Anything worthwhile takes dedication, discipline, & determination.

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Two months ago, I posted an article on how to unveil your 6-pack. Well, since then I’ve increased my physical activity and decreased my candy/chips consumption. And I’ve exhibited impressive self-control whenever I’ve watched friends indulge in mouth-watering treats. But during the two months, I felt as though my bouts of sugar cravings and hunger pains were all in vain as I looked the same, felt the same, and (sigh) weighed the same.

This article isn’t about losing weight but rather not to be discouraged or give up in life. Results take time. The seemingly small choices we make each day will contribute to the greater overall picture. We may not see immediate results now but we will as time goes on: our bodies will feel lighter after months of healthy eating, we’ll run longer distances without huffing and puffing, emotional wounds will slowly heal with each passing day, and relationships will grow stronger through daily sacrifice and love. Anything worthwhile will take dedication, discipline, and determination.

It seems as though time is the answer to everything – to mend, to heal, to grow, and to flourish. And it’s a lesson in developing perseverance, character, strength, and faith within us. So be patient and don’t give up on what you want in life, work, health, and relationships – for only time will tell…

©2015 Susie Lee

PS I hope you’re all having a great summer so far – whatever you’re doing, wherever you are, and however you’re feeling.

Tips for Everyday Exercise

I’ve always been mindful of being proactive through the little things I do; like eating right, sleeping early, being thankful, and moving my body. With the warmer weather here, it’s been a treat to go outside for picnics, walk along the beach, and bike at night. Since I don’t buy a gym pass, I like to exercise through simple and free means like walking to the grocery store, vacuuming the house (which I really dislike), doing the dishes by hand, baking, gardening, or going for a walk after dinner. Although these simple activities will take up a part of our day, it’ll help us to slow down in life and benefit our health in the long run.

©2015 Susie Lee
Tips for everyday exercise

Maximizing your mornings can super-charge your productivity.

Take Back Your Mornings

Keep moving & keep growing.

IMG_2170-0Don’t ever give up. Believe in yourself. Celebrate every small victory. Look back with satisfaction and look forward with hope. Everyday is new opportunity to grow, discover, and learn despite past hurts, regrets, or mistakes. Don’t compare yourself with others as life unfolds for each person in their own time. Drop the ego and practice humility on a daily basis. Don’t be content with what you know, always be a learner. Be kind, especially to those who can’t repay you back. Practice self-control by desiring fewer things. Learn to de-clutter your living space, office space, and especially your mental space. If you’re feeling lost, get back to the basics. It’s okay to start over with life, love, and your dreams.

©2015 Susie Lee

Be brave through life’s battle.

IMG_2047Today, I’ve finally accepted the fact that life isn’t going to be perfect – relationships won’t look happily ever after, best intentions won’t always turn out for the best, life won’t be all figured out, and mistakes will repeat itself. There’s no quick fix or an easy band-aid solution to life’s problems. Sometimes they go away but most times they come back disguised in different forms. Life is both beautiful and painful.

We need to understand that there’ll be some great days and some not so great days. And that’s okay. Instead of trying to get rid of, numb, or ignore our pain, it would be wise to embrace the lessons it wants to bring to us. I know it’ll be painful, even to the point of death. But maybe, just maybe, new life will emerge from the ashes of death – the kind of life that can’t be killed by human hands or life’s circumstance. Be brave through life’s battle; it’s okay to stumble along the way just do your best, be true to who you are, and never give up – there’s beauty waiting for you right around the corner.

©2015 Susie Lee

Be impressive without having to impress.

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Stop trying to please or impress people. Don’t let your self-worth be measured in how many social media friends you have or how many likes you get on a post. Don’t buckle under the weight of rejection or criticism, don’t let mere words crush your unwavering spirit – you’re stronger than that. You’re more than what people say or do to you.

You’re a brilliant beautiful being who can create, inspire, and give. Use your time to explore who you are and discover what you like. Love yourself by letting go of other people’s opinions of you. Impress yourself rather than trying to win the approval of others. Amaze yourself by being true to who you are. Surprise yourself by taking the time to get to know yourself, and I guarantee you’ll be in awe.

©2015 Susie Lee

30 THINGS to start doing to improve your life.

30 things

Every little bit helps.

healthyMaking changes doesn’t always have to be drastic nor will the results always be dramatic. Sometimes it’s the little things we do everyday that make the biggest difference in the end. For example, many people start off the New Year with good intentions of getting back into shape – so they’ll sign up for a gym membership or they’ll try a new diet. But as the weeks and months go by, those intentions may fall to the wayside of busyness, neglect, or discouragement.

I believe making small efforts everyday like choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a simple walk during your break rather than to the gym after work, or having the willpower to say ‘no’ to the cookie will impact your health in the long run. Making changes doesn’t have to be painful it’s simply about making small positive choices everyday. So remember, every little bit will help whether it’s exercising, eating healthy, or being kind to someone.

©2015 Susie Lee

Choose to be present. Everyday.

dadThis is one of the most powerful videos I’ve seen that reflects my sentiments on social media and on our electronic gadgets: Can We Auto-Correct Humanity? by Prince Ea .

The message is clear: We have a choice everyday – let’s make the choice to be present.

©2014 Susie Lee

7-Day Smartphone Detox

I admit having a smart phone is convenient to have and to hold. It captures, receives, sends, entertains, and informs within seconds. It fits in the palm of our hands and nestles in the pockets of our clothes. But I also know how addictive it can be. I challenge us to take this 7-day smartphone detox in order to be more present to life. Overtime, our handheld gadgets will no longer grip our hearts or consume our undivided attention. May this detox help us to be present to those around us and open to the beauty that surrounds us everyday!

©2014 Susie Lee

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