – Goal #2
For now, I will be creating only two goals for the new year, with smaller goals popping up periodically.
My second goal for 2011 will be:
Make one small change per month towards a greener or simpler lifestyle.
This will be easy enough to track, and I will definitely be making updates at least once per month. I will be working on deciding which changes to make as the times progresses.
For January, my small change will be:
Spend less than 200$ on eating out/entertainment that is fallen back on for laziness sake.
M and I, as bad as it is, tend to fall back on eating out when we’ve had long days, and it usually isn’t particularly healthy food we choose either. Vacations will be different, not that I foresee making a ton of those in the next few months, but they are no excuse to go all out.
We also have a tendency to buy movies and video games that attract our eyes, despite having more than enough to watch/play that haven’t even been touched yet.
Small changes are the easiest to make, and they also provide the doorway towards larger jumps. Moving towards a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle is a long-term goal for me, and each step will take me closer to that ideal lifestyle I’m looking for.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
My second goal for 2011 will be:
Make one small change per month towards a greener or simpler lifestyle.
This will be easy enough to track, and I will definitely be making updates at least once per month. I will be working on deciding which changes to make as the times progresses.
For January, my small change will be:
Spend less than 200$ on eating out/entertainment that is fallen back on for laziness sake.
M and I, as bad as it is, tend to fall back on eating out when we’ve had long days, and it usually isn’t particularly healthy food we choose either. Vacations will be different, not that I foresee making a ton of those in the next few months, but they are no excuse to go all out.
We also have a tendency to buy movies and video games that attract our eyes, despite having more than enough to watch/play that haven’t even been touched yet.
Small changes are the easiest to make, and they also provide the doorway towards larger jumps. Moving towards a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle is a long-term goal for me, and each step will take me closer to that ideal lifestyle I’m looking for.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
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.
Guest Post: Seven Steps toward Greener Pets
In a first for Simply Green, we have a wonderful guest post from Jean Dion, a wonderful pet and animal lover who cares about the environment and compassion towards other living things. She loves animals and writing (much like me!) and has offered very sweetly to contribute this very insightful piece to those of you who enjoy reading my posts. So enjoy, let me know what you think, and if you love animals pop on over to her site and read her very helpful and insightful posts.
Having companion animals can be hard on the environment. Taking a few simple steps can help you reduce the impact of your pets.
All of the topics above were covered in more detail on my blog: dionjean.blogspot.com
Please visit to learn more about how to green up your pets, and to read the day's musings.
A big thank you to Jean Dion for this post, and I hope that the pet owners out there find it helpful! I personally have two pets and they are very near and dear to my heart. I appreciate that each person's opinion and method of caring for their pets in a responsible manner is their own to make, and I hope that these tips are helpful to those who are looking for more information.
If you want more information on homemade pet food, check out Beth Terry's method of making her own cat food with barely any plastic waste.
Of course, reduction may be more important to you in the reference of poop bags. If this is the case, reuse the bags you have or that your family may have collected. You can be sure that people without pets tend to hoard produce bags, bread bags, etc simply because they feel bad throwing them out. If you ask for them for your dog, I would say at least 90% of them would give them to you without blinking.
If you are trying to cut down on your clay consumption (cat litter) and don't want to contribute to non-nutritious forms of corn consumption (corn based cat litter) you could always try potty training your cat, like Mark and Melanie of NoNewPlastic.com
Have any other tips, tricks or ideas on keeping the planet healthy while enjoying the company of pets? Feel free to share them here, or if you don't want your words made public send me an e-mail (or click the Contact Me tab).
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Having companion animals can be hard on the environment. Taking a few simple steps can help you reduce the impact of your pets.
- Reduce your passive energy consumption. Look around your home for items you keep plugged in for your animals. I have removed an automatic scooping litter box, a kitty water fountain and an automatic pet feeder from the grid at my house. This means I must wash the pet dishes and clean out the cat box every day, and remember to feed my pets at the same time each day, but I have also reduced my drain on the grid.
- Spay and neuter your pets. Consider the number of animals that are euthanized every day at animal shelters or given away on Craigslist, Kijiji or even local newspaper classifieds. Most of these animals are adults, thrown away when they were no longer cute and cuddly babies. You can reduce this waste and cut down on pet overpopulation by making sure your own pets do not reproduce.
- Purchase environmentally friendly cat litter. Many commercial cat litters are made with sodium bentonite, which is harvested in disastrous ways. You can read more here. I have recently switched my cats to World's Best Cat Litter, made of corn. My cats are still transitioning to this cat litter, and it is a bit of a struggle, but the benefits are well worth the work.
- Purchase biodegradable pickup bags for your dog. It's always bothered me to see people placing a biodegradable substance (poop) in a perfect, plastic coffin. Biodegradable bags solve that problem. You can buy them here.
