Sometimes you just gotta go with the flow.
Category: self-care
Self-Care. Get A Dog. 9 Reasons…
Everything I know I learned from dogs. ~ Nora Roberts
Man’s best friend. In response to my article 9 Things to Do to Break the Monotony one writer suggested that I add “get a dog“. Hmmm… quite thought-provoking. From what others have said, a dog provides many benefits. Being the crazy researcher, I decided to dig deep to find out the benefits of having a dog (even though I grew up with dogs and my college student has a dog). So yes, they are a delight.
But why though? Here I share:
Benefits of Having A Dog
1.Dogs encourage physical wellbeing and healthy fitness routine
2. They reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and protect children from allergies
3. Dogs help encourage social interactions
4. There’s never a dull moment (tell me about it-smile)
5. They may save your life
6. They reduce anxiety
7. Teach children responsibility
8. Helps build self-confidence in children
9. They are good listeners. Bear your soul without fear of it coming back to haunt you
There you have it. Great reasons to get a dog and there are tons more. Are there any that would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear. So go get your furry friend today.
Cheers!
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Break The Routine. Take A Sabbatical…
Only it seems to me that once in your life before you die you ought to see a country where they don’t talk in English and don’t even want to. ~Thornton Wilder
I ordered a coffee and a little something to eat and savored the warmth and dryness. Somewhere in the background Nat King Cole sang a perky tune. I watched the rain beat down on the road outside and told myself that one day this would be twenty years ago. ~Bill Bryson
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I Need ‘Me Time’. So I Leave My Kid Behind?
The concept of Me time has perpetuated thwarted priorities for some. ~Dr. Shelly Cameron
True Story
A colleague of mine has a young-adult daughter who has a child. Mid-weekly she leaves the child overnight at the sitter. It drives mom crazy when she realizes what has become the norm to leave her 2-year-old son overnight at the daycare to spend time with a ‘new guy’. One day mom asked her daughter; “where is the baby? Why did you leave him?” Her daughter replied “I need me-time”. In disbelief mom quickly retorted, “so you leave your child behind”?
Self-Care
As I reflect on this situation I realize the changes in society. Personally, I am a supporter of self-care initiatives and often encourage it. Self-care is an opportunity to reduce stress or restore energy… basically taking time out to recoup, so you can be of use to others. But isn’t self-care equally important to the well-being of our child(ren)? It is believed that some young parents are getting this twisted. Depending on the situation they hold different views. If it is to get childcare tax credits, then the kids are embraced. If it is to go partying or such, then the child(ren) are seen as a distraction from ‘joy’ in their life.
Exceptions
Let’s hasten to say that this does not happen in all situations. There are some cases such as those when parent(s) have to travel for work and have little or no support. In those situations leaving a child behind is certainly understandable. However, in the cases where it is to have a good time on the town in the middle of the week, then the child is seen as a bother. Could it be that such parents have things twisted? For most of us, we have peace when we know that our kids are safe in our homes under our care.
Does this resonate? Do share. We would love to hear!
Cheers!
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What Advice Would You Give To Someone About Life In Their 30’s?
Time and tide wait for no man….~Robert Frost
What Advice Would You Give To Someone About Life In Their 30’s? That was the question posed in a social media question. Followers quickly chimed in. Here I share excerpts:
- Prepare to want to be in bed by 9pm on Friday, plus lots more wisdom and wine.
- 30s are awesome because you settle into self-love and you stop caring what everyone else thinks
- Live your best life. Do you!
- Think positive thoughts. Find reasons to smile throughout the day. Travel often.
- 30’s are so good! The happiest decade! Wish I was still there.
- Stay strong. Stay positive. You will be greater than you already are and more important be confident. Know and believe that you are amazing and keep believing in yourself.
- 30 is the age at which you reclaim yourself.
- Inspire. Empower. Spread joy.
- Learn patience and forgiveness
- Put on your dance shoes and shake it all decade. Flats will be calling in your 40s.
- Life is just beginning. The best is yet to come.
- Become your goal. Success is yours for the taking. Go for it even if you’re afraid. Take the first step
- Prepare for an urgent need to change almost everything about your life; how you work; who you work for, what you will and won’t put up with from others.
- Love hard and live hard. But be cautious
- Embrace your authentic self. Pray for wisdom. Be happy and thankful for every opportunity. Know your self-worth. Invest in your future and serve others.Remain humble. Love, laugh and live.
