Though 'look at me, I'm so great!' seems to lean a little on the vain side, there is definitely something to be said about self praise. Taking prinde in our accomplishments is an excellent way to bring happiness to our daily lives. However, we get more out of our experiences if they are meaningful in some shape of form. That isn't to say telling yourself 'I'm so awesome' doesnt have meaning (it's certainly a confidence booster) but taking time to reflect on the WHY will solidify the hapiness and prolong the feeling in the long run. Some things to consider:
1) Why was the project/ action considered an accomplishment?
- what went right? what do you or others gain from it?
2) Why is/was the accomplishment so important to you?
- will it help you attain anything? Security? Relief? A promotion? etc?
3) How does the accomplishment show personal growth?
- did you learn anything new? Skills? Did it help you attain a hight position etc?
Prompt: List a minimum of 5 things that you are proud of (they can range in size from cleaning out that pesky junk drawr to making partner). For each scenario answer the questions listed above
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
3 Things to Remember About Recognizing Your Accomplishments (Reverse that Bucket List)
Recognizing our accomplishments is a great source of happiness. It boosts our confidence, gives us tangible examples of our personal growth, and even helps us to feel a little more in control of our lives. However, with daily routines, busy schedules, and comparisons with others, we tend to glance over our accomplishments from time to time (especially the smaller ones). Some things to remember:
1) Don't let others dictate what your accomplishments are. You don't need praise from others to recognize your happiness or your feelings of growth. How do YOU feel about it?
2) Remember that is doesn't have to be a big thing for it to be recognized. For some people in this world even getting out of bed is an accomplishment (count your blessings!)
3) Remember that it doesn't have to be perfect to be considered an accomplishment. By all means, aim as high as you dare, but as Gretchen Rubin (author of The Happiness Project) puts it "dont let the perfect be the enemy of the good"!
Prompt: Create a reverse bucket list. Think of everything you have done in your life time and write it down. You can then do the same for the current year and day (some items will overlap).
For ex:
Lifetime: performed in Chicago, completed my internship, graduated, was part of a flashmob etc.
Year: finished the outline for my book, choreographed 2 new dance pieces etc.
Day: paid phone bill, read a chapter in my book, beat highscore in Temple Run (yes, friends, yes)
1) Don't let others dictate what your accomplishments are. You don't need praise from others to recognize your happiness or your feelings of growth. How do YOU feel about it?
2) Remember that is doesn't have to be a big thing for it to be recognized. For some people in this world even getting out of bed is an accomplishment (count your blessings!)
3) Remember that it doesn't have to be perfect to be considered an accomplishment. By all means, aim as high as you dare, but as Gretchen Rubin (author of The Happiness Project) puts it "dont let the perfect be the enemy of the good"!
Prompt: Create a reverse bucket list. Think of everything you have done in your life time and write it down. You can then do the same for the current year and day (some items will overlap).
For ex:
Lifetime: performed in Chicago, completed my internship, graduated, was part of a flashmob etc.
Year: finished the outline for my book, choreographed 2 new dance pieces etc.
Day: paid phone bill, read a chapter in my book, beat highscore in Temple Run (yes, friends, yes)
Monday, February 6, 2012
Dealing With Regret
People are always saying 'don't look back'. But Why? Well, I'm pretty sure everyone can can come up with at least 5 moments that they would rather not relive. Pain, suffering, embarassment, lonliness, confusion. Life can be crazy enough without having to think about our less than dazzling moments. However, these moments contribute to who we are. We learn from them. We grow. We decide what to do next or realize how strong we've become. So by all means, look back as long as you're not dwelling on things that cant be changed. Neatly put 'the past is a good place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there' ~ author unknown
List 5 regrets you have. Then, for each, brainstorm all of the lessons/good things that have come out of it. It's not always easy to see the connections and good things, but think of the big picture!
** This song has a good message about good things coming out of situations that aren't so ideal. Warning: It's very country! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjKFb-4t_vg&ob=av2n
List 5 regrets you have. Then, for each, brainstorm all of the lessons/good things that have come out of it. It's not always easy to see the connections and good things, but think of the big picture!
** This song has a good message about good things coming out of situations that aren't so ideal. Warning: It's very country! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjKFb-4t_vg&ob=av2n
Saturday, February 4, 2012
5 Ways to Spark Inspiration
Inspiration is pretty important to our everyday lives. If no one was ever inspired, there would be no artwork, inventions, music, new recipes, structures, improved ways for saving lives, books, movies, historical records. However, it's sometimes a challenge finding inspiration in our everyday lives. Here is a very general list of ways to spark your interests and be inspired:
1) Change your surroundings
Changing your surroundings can be a huge factor when it comes to being inspired. Essentially, inspiration comes from new experiences, breaks from routines, and thinking about things differently. If you're stuck in the same spot for too long, it can sometimes put you into a bit of a rut. This doesnt mean anyone expects you to jet off to Mexico (though wouldnt that be the life!), but changing the room youre sitting in can sometimes do wonders. If you're at the office take a little walk around the building. If you're at home, spend a little time outside. I've even found that repositioning my desk to face a different location has helped my flow of thoughts. Give it a try!
