How to stay creative

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

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Inspirational to unmotivated

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

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.

Dreams die through procrastination.

kick in the buttLou’s story is heartbreaking yet compelling because I know many of us can relate to him on so many levels – fostering procrastination on a daily basis, mindlessly surfing the internet, being emotionally disconnected, compromising our dreams for financial security, or believing we’ll do it someday. The things we choose to do everyday shapes our world, thinking, and future. That’s why it’s important to be intentional with our time, talent, and energy. Despite our age, it’s never too late (or too early) but neither should we wait.

Take an honest inventory on where you’re at in life and what you want in life, and if those two don’t add up then adjust accordingly. This may mean letting go of toxic relationships or unnecessary tasks that hinders you more than helps you. Focus on what your core values in life are and manage your time according to those values. Go forward with confidence – you have the wisdom and courage to make the necessary changes within you for the life you want. Don’t let your dreams die, make them happen.

©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

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

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

Look within & Live your greatest life.

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10 Inspiring Questions to Ask Yourself.

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Answering these questions honestly can open doors to new possibilities. And making those changes can revolutionize your life. It’s never too late to start over or pick up where you left off. But it is a waste of time regretting what could’ve been when you could be using that time to be proactive towards what you want. No one else can make these changes for you, you must make them on your own.

©2014 Susie Lee

You’re beautiful at every angle.

I hope you have someone in your life that tells you how beautiful you are – to articulate the beauty they see in you, the flickers of greatness they feel from you, and the light that illuminates within you. You’re a unique fingerprint that can’t be replicated in another. Your beauty, your talents, your voice, your personality, your quirks, your memories, and experiences – this is what makes you, you. Maybe if you could see yourself from every angle, you’d realize just how beautiful you are.

©2014 Susie Lee

Know that you are beautiful