- Put a bell on your cats, if they go outside. Cats left outside can decimate local bird populations, and cats will kill birds regardless of the food you leave out for them. If it is at all possible, leave your cats indoors. (I do not advocate a cat-inside-only existence only because doing so would be hypocritical. I have three feral outdoor-only cats.)
- Purchase durable dog toys. Most dogs, if given half the chance, will rip the heads and arms right off a toy in order to get to the poly filling. Many owners will then toss these toys right in the landfill. Before buying a toy, try to pull it apart yourself. If your dog is a power chewer, only allow him to play with the toy for a short period of time before you remove the toy. My pug, Liam, loves to destroy toys. I repair them. This explains why his toys all look like mutants.
- Research your pet food. Look for food produced locally, to help cut down on energy costs used in shipping food. If at all possible, make your own food using local, organic ingredients. Do your research and consult with your veterinarian before taking this course, naturally.
Please visit to learn more about how to green up your pets, and to read the day's musings.
A big thank you to Jean Dion for this post, and I hope that the pet owners out there find it helpful! I personally have two pets and they are very near and dear to my heart. I appreciate that each person's opinion and method of caring for their pets in a responsible manner is their own to make, and I hope that these tips are helpful to those who are looking for more information.
If you want more information on homemade pet food, check out Beth Terry's method of making her own cat food with barely any plastic waste.
Of course, reduction may be more important to you in the reference of poop bags. If this is the case, reuse the bags you have or that your family may have collected. You can be sure that people without pets tend to hoard produce bags, bread bags, etc simply because they feel bad throwing them out. If you ask for them for your dog, I would say at least 90% of them would give them to you without blinking.
If you are trying to cut down on your clay consumption (cat litter) and don't want to contribute to non-nutritious forms of corn consumption (corn based cat litter) you could always try potty training your cat, like Mark and Melanie of NoNewPlastic.com
Have any other tips, tricks or ideas on keeping the planet healthy while enjoying the company of pets? Feel free to share them here, or if you don't want your words made public send me an e-mail (or click the Contact Me tab).
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Wednesday's Small Step: Turn the lights out!
Small steps are small steps.
Maybe you already turn the lights out when you're not in a room, or maybe you don't. Either way, even if you use CFLs or halogens, you should try to avoid using electricity or energy to power something that's not in use.
I admit, even I leave lights on sometimes when I'm not in the room, and honestly my excuse is weak. I don't like the dark, so I'll leave the hallway light on if I'm home alone or just with my daughter. It makes me feel safer, even though it really doesn't change how safe I am.
But I try to ensure that I have the least amount of lights on as possible.
Also, due to my mood disorder, I have a hard time staying awake in the morning when there's no lights on. Which may be a slightly more realistic excuse, but it's still an excuse.
What about when you're watching a movie? Do you leave the lights on, or do you let the TV bask you in the special effects and acting wonder (or horror) that is in front of you?
What are your views on having lights on when you're not in the room?
Do you give yourself excuses sometimes, like I do? Or do you just suck it up and turn it out anyways?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Sidenote: great minds think alike! check out liverenewed.com 's article on shutting out your lights as well! just found it today. simple steps and small drops make big staircases conquered and buckets overflow. peace and love
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Maybe you already turn the lights out when you're not in a room, or maybe you don't. Either way, even if you use CFLs or halogens, you should try to avoid using electricity or energy to power something that's not in use.
I admit, even I leave lights on sometimes when I'm not in the room, and honestly my excuse is weak. I don't like the dark, so I'll leave the hallway light on if I'm home alone or just with my daughter. It makes me feel safer, even though it really doesn't change how safe I am.
But I try to ensure that I have the least amount of lights on as possible.
Also, due to my mood disorder, I have a hard time staying awake in the morning when there's no lights on. Which may be a slightly more realistic excuse, but it's still an excuse.
What about when you're watching a movie? Do you leave the lights on, or do you let the TV bask you in the special effects and acting wonder (or horror) that is in front of you?
What are your views on having lights on when you're not in the room?
Do you give yourself excuses sometimes, like I do? Or do you just suck it up and turn it out anyways?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Sidenote: great minds think alike! check out liverenewed.com 's article on shutting out your lights as well! just found it today. simple steps and small drops make big staircases conquered and buckets overflow. peace and love
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
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
Wednesday's Small Step: Just be write about it!
Today we're going to take a step in a slightly different direction. Slightly.
This week's small step is: Write it down!
Does that seem odd? It shouldn't. Writing things down is a very good way to remind yourself of anything.
See a sale? Write it down.
Find a recipe? Write it down.
Overhear something that interests you? Write it down.
Catching on? It's a very good way to remind yourself and keep note of things that you deem important.
Personally, I keep 2 notebooks on me at pretty much all times.
One for creative writing, any ideas come to mind, they go in there.