- No is a complete sentence
- Take it one day at a time
- Stay close to your mother and father
- 30s are fantastic; 40s even better; and 50s so far – the best yet. You truly are as old as you believe you are.
- Moisturize and drink a gallon of water everyday
- Always listen to your inner voice and remember you are a champion
There you have it! A few excerpts. Anything missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear!
Cheers!
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Travel. It Makes A Difference…
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.” – Anthony Bourdain
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Travel. The Journey Changes You…
Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain
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Weekend In Paris…
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. ~Dr. Suess
I have always wanted to visit Paris. This was the promised gift to myself when I hung up my student cap after years and years of continuous studies. Then the workaholic that I am, saw 4 years go by in a flash embarking on community initiatives, writing, and more.
My oldest surprised me with a Birthday Weekend trip to Paris. But how can I visit Paris for just a weekend? I needed a Retreat. That’s when my youngest ‘scolded’ me. “Go”, she said. “You have always wanted to do it. Just go.” I agreed and made it into a long weekend. Wonder of wonders! I discovered I even had time to spare. Time to watch the rain, the people, and the waves of the Seine River go by at sunset.
Travel Across Continents
The flight was long but it was far from boring. I read. I wrote. I watched movies. I chatted with my oldest, slept, and I ate. Before we knew it, the descent was upon us.
Reading in Flight
Travel’s Cultural Differences
Cultural differences are everywhere. In Paris the hotel rooms are tiny spaces. Just enough to get by, yet absolutely comfortable. TV channels are in Le Francais. Plugs for chargers, electrical items and such differ. Disappointed, frustrated for sure I was at first, but then it’s not about me. I travel for new experiences and that’s what I got.
A polite society…bonjour, merci, pardon, were among the basics to know in that language and will serve as the basic entre to service. They are curt and offer no apologies. So do your research before you go and you’ll be just fine (smile).
Travel’s Cuisine
Food in Paris is divine. Delicious. Sumptuous. Absolutely satisfying. But don’t rush….it ain’t fast food. When you visit the unique restaurants among which my fav is the Cafe, you dine, taste the delectables, and chill. No rush for the check. You ask, you eventually receive.
Transportation
Getting around you have the choice of the cabs, buses, the metro. But may God help you if you do not understand the linguistic pronunciation of the place where you are going. When you arrive at your stop, you may not even know. So ask, ask, ask information before you board. Then read as you progress at each stop.
Speaking from experience…do I need to say more? Hint…frustration (smile)
Paris Sites To See
You haven’t been to Paris if you haven’t visited La Tour Eiffel, Notre-Dame, Le Louvre and smiled with Mona Lisa. Sites …beautiful. Historically meaningful. Mesmerizing. Long walks. Tired feet, but worth every minute.
So that’s a tiny glimpse into my Parisian journey for the first time. The trip was memorable. The photos provide the stillness of the moment. A dream come through. Would I go back? Yessss definitely!
I encourage you to take the time to step out and achieve your own dreams. Big or small, they will come through despite the odds.
Cheers!
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On A Budget? 9 Gifts That Cost Nothing But Is Invaluable….
For it is in Giving that we receive
My personal joy is to give! I treasure any opportunity to give! The act of giving has always brought me even more satisfaction than the recipients of my gifts. These days being on a strict budget has brought with it the stance to be even more creative than I was in the past when giving high-priced gifts. I ran a search for gift ideas to still meet my giving needs to others. I pounced upon LiZ Evans Huffington Post’s article 20 Gifts That Cost Nothing To Make But Might Be Priceless. From the list my top 9 Favs are:
Birthdays, Christmas, Graduation…Gifts That Cost Nothing
1.When Skies are Gray. Give this to anyone in your life who may be going through a tough time. Give them a stack of cards or books with inspirational quotes that will help them ride the wave during difficulty times. They can read when the going gets tough.
2. A Tell-Me Notebook. Give a blank spiral notebook to a parent, grandparent or other and ask them to write in the notebook any stories they would like to share. LiZ suggests that they do not need to worry about good writing. It’s just to write their stories when they feel like it. I’d add it’s also a way to leave their legacy. Can’t tell how many times I wish I had captured stories from my mother and grandmother.
3. 50 Things I learned by… Capture 10, 30, 50, or any number you would like of the things you learnt from someone celebrating a birthday milestone or other such occasion. I am certain this will be a wow moment as they reflect on the difference they had made in shaping your life.
4. Magic Car Wash. Spouse birthday? Steal away the car and take it for a detail while they are at work. Then return it after without their knowledge. Tons of smiles will shine for sure.
