How do we live in a way where we don’t easily get offended? Where our feelings aren’t at the mercy of people’s behavior, actions, or opinions of us? I know it’s hard not to feel insecure when someone accidently overlooks us or intentionally leaves us out. But if we want freedom in this area of our lives, we must begin to know our worth.
So, where do we start? First, we need to stop blaming people for how they’re making us feel. We always have a choice, and we’re responsible for our feelings. Second, we need to look at ourselves. Our reaction is a good indication of what’s already going on inside of us – perhaps we still have childhood wounds or dealing with low self-esteem. Lastly, we don’t want to base our self worth on people, possessions, or position because they’re circumstantial and therefore can be taken away from us at any moment. Our self worth needs to come from who we are as a person – inner strength, quality of character, quiet confidence, and a nurturing self-love. Once we begin to love and accept ourselves we’ll become immune to outside influences.
Once we discover our true worth, we can live without being offended.
©2015 Susie Lee
It doesn’t take much for us to be happy in life. And often, it won’t even cost us any money. Here are 10 signs that you’re a truly happy person and if you’re not, here are 10 simple things to start adding to your day:
©2015 Susie Lee
More often than not, we’d rather run away from our pain, problem, or hurt than to face it head on. But I believe a lesson never goes away until we learn what they’re supposed to teach us. We can avoid difficult people or we can learn how to love them beyond our capacity. We can be frustrated at a problem or think of a creative solution to get through it. We can stay mad or we can learn to let go. We have choices everyday, and these choices will either make or break us. It’s not always easy to do the right thing or be the better person but for the sake of our spiritual growth and mental peace, we must let love guide us in our decision making process. And when we do, we’ll find that our pain won’t have a grip on us any longer because we’ve been set free.
©2015 Susie Lee
The other day, I was helping a friend move their parent’s stuff out of their 40+ years house. Twelve hours later, it seemed as though we hadn’t even dented their place. The next day, this forced me to reevaluate my own stuff throughout the rooms, closets, and crawl space. What am I holding on to that I don’t use anymore? And why am I still holding on to it? So I began to ruthlessly get rid of clothes, books, and knick-knacks that I don’t use, look at, or need.
Why do we hold on to unneeded stuff? I’m not just talking about physical stuff but emotional and psychological baggage in our lives such as anger, resentment, fear, regret, worry, pride, or jealousy. The consequences of holding on to these will eventually clutter our minds and occupy space in our emotional living room. It’s not easy getting rid of these destructive feelings because we’ve either grown accustomed to it, attached to it, or it’s too much work to get rid of. And we may even justify keeping our feelings. But at some point, we must honestly ask ourselves, ‘Why am I still holding on to this? Is it helpful, useful, or productive?’ If the answer’s no, get rid of it – it’s just weighing you down. For the sake of our wellbeing, peace of mind, and the health of our relationships, we must ruthlessly de-clutter our emotional baggage on a regular basis.
©2015 Susie Lee
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
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.
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
Some periods of growth can be very painful, yet necessary – just like the growing pains we experienced in our bodies as kids. But the growing pains we now go through as adults aren’t physical but rather emotional, mental, or spiritual. Our transformations usually come through painful life changing experiences that shape our circumstance, mould our behaviour, or shift our paradigm. And in turn, they’re suppose to shed light into who we are and transform us into the person we need to become for our journey. May we grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate through our growth spurts.
©2015 Susie Lee
Susie Lee 