Second for life writing. So recipes I find that I like, things I think of that relate to real life and not imagination, ideas for what to write here. You get the picture.
Obviously, this didn't start so big. It started with a tiny little spiral bound notebook with the binding along the top. I still have that notebook, I keep track of prices in the grocery stores with it.
So this week, try keeping a small notebook with you, with a pen or pencil.
And write down anything that comes to mind, any idea you might have. Because trusting yourself to remember it, no matter how good your memory actually is, it not a safe bet. Things happen, and urgent needs come up, and ideas just fall by the wayside. Be safe, be cautious, just write it down.
You won't regret it.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
This week's small step is: Write it down!
Does that seem odd? It shouldn't. Writing things down is a very good way to remind yourself of anything.
See a sale? Write it down.
Find a recipe? Write it down.
Overhear something that interests you? Write it down.
Catching on? It's a very good way to remind yourself and keep note of things that you deem important.
Personally, I keep 2 notebooks on me at pretty much all times.
One for creative writing, any ideas come to mind, they go in there.
Second for life writing. So recipes I find that I like, things I think of that relate to real life and not imagination, ideas for what to write here. You get the picture.
Obviously, this didn't start so big. It started with a tiny little spiral bound notebook with the binding along the top. I still have that notebook, I keep track of prices in the grocery stores with it.
So this week, try keeping a small notebook with you, with a pen or pencil.
And write down anything that comes to mind, any idea you might have. Because trusting yourself to remember it, no matter how good your memory actually is, it not a safe bet. Things happen, and urgent needs come up, and ideas just fall by the wayside. Be safe, be cautious, just write it down.
You won't regret it.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
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
Change starts from within
In a world full of opinions and differences, showing those around you the benefits of stepping lightly on the planet without coming across as pushy or over-bearing can be a challenge.
The first, and easiest, way to try to get friends and family to adopt your lifestyle, or one similarly eco-friendly, is to lead by example. If they see you acting one way, they will start thinking, even if it's only subconsciously.
Your friends and family will appreciate you more if you step back and let them come to their own conclusions about their actions. Let them see how you live and the alternatives you take, and they will see that you do not live a deprived lifestyle.
Because being conscious and proactive is not about going without. It's about enlightening your own life and taking the time to see what is around you. It's about deciding what's important to you, and reaching for it.
If you feel that you're better than others because of the choices you make, you may come across as self-important. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time paying attention to people who come across as high and mighty.
Your personal actions can speak volumes. Don't be ashamed of the choices you make, carry that stainless steel water bottle with pride. Bring out the beading/knitting/macrame project your working on into an easily viewed area. You might get some funny looks, but who cares? You should be proud of what you do.
Plus, maybe if you open the lines of communication, you'll find new information and learn new things. You may have a friend who was ashamed to show they're handiwork off until you showed your own pride. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Pride and peace,
Simply Me
The first, and easiest, way to try to get friends and family to adopt your lifestyle, or one similarly eco-friendly, is to lead by example. If they see you acting one way, they will start thinking, even if it's only subconsciously.
Your friends and family will appreciate you more if you step back and let them come to their own conclusions about their actions. Let them see how you live and the alternatives you take, and they will see that you do not live a deprived lifestyle.
Because being conscious and proactive is not about going without. It's about enlightening your own life and taking the time to see what is around you. It's about deciding what's important to you, and reaching for it.
If you feel that you're better than others because of the choices you make, you may come across as self-important. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time paying attention to people who come across as high and mighty.
Your personal actions can speak volumes. Don't be ashamed of the choices you make, carry that stainless steel water bottle with pride. Bring out the beading/knitting/macrame project your working on into an easily viewed area. You might get some funny looks, but who cares? You should be proud of what you do.
Plus, maybe if you open the lines of communication, you'll find new information and learn new things. You may have a friend who was ashamed to show they're handiwork off until you showed your own pride. Be the change you want to see in the world.
Pride and peace,
Simply Me
Wednesday's small step: Recipe sharing
Making your own food, as opposed to eating take-out, is not only better for your health, and your wallet. It's also better for the environment. But sometimes, you need something different. Checking recipe books can be helpful, but if you're just starting out, or you're not sure what to try next, ask a friend!
By asking a person, not only are you opening and improving that relationship, but you are also talking to a real person who has made whatever dish they're telling you about. You'll have someone you can ask questions to, or inquire about alternative ingredients. Portion sizes and what order to cook/prepare everything in.
So once a week, call up someone you have been meaning to get ahold of, and ask them what recipe they'd like to share. And don't make it a one-way street, offer to share your recipes as well.
Creating a network of people you can count on for advice, ideas, suggestions, is always a great way to lessen your footprint.
Friends make life more fun, as well.
