This is one of the most powerful videos I’ve seen that reflects my sentiments on social media and on our electronic gadgets: Can We Auto-Correct Humanity? by Prince Ea .
The message is clear: We have a choice everyday – let’s make the choice to be present.
©2014 Susie Lee
One of the most valuable lessons we can learn in life is how to love other people unconditionally. This doesn’t mean we condone a destructive behaviour but it does mean loving them with no strings attached – it means seeing them beyond their actions. So instead of being frustrated by their behaviour, or hurt by their actions, or offended by how they are, we’d save ourselves a lot of heartache by learning to love them where they’re at – happy, sad, upset, and even angry. Being hurt or offended by how they are will only cause more pain, misery, misunderstanding, and create distance.
We’re all a work in progress and are in desperate need of a daily transformation – to grow and live beyond our mistakes, hangups, and pain. We need each other to reach our full potential, see beyond the present, and discover how to love one another. When we feel genuine acceptance and compassion, true transformation begins to take work within us, and so with them. We need to envelop ourselves with love and then extend that grace to others, especially to those who are hurting, frustrated, angry, and lonely.
©2014 Susie Lee
Be that person for someone today.
-2013 Susie Lee
In our ever-rapid changing world, sometimes, it’s good for us to slow down – to disconnect ourselves from electronic gadgets, social media, and even from the people around us. This’ll help unclutter our minds from the distractions that bombard us, still our bodies from the anxieties within us and give full attention to the moments before us. This may mean, leaving the phone at home, going for a nature walk, journaling, being gadget-less for a day, or taking a break from social media. Stillness has a way of awakening our souls, enlightening our minds, and reviving our bodies – creating more space for growth, discovery, and renewal.
So take a break today, in a beautiful place, alone. And in your journey, may you find rest, life, and wholeness.
©2013 Susie Lee
With the fall season underway, it’s inevitable that these darker and colder days will affect some people’s mood and take a toll on their emotional well-being. Here are some simple things I do to boost my level of happiness during the wetter months:
I wear colorful clothing as I go for my walk.
I buy colorful bouquet of cut flowers for my house.
I buy (and eat) colorful fruits and vegetables.
I watch matinee movies in a theater or I rent comedy movies.
I invite friends over to play strategic board games (My favorites are Settler’s of Catan, Cities and Knights, & Resistance).
I host Texas hold ‘em poker tournaments.
I plan a small weekend (or overnight) get away.
I cozy up by the fire with a blanket, tea and a good mystery novel.
I walk in the rustling leaves.
I play indoor badminton.
I have friends over for a potluck.
I go for nature walks.
I escape to the mountains when they receive their first dump of snow.
I listen to my favorite playlists I haven’t listened to in a while.
I play my guitar.
I see live musicians or see a play.
I go shopping or hang out at the bookstore.
I go to the library or to the community pool.
I bake cookies.
I read, write and take photographs.
I take a warm bubble baths.
I go for dim sum or bubble tea.
I go out for a midnight snack.
I meet up with old (and new) friends.
Host a fondue or a raclette party.
My list is no way exhaustive but the main thing to increasing your energy and happiness is to stay active, engage with people, look forward to something, stimulate your senses, get some fresh air and HAVE FUN. I guarantee one (or all) of these things will put you in a better mood. Although the sun may shine less during these winter months, we can still choose to have a sunnier disposition inside of us everyday for our health and well being.
I’d love to hear what makes you happy during this fall season.
©2012 Susie Lee lives in Vancouver (one of the wettest places on earth)
Susie Lee 