Why Should You Celebrate Even The Smallest of Successes?

Have you ever started working on improving yourself, only to quit after a few weeks? This could be because you were seeing little to no progress. The fact is, changes WERE happening, but you were so focused on the finished product that you missed the small, but oh so meaningful progress you were making.

Since it’s still January, and most of us are still somewhat motivated to sticking with our diet’s and exercise routine, I’ll encourage you to do one simple thing daily.

NOTICE every small change you make that moves you in the direction of your ultimate goal.

For example, if your goal is to make healthier lifestyle choices this year, and today, you took the stairs instead of the elevator, notice it. CELEBRATE; give yourself a high five for having made a different choice, a better choice.  By noticing, it makes you more aware of the things that you do that are on autopilot. For instance, you may not realize that you take the elevator every time you go in and out of your office building, or residence. NOTICING, makes you more alert and more aware. Soon, when you’re presented with the option of elevator or stairs, you will consciously choose the stairs, no more autopilot. This small feat will be just another important piece of the puzzle that moves you toward your goal.

So starting today celebrating all your accomplishments, no matter how small, and I guarantee you will start SEEING results!

Till Next Time!

What Do You Know For Sure?

Last week I started and finished Oprah’s book, What I Know For Sure. Since then, I’ve been asking myself that same question; what I found, was pretty interesting.

Oprah say’s that what you know for sure should stand the test of time. This shouldn’t be something you know today, but next month you change your mind about it. With this in mind, I went inward continually asking, What Do I Know For Sure?

In my search I realized that my response did not have to be something we collectively agree on, but rather what I believed to be true. It had to be something that in my heart of hearts would never change. So here it goes, this is what I know for sure:

1. I know for sure that being a mother is the greatest honor of my life. My children inspire me, motivate me and make me want to be better.
2. I know for sure that music is one of the best expressions of art there is. Music is also beautiful, inspiring and motivating.
3. And finally, I know for sure, that at the end of the day, no matter what, if there ever comes a time where I’m in agony over a heart-wrenching life problem, I will always turn to God.

So far my list is short but I know it will grow. Once I asked the question, it took no time at all for the answers to reveal itself.

Try it for yourself, ask, What You Know For Sure, and you’ll be amazed by what shows up. No matter what age you are, chances are, there is at least one thing you know for sure. Doing this, I believe grounds you in some way. There is something about proclaiming your truth. Something about knowing you are unwavering in a particular area of your life.

I know my list will grow, and I look forward to discovering the many things I know for sure.

 

How To Get Out Of A Funk

Okay, although I do my best to motivate each of you, sometimes, I need encouragement too. Yesterday was one of those days. I can’t explain what was wrong with me except for that I felt sad for no reason. I was feeling so down that I was even drawing sad faces on post-it notes. I tried listening to motivational teachers to jolt me back into a happy space, but it wasn't working. Nothing was resonating with me, and I couldn't focus on any of it. I’d start listening to something, then, I’d push it aside and start another, only to stop it mid way through. 

So what was up? Honestly, I’m still not sure. But, I do know this. After a couple hours of feeling badly, I took matters into my own hands and refused to let it linger, and what I found was this:

Once again I received validation that being in a state of contentment does not come from outside of me. I cannot rely on others to make me “feel” a certain way. Instead, I confirmed that I have everything I need to feel better.

How did I realize this? By asking myself a series of questions, what makes me happy? What makes time fly and truly fill me with joy? First thing that came up for me, was being with my family... well, because I was at work, I couldn't be with them. I couldn't just pick up and leave and have a free day. So, I kept going. What else makes me happy? Writing does. And so I decided to write. I know I was at work, but I had to do something, I was in a funk and I was falling fast into a not so good place. By asking the question and then following through with what I knew was going to make me feel better, I finally did. My mood started shifting from one of sadness to one of purposefulness and excitement.

I tell you this because I know we all go through these moments, but most of us don’t know how to snap out of it. Often times, instead of seeking for a solution, we simply accept the way we’re feeling day after day until we finally end up in some form of depression. I want to give you at least one tool to use if ever you find yourself as I did yesterday. The next time you’re feeling off, try it for yourself,  go inward, ask yourself, when are you the happiest, if it’s being home binging on your favorite TV show, and you can do it, then do it. My point is, take charge of your life, your thoughts and your happiness, by doing so you will always have access to contentment, no matter what your circumstances are.

Get 2015 Started Right

Hello all,

I've been MIA lately, but it’s only because I've been trying to sort some things out in my professional sphere. And of course, there’s no better time to get yourself straightened out than the beginning of a new year.   I am not sure why the start of a new year seems to energize me and fill me with such optimism, but it is an awesome feeling. As the end of the year approached, I had all these ideas and goals that I wanted to strive for this year. I couldn't wait until January 1st to write them down and start heading toward them.

So, on January 1, the first thing I did was tackle the one thing most of us hate doing, taking down our Christmas decorations. I decided that I would not procrastinate on this one task, this, I decided, would start me off on the right foot avoiding all and any procrastination.

Second, I sat down and wrote all the things I wanted to have, do or get in 2015. As I was writing down my goals, I really focused on each thing. I wanted to make sure my 2015 goals were not considered a “wish list.” I aimed for things that I could obtain as long as I worked for them and practiced discipline. I’ll give a few examples:

1. I want to travel. Specifically to California, New York and/or Colorado. There is no reason why I can’t do these things. The only thing stopping me, is me. It’s not like I said I wanted to go to Mars, or the moon.
2. I want to perfect a few yoga poses. Sure, I do lots of poses now, but none are quite there.
3. I want to get one piece of writing published, whether it’s my blog, an article, or one of my novels, I don’t care.  All are equally important.

You see what I mean? Writing down my goals gave me focus and something to work toward. “Well it’s too late for me, it’s already January 6^th," you say. Don’t fret... of course it is not too late. You can decide to set goals for yourself any day of the year. I say, whenever inspiration hits, that’s the best day to get started on moving toward your goals.

Oh, one more thing. For me, this year  has a theme, and it is this,“some people live 90 years, others live 1 year 90 times.” Going forward I am determined to live every year as a brand new year, and keep only, or repeat only, the things that fully satisfy my soul!

Till next time!