So pick up that phone, and call.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
By asking a person, not only are you opening and improving that relationship, but you are also talking to a real person who has made whatever dish they're telling you about. You'll have someone you can ask questions to, or inquire about alternative ingredients. Portion sizes and what order to cook/prepare everything in.
So once a week, call up someone you have been meaning to get ahold of, and ask them what recipe they'd like to share. And don't make it a one-way street, offer to share your recipes as well.
Creating a network of people you can count on for advice, ideas, suggestions, is always a great way to lessen your footprint.
Friends make life more fun, as well.
So pick up that phone, and call.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Wednesday's small step: Read an informative article
It can be related to sustainability, processing, factory conditions, organics, greenwashing, do-it-yourselfing, ingredients, etc.
ANYTHING that you want to know about. Just look up one.
My favourite websites for such informations are:
The Good Human
AboutMyPlanet
Big Green Purse
If you know of more, or want to add to my list (because I'm sure I've forgotten at least one that I peruse) please drop me a line, or leave a comment. I love hearing from you guys!
Also, send me links of your favourite informational articles, I absolutely love reading new things!
Lots of love,
Wednesday's small step: New pastimes
Passing the time, beating boredom, is one of the easiest ways to fall into a trap. A trap where you feel like all you can do is sit on the couch, watch garbage TV, and eat junk food. You fall into the cycle, because you're tired, because you're lazy, but you're also bored.
One thing I've found, boredom can be beaten with minimal effort. Television, computer, or any type of technology is, is not needed for breaking through inertia. All you need to do is think a little bit outside of the box. Remember things that you liked doing when you were younger.
Me, personally, I love being artsy, being creative, and spending time outside. So my 'new' pastimes include knitting (right now, working on a curly scarf kind of like this one) or crocheting (which I'm not so good at, haha). I also enjoy thinking of new ways to use things that I have around the house. Such as a ripped pillowcase. Which I still haven't actually decided what I'm doing with yet, but I'm working on it.
And, on my weekends, when I have all day to do (pretty much) whatever I want, I love to do this. With my closest beach a 10 minute drive away, it's a great way to spend the day, and my daughter loves to swim. The water may not be the cleanest (we tend to get no-swim advisories every other week) but that's what showers were made for. And soap. So we go anyways. Still haven't caught E.coli, so I think we're good.
I also read. Fantasy, murder mystery, romance, non-fiction, anything you put in front of me, I'll read it.
What kinds of things do you do to disconnect yourself from technology, and from boredom, when the TV is calling your name?
Do you try to change it up, and be creative, or do you have tried and true pastimes that have stayed through the years?
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
One thing I've found, boredom can be beaten with minimal effort. Television, computer, or any type of technology is, is not needed for breaking through inertia. All you need to do is think a little bit outside of the box. Remember things that you liked doing when you were younger.
Me, personally, I love being artsy, being creative, and spending time outside. So my 'new' pastimes include knitting (right now, working on a curly scarf kind of like this one) or crocheting (which I'm not so good at, haha). I also enjoy thinking of new ways to use things that I have around the house. Such as a ripped pillowcase. Which I still haven't actually decided what I'm doing with yet, but I'm working on it.
And, on my weekends, when I have all day to do (pretty much) whatever I want, I love to do this. With my closest beach a 10 minute drive away, it's a great way to spend the day, and my daughter loves to swim. The water may not be the cleanest (we tend to get no-swim advisories every other week) but that's what showers were made for. And soap. So we go anyways. Still haven't caught E.coli, so I think we're good.
I also read. Fantasy, murder mystery, romance, non-fiction, anything you put in front of me, I'll read it.
What kinds of things do you do to disconnect yourself from technology, and from boredom, when the TV is calling your name?
Do you try to change it up, and be creative, or do you have tried and true pastimes that have stayed through the years?
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| I love Microsoft Paint! My first handmade blog photo :) |
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
Wednesday's small steps: Online petitions
I love taking small steps, and some easy ones are signing petitions. Not only is it one more name for the cause you sign, it also helps to reassure you that you aren't the only one who wants these things.
My favourite petition sites are:
Care2
Credo Action
Avaaz
So far that's it. Every now and then they send me e-mail notices of new petitions, and you can do searches for whatever subject you'd like to sign on.
Small steps, can have big effects.
Here are the petitions I've signed so far today:
Stop CNN from parroting FOX News' propaganda
Stop stoning, save Sakineh!
Protect Against New Drilling
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
My favourite petition sites are:
Care2
Credo Action
Avaaz
So far that's it. Every now and then they send me e-mail notices of new petitions, and you can do searches for whatever subject you'd like to sign on.
Small steps, can have big effects.
Here are the petitions I've signed so far today:
Stop CNN from parroting FOX News' propaganda
Stop stoning, save Sakineh!
Protect Against New Drilling
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Small Steps series? Let me know what you think below.
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