5. Freedom From Responsibility. Take the kids and give them the night off. Nicely decorate this gift in a card, box and deliver with a specific agreed date included. Did this for my daughter and her husband. They were elated!
6. Read This When... This gift is for a college kid who is away. Write a series of short letters and label them, read when you’re home-sick, fail an exam, think you’re in love etc. Of course there are paid services to help you to do this but why go that route when with a little effort, you can do it.
7. Park Tour Permit. Select 3-5 parks and throughout the year, plan park tours. Give this gift to your young kids and at the end of the month, summer, or year, together decide which park was the best and rate what they liked most. For sure this journey with the kids will be exciting!
8. I Love you Now and Later Letters. LiZ encourages you to write 2 letters to your intended recipients sharing why you love them. Then ask them to read one now and then later at an agreed time to open the other. It could be a year or two, depending on your intention. For me it could be a letter to my daughter when she starts college and then again when she’s graduating.
9. Remember This Book. Capture anecdotes, inside jokes, and stories of your loved one’s journey and read together at intervals. Certainly will keep the love alive.
So there you have it. A little creativity and effort makes such a difference when giving gifts. Personally, one occasion comes to mind. A coworker during a pixie gift exchange asked for a handsome, rich, loving man for her pixie gift. Luckily I had her name (yikes)! I set to work. Got on the computer and searched for all those criteria. Found the ideal guy for her (per the search engine..smile), printed it and wrapped it in a huge gift box with a Big Bow! You can just imagine the laughter it brought to the entire team! Memories shared year after year!
So go ahead! Give the gift of creativity, smiles and function. They are the absolute best!
Are there any experiences you remember? Do share. We would love to hear!
Cheers!
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Life’s Interesting Interests…
People with many interests live, not only the longest but the happiest. ~George Matthew Allen
If you could pursue any new hobby, what would it be? That was the question Brian Tracey asked in a public forum. Hobby Dreamers chimed in telling all. Here I share excerpts:
- Ride a motorcycle
- Reading more books
- Learn to swim, study chinese and french
- Skydiving
- Playing the piano
- Play an instrument
- Cooking
- Flying
- Photography
- Horse riding
- Kickboxing
- Surfing
- Music and learning languages
- Traveling the world
- Drawing
- Dance
- Fix cars
- Interior designing
- Bull riding
- Song writing
- Martial arts
- Pottery
- Kite surfing
- Implementing good habits
- Have a dog rescue kennel
- Writing blogs
- Making dolls
- Art, oil paint and travel
- Fashion and art
- Woodworking
- Collecting coins
- Golf
- Hand-lettering
- Hiking
- Boxing
- Gardening
- Sewing
- Cake decorating
- Public speaking
- Book binding
- Stained glass
- Making shoes
- Acting
Does any resonate? Any missing? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
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Stress: 5 Things To Do When Things Converge…
A Family Cruise; a 21st Birthday getaway celebration; the Complication of a relative’s sudden brain surgery; overseas family rush in; pickups, accommodations, and much more in the midst of the busiest time at work resulting in late nights and early mornings. Whew!! Naturally an ensuing period of high stress.
So how can we manage it all when everything converge? It is then that we need to take a step back and breathe. Do other things. Here are 5.
5 Things To Manage Converging Stress
- Walk away. Relax.
- Sleep. It’s important to rest to improve your memory and quality of life
- Exercise. It increases your body’s metabolism
- Be careful of what Eat. Replace food such as caffeine, alcohol, sugar with fruits, and vegetables to rid your body to regulate your stress hormone levels
- Learn to Say No
In our stressful world when things converge all at once like a world wind, it is important to take a step back and relax. Accept the help of others and ride the waves until things slow down.
Cheers!
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The Ravishing Benefits of Going To The Beach…
Live near the beach? Grab your swimsuits and go enjoy the slow swooshing sound of the waves as they crash against the shore.
Anne Gherini shared in this INC article research about the benefits of going to the beach (as if we needed another reason …smile). From the points listed, here I share my top 3.
- Listen to the crashing waves puts your brain at ease
- Feel the sand between your toes as it stimulates your mind
- Remove the Blues. Stare at the ocean and get to that relaxing meditative State.
In this world of mad rush, stress and strain, plan a trip or two to the beach for a quick getaway. Then bask in the Benefits to relax, unwind, reboot. Your Brain cells are sure to recharge pushing you further along the Skewed productivity chain.
Cheers!
