A brush with death fosters thankfulness.

This weekend I had a bit of a scare as my dad collapsed in front of me. Since then I’ve been replaying the scenario of what I could’ve and should’ve have done, kicking myself for not having enough sense to pick up on the warning signs, and haunted by ‘if only I had done this and that’ then he wouldn’t have fallen. Unfortunately, this way of thinking can torment us with regret, guilt, and grief. And in the days to come, we may be tempted to overcompensate, control, and protect our loved ones based on fear. The fact is I did what I could under the circumstances I was in without knowing my dad would’ve collapsed. Although he had a brush with death, he seems to be doing okay today. It was a sobering reminder that we can’t completely protect our loved ones from harm – all we can really do is be thankful that we have another day with them.

©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

10 Tips for a Happy Relationship

Here are 10 simple tips that can transform any relationship, not just marriages. If you’re happy at home, chances are you’ll be happier in life and more successful at work. But unfortunately, the pressures, demands, and expectations of everyday can rob you of the joy, love, and peace that you desire in your relationship. So continue to do the little things as they’ll make a big difference down the road, make a conscious choice each day to love them despite your lack of feelings, and never grow tired of showing them how much you care. May these tips bring you closer and stronger together for a brighter and happier future.

©2015 Susie Lee

Love & Loss

In your heartache, don’t be reactionary. Sit with your pain as hard as it may be. You’ll be tempted to get angry with the person who’s caused it. But I say sit with it. Allow yourself to feel the ache and mourn the loss. Your anger will dissipate into sadness and sadness will slip into despair. But again, I say sit with your feelings. These moments will reveal what’s within you and give you the courage to make necessary changes. The pain comes from holding on to what needs to be released. This’ll take time, sometimes years. But this process will strengthen and mature you over time. 

Use this time to comfort yourself – listen to your favourite songs, go to your local cafe, read a good book, call a friend, watch a movie, eat at your favourite restaurant, or simply look up at the stars. Overtime, you’ll remember how much good and beauty there is in the world. And that’ll lighten your heart and lift your spirits. Love yourself immensely and tread gently in the days to come. And my hope is that you’ll be stronger, brighter, and more beautiful after your dark storm passes. 

©2015 Susie Lee

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

Don’t suffer needlessly, take responsibility. 

IMG_2192We don’t have to suffer needlessly with anger, resentment, or sadness in our lives. We have the power to change our feelings at any given moment. One of the ways we can change our feelings is to take responsibility for it. When we begin to take ownership of our feelings; we’ll stop blaming people for how they’re making us feel, we’ll stop taking offence to their behaviour, and we’ll stop fighting for what they’re not giving to us. Blaming others for how we feel will only bring us heartache, sadness, and pain. This sheer act of taking ownership of our feelings will quickly transform our lives, strengthen our relationships, and alter our attitudes. It’ll also give us a peace of mind, security within, and open doors to communication and growth. May strength, grace, and wisdom guide you in this journey.

©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

Love’s a drug & everyone’s a junkie.

junkieWhether you’re single or taken, love affects us all – we need it, give it, and use it. Every one of us has this immeasurable longing to be loved and deep desire to give love to our friends, family, and the world at large. Although love itself cannot be seen it can be visible through our actions towards one another and it can be felt in our hearts beyond words can ever articulate.

Valentine’s Day is for all of us, not just for some. This day is a wonderful reminder of our greatest gift to one another – our capability to give love and to receive love. As we embrace this truth and embody this love in every part of our lives, may we see the transformation within ourselves and in the lives around us. Happy Love Day!

©2015 Susie Lee