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.

My Musings for Today

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

If you want to do something, you have to do something.

one stepIf you want to lose weight, it starts with the first step. If you want to write a book, it starts with the first page. If you want to do something, you have to do something. There’s no amount of meditation, inspiration, and thinking that’ll help you accomplish your goal if you don’t take action. Stop humming and hawing on how you’re going to do and just start from where you are. Sometimes, overthinking can paralyze you and stump you from moving forward. Go on your first run, and see the domino effect on your mind and body, write that first page and see how the story unfolds. You’re not going to have it all figured out before you start, so you might as well just go for it! Trust the process and enjoy the journey.

©2015 Susie Lee

Maximizing your mornings can super-charge your productivity.

Take Back Your Mornings

Fight for love. 



Offended? Ask for clarification!

IMG_2342Sometimes, it’s easy to misunderstand what people are saying and we can easily get offended by their words – especially from those who are closest to us. But before we judge, condemn, or scold them; it’s wise to ask them for clarification on what they meant rather than assuming the worst. This act alone will clear up any misunderstandings, open doors to effective communication, and save us a lot of heartache. So before we get offended by someone’s words, let’s ask them what they meant in a non-threatening way.

©2015 Susie Lee

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

15 Time Wasters Successful People Avoid.

IMG_2116-0I don’t know about you but I have the tendency to think I have all the time in the world; to complete tasks, fulfill my dreams, and spend time with loved ones. But when we think this way we begin to procrastinate, let opportunities slip through our fingers, and we can become lethargic and lazy. Before we know it, life has passed us by without having much to show for it. Our unfulfilled dreams slowly turn into regrets and we believe it’s too late to make up for lost time.

The bad news is that time does fly but the good news is that we’re in control of how we spend or invest it. First, we need to take an honest inventory on where our time is going. Second, we need to prioritize and ruthlessly cut out things, apps, or people out of our lives. Third, just start – write the first page of that book, turn that blueprint invention into a reality, apply for that dream job. Here are some tips on how we can make the most use of our time, and make the most of our lives:

IMG_2117©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

Envy will rot your heart.

2015/01/img_1966.jpgIt’s almost impossible to be happy for someone when we’re envying him or her. Envy isn’t necessarily about wanting what the other person has but more about our fears and insecurities within, ‘I’m going to get left behind? I’m not good enough? Why not me?’ It’s not about getting something in as much as emphasizing who we aren’t. That’s why it takes an incredible amount of maturity to be genuinely happy for someone while we’re wrestling with our own demons. If we’re not careful, these bitter feelings will poison our thoughts and slowly rot our hearts. Of course, we’d never openly admit we’re envious but if we don’t learn to rise above it, it’ll eat us up from the inside out.

Instead of bashing ourselves for feeling envious, we should use it as an indicator to see what’s going on in our hearts – do we have a lust for fame, desire for recognition, or a sense of entitlement? We can use our pain and heartache as an opportunity to discover, grow, and improve ourselves. Being envious won’t change the situation but it will change us, for the worse. Life’s too short to compare and complain so we might as well have a great attitude and celebrate with those around us.

©2015 Susie Lee