It’s Friday, and you know what that means right? It’s the weekeeeeend!! Unfortunately, many of us use our weekends to either play catch up or veg out. Instead of taking a mental vacation, why not try these simple steps to reenergize your body, mind, and spirit? Here’s to a fantastic weekend that’ll rev you up for Monday!
©2015 Susie Lee
In my last post, I mentioned that even the happiest of people will have their off-days as they feel unmotivated, uninspired, or are emotionally unavailable. Another area you can shut down in is creativity – the inability to create new ideas, ways to have fun, or problem solve.
Whether you’re a stay home parent or working professional, it’s important to stimulate your mind on a daily basis so you can grow and stay engaged. Sometimes, this may mean stepping away from electronic gadgets, changing up the daily routine, or something simple as trying a new flavour of ice cream. As your creative juices begin to flow back, your mind will be open to new ideas and find creative solutions to problems. You’ll also notice an extra pep in your step and a lighthearted joy in your days. Remember to have fun while being creative. Here are 12 simple ways on how to stay creative:
©2015 Susie Lee
When I was growing up, I didn’t think I had many talents but the one thing I knew I had was the gift of encouragement. I loved cheering people up when they were sad or finding a solution when they had a problem. And since I’m generally easy going and happy-go-lucky, I always had a hopeful and optimistic outlook in life, even in hard times.
The fact is, even the happiest of people will have their off-days as they feel unmotivated, uninspired, or are emotionally unavailable. It’ll seem as though they’ve reached their maximum capacity to give – they can only say so many things, in so many ways, so many times.
If this is you right now, keep on moving – no matter how slow it may be. You may feel like ‘what’s the point?’ because you’ve lost your enthusiasm and zest. But these dry spells are necessary for growth as it prunes the unfruitful branches and turns off the autopilot mode. As with all things, this season will pass. And once it’s completed its work in you, you’ll re-gain your balance and start to bear fruit once again. Until then, keep moving.
©2015 Susie Lee
Etiquette will never go out of style – everyone from all walks of life, race, genre, and age will always appreciate kind gestures. Not only will it make them feel appreciated but these simple and sincere acts will speak volumes into your character, mannerisms, and thoughtfulness. Always make time to show respect through the little things you do for people, it’ll leave a lasting impression long after you’re gone.
©2015 Susie Lee
Being a sports fan in the audience is easy – there’s no risk, pain, or skill required. It’s easy for us to critique and criticize the players from the comforts of our living room or from the stadium seats. We have very little riding except for the victory we expect from the team we’re rooting for. We share in their victory or defeat but there are no rewards, contributions, or sacrifice on our part.
The same applies to the game of life. Our lives weren’t meant to be lived from the sidelines, watching and criticizing others – we need to get out on the field and contribute to the team. We may not think we have much to contribute and we may even feel insecure or insignificant. But I can assure you that each one of us are here to make a difference – to love, create, help, heal, and give beyond ourselves.
We have to get out there and give it our best shot in the game of life! We have to stop worrying about what might go wrong and start thinking about what might go right. Play hard but play fair. The team needs us. Let’s take chances, follow our convictions, and most of all, have fun!
©2015 Susie Lee
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.
All right, it’s no secret that I’m a big procrastinator. Sure I have my sporadic moments of being highly productive but generally, I tend to put things off until last minute – from work projects to getting back to people. Sometimes, I get so overwhelmed thinking about all the stuff I have to do that I just end up taking a nap.
Why do I procrastinate? Maybe it’s because I think I have all the time in the world, there’s other stuff I’d rather be doing, I get easily distracted, (I like to think) I work well under pressure, it’s too challenging, it’s not challenging enough, or I have too much on my plate. From time to time, I ponder about why I procrastinate, which makes me procrastinate even more from the tasks I should be getting done during that time.
Whatever the reason is, procrastinating makes me mentally tired and physically drained because I have the task hanging over my head and in the back of my mind until I get it done. But when it’s finally completed, I feel so much better as if a huge weight has been lifted off of me. And I think, ‘that wasn’t so bad, why didn’t I get it done earlier?’
If you’re like me, this info graph will help you to understand and combat procrastination. …or you can read it later.
©2015 Susie Lee
We must fall in love with our lives, everyday. I know some days will be harder than others but we must train our minds to look for new things to be thankful for or see new ways of looking at things we already have. If you fall out of love, you’ll fall into a rut – just as with all things in life. Fostering gratitude on a daily basis will keep fear, worry, and uncertainty at bay. And soon our minds will begin to see the silver lining in hard times – such as finding daily strength in the midst of illness, being thankful for employment during economical hardship, or witnessing a miracle in a tragic situation. Falling in love with your life doesn’t mean setting off fireworks or tossing the confetti but it should be measured by simplistic joy, new found energy, and a deep satisfaction. Find joy in the things you do, love those who are dearest to you, and give to those who need you. Fall in love and stay in love. Always.
©2015 Susie Lee
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
Don’t do it, don’t do it – don’t second-guess or doubt yourself. Better to take risks than to do nothing at all. Move forward with confidence but take things in strides. Know your worth then surround yourself with people who know it too. Take risks. Have the courage to express the voice within. Work with people who you like and respect. Don’t say yes when you really want to say no. Stop being a people pleaser. Never compromise your values, beliefs, and convictions. Put love before work. Always work on your craft. Find a hobby in the midst of pursuing your dreams. Forgive yourself and others. Lessons learned, no regrets. Foster gratitude everyday. Instead of making assumptions, ask for clarification. Make time for people, especially those who could use a helping hand. Fill your heart with so much love that there’s no room for hatred. If you’re unhappy with some part of your life, change it. Don’t complain. Never ever put yourself down in thought, word, or deed. Replace pride with humility. Be generous with your time, money, and resources because you can’t take it with you once you’re dead. Invest in people through kindness, gentleness, and patience. Always be hopeful, joyful, and thankful.
©2015 Susie Lee
Susie Lee 