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I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.
5 Positive Things You Can Do Right Now To Improve Your Life
I believe we are all looking for ways to improve our lives. We only get one life, and we want the best one possible. The place to start with a better life, is by improving ourselves. I mean, after all none of us is a perfect specimen, and we are works in progress. Just perhaps some of us are closer to perfection than others.
We have all been told that change doesn't happen overnight, but that does not always have to be the case. There are little changes, and some big ones, that we can make today that would change our lives for the better. Below is my list of five things you could do right now to improve your life.
5 Positive Things To Do
Help Someone Else
Helping someone else doesn't have to break your bank account, or mean spending all day at a soup kitchen. You could help someone by doing something as simple as rolling out your elderly neighbor's trash cans. Or by walking your sick friend's dog. The little things make a difference to others, and make you feel good as well.
Be Appreciative
It is easy to focus on all the things are wrong, or didn't turn out how we wished they would have. But if you look at your life there is some good, maybe even a lot of good. Appreciate what you have, including the people, and more good things will likely come your way.
Exercise
There are so many ways to exercise. Take a walk. Hit the gym. Go to pilates of yoga. Exercise is not only good for you physically, but also mentally. Whatever you choose to do for exercise, you will most assuredly feel less stressed, happier, and have better mental clarity when you finish, at least that is the goal.
Reflect
When I say reflect, I mean for you do some self-reflection, and a little soul searching. Reflection can show you how far you have come in this life, and open your eyes to where you want to go.
Set A Goal
Having goals keeps us moving forward. Whether your goal is to lose 10 pounds, or to read 100 books this year. A goal gives us focus and purpose. A purpose driven life is a life with meaning.
Anyone can do these five simple tasks on any given day, and make their life better. So what are you waiting for? What are your thoughts on the five ways to improve your life? Please share your thoughts and suggestions!
By admitting your inadequacies, you show you're self-aware enough to know your areas for improvement - and secure enough to be open about them. - Adam Grant
5 Ways To Get Motivated And Stay Focused
Motivation is the reason or reasons one has for behaving or acting in a certain way. Motivation is also the desire to do things. We all have at least one thing that motivates us to do something or change something. Sometimes the motivation can be as simple as basic human needs.
Many of us are motivated to get and keep a job to pay for food and shelter.
Once you get past the basic necessities, it may be hard to get motivated to do more. There are many reasons we struggle for motivation. One of the biggest struggles for motivation stems from our lack of belief that our goals are achievable. Another big struggle for motivation comes from not believing in ourselves.
I have struggled with motivation in the past, but I have found that when it comes to something I really want, I can find the motivation to achieve my goals. The secret is setting goals to achieve things that you are interested in, and can be excited about. It is also important to be realistic with how much of your goal can be achieved in a period of time. I recommend setting mini goals within your goal. Like training for a marathon, one doesn't start off running 26 miles; it is a slow build up. Treat your goals the same way.
I created a small checklist for myself to get motivated and stay focused. I use this very same list to stay on track with writing and blogging, and guess what, it works!
5 Tips For Getting Motivated
Set Goals
You have a goal, or goals in mind, but you need to start with a specific target. The goal may be losing weight. But how much weight do you want to lose. For others, the goal may be getting a promotion at work, or furthering your education.
Make A Plan
Once you set your goal, you need to make a list of everything you will need to complete your goal. Does your goal require time, money, or a gym membership? Your list should also consist of obstacles to obtaining your goal, and plan to overcome them.
Share Your Goals With Others
Sharing goals and plans with others will help to make you more accountable. Those close to you want to see you succeed and achieve your goals. You may find you have a great support system, and maybe even some cheerleaders or partners for your journey.
Track Progress
The tracking of your progress is an important part of moving towards your goals. Whether you are weighing yourself weekly, or timing your run as you train for a half marathon, tracking to measure your progression is a must. You should also use tracking to also adjust your goals, if needed, or to adjust your timeline.
Reward Yourself
You have set a goal and are making progress towards meeting your goal. It is essential that you reward yourself, and give your self credit for your hard work and discipline. The reward can be a sweet treat, a new pair of shoes, or even a vacation.
Be kind to yourself. Setting and achieving goals is not easy. In fact, setting and staying focused on your goals is challenging to say the least. It is very easy to become discouraged when you are not seeing progress fast enough, and just give up. Just remember, anything worth having takes hard work and time. Be patient.
Do you have different tips for staying motivated and focused? What do you do to achieve your goals? Please share your story or experience!
"Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way." - Les Brown
Home Spa...Simple Tricks To Creating A Spa-Like Environment At Home
When was the last time you enjoyed a spa day? It can be hard to find the time, or the money to treat yourself as often as you deserve. Life can be stressful at times, which is why it is so important to find ways to manage that stress.
There are many ways to relieve stress. Exercise is a great stress reliever. Sex is also a great stress reliever. But some days a girl, or guy, just wants to be pampered.
When I want to be pampered I head to the spa. I get a nice massage, deep tissue for me, which is exquisite pain. I do a nice soak, or mud bath, and then I end with a facial. Unfortunately, this can take all day, and beauty and pampering don't come cheap. So I try to create a spa-like environment whenever I get the chance at home.
This blog is all about turning your home bathroom into a spa like environment and relaxing.
There are some key ingredients needed, and then there are some optional items as well.
Lavender Oil
Epson or Sea Salt
Candles
iPhone for Spa Music
Foaming Bath Soak
Eye Mask, Cooled
Soft Sheet Towel
Terry Cloth Robe (optional)
Glass of Wine (highly recommended)
Run a warm bath, as warm as you can stand it. Add a cap full of bath soak, 3-4 drops of lavender, and 1 cup of epson salt. Light your favorite candles, turn on Pandora, and turn off the lights. Don’t forget your mask once you enter your soak.
I also recommend making the small investment of purchasing a paraffin bath for soothing, and smoothing aching hands and feet. As well as getting hot rocks to massage your legs, shoulders, and arms. You can find YouTube videos on giving yourself hot rock massages.
There is nothing better than making your home an amazing retreat, or having a staycation. Sometimes it's not about the destination, or getting away. Sometimes it's just about finding the time to relax, unwind, and spend time alone, or spend time with that special someone. If you are with your partner pamper each other.
What do you do when you can't find the time, or the money to go to the spa for a nice facial, or massage? Do you do it yourself, or go without? Please share your advice or experience!