2) Don't overthink it
This one is pretty obvious, but sometimes difficult for us to execute. If things are getting cloudly, take a break and clear you're head.
3)Bring Inspiration to the plam of your hand
Days can be pretty busy, so why not take advantage of technology and bring the inspiration right to you. There are many apps that will give you access to inspiring quotes or short activities to spark ideas. The best part is, it takes under a minute which can be found while waiting for the train, powering down computers etc (though not while driving!!). For ex: Life Altering Quotes, Be Positive Daily, InspireMe-Inspiration Generator
4) Talk it out
Once, while writing a chapter of my book, I got unbelievably stuck on one of the main underlying concepts. After a lot of thought, I decided to bring it up to a friend. In a matter of words he seemed to unclog the mental block I had had for days. Aha! The answer! Don't be afraid to discuss ideas with those you are close with. They may not agree with your ideas or see your exact vision (which can be scary), but the feedback provided may open up a copious amount of possibilities.
5) Get ideas out of your head and into a physical space
Sometimes we have so many ideas in our heads that it gets a little clouded up there. One of my favourite things to do is create a pin board of things that I find interesting. Sort of a collage of inspiration. Items can include news paper articles, magizine clippings, fabric, photos, ticket stubs, menues, dried plants, maps, wrappers, perfume samples, numbers, doodles, recipes, the list is endless! Depending on your preferences you can also chose to do this activity with a book (like a scrap book) or even keep a box and simply toss things in.
Promt: Write a list of things that inspire you. Can you organize the list into categories or spot patterns? Take it a step further and create an inspiration collage (see #5)
1) Change your surroundings
Changing your surroundings can be a huge factor when it comes to being inspired. Essentially, inspiration comes from new experiences, breaks from routines, and thinking about things differently. If you're stuck in the same spot for too long, it can sometimes put you into a bit of a rut. This doesnt mean anyone expects you to jet off to Mexico (though wouldnt that be the life!), but changing the room youre sitting in can sometimes do wonders. If you're at the office take a little walk around the building. If you're at home, spend a little time outside. I've even found that repositioning my desk to face a different location has helped my flow of thoughts. Give it a try!
2) Don't overthink it
This one is pretty obvious, but sometimes difficult for us to execute. If things are getting cloudly, take a break and clear you're head.
3)Bring Inspiration to the plam of your hand
Days can be pretty busy, so why not take advantage of technology and bring the inspiration right to you. There are many apps that will give you access to inspiring quotes or short activities to spark ideas. The best part is, it takes under a minute which can be found while waiting for the train, powering down computers etc (though not while driving!!). For ex: Life Altering Quotes, Be Positive Daily, InspireMe-Inspiration Generator
4) Talk it out
Once, while writing a chapter of my book, I got unbelievably stuck on one of the main underlying concepts. After a lot of thought, I decided to bring it up to a friend. In a matter of words he seemed to unclog the mental block I had had for days. Aha! The answer! Don't be afraid to discuss ideas with those you are close with. They may not agree with your ideas or see your exact vision (which can be scary), but the feedback provided may open up a copious amount of possibilities.
5) Get ideas out of your head and into a physical space
Sometimes we have so many ideas in our heads that it gets a little clouded up there. One of my favourite things to do is create a pin board of things that I find interesting. Sort of a collage of inspiration. Items can include news paper articles, magizine clippings, fabric, photos, ticket stubs, menues, dried plants, maps, wrappers, perfume samples, numbers, doodles, recipes, the list is endless! Depending on your preferences you can also chose to do this activity with a book (like a scrap book) or even keep a box and simply toss things in.
Promt: Write a list of things that inspire you. Can you organize the list into categories or spot patterns? Take it a step further and create an inspiration collage (see #5)
Welcome
Life is. Life IS... Life is what? It seems as though there are infinite possibilities to answer that question. Many different words, many different expressions, even many different movements. Perhaps some people would prefer not to answer it at all. As the old cliche goes, life is what you make it. True, sometimes we don't have the luxury of making certain choices, but we do get to chose how we feel about our experiences and what we can do as a result.
When I fell ill in December (nothing serious, just a virus that refused to let go), I was forced to take 43 days off. For me this was intense. I am a do-er. If I was given an extra hour in the day, chances are I would be jam packing it with whatever else I could. Once I felt well enough to sit up and not be a complete vegetable, I began to wonder what the heck I was going to do until I was cleared to go back to my usual routine. I was struck by boredum and was upset that I couldnt spend time with my friends. Thankfully, I read a book that got me thinking about all I had to be thankful for. I passed the time by making lists, considering past experiences, lessons, and writing. I wanted to fully experience life and everyone I loved in it. I wanted to plan (though that is a terribly rigid word for it) out ways to enrich my life. I also wanted to preserve the memories I had/made and essentially record who I am. Many lists resulted. Some of which I will share here. I hope you find some articles worth while.
As far as posts go, for the tips I give, I have learned these from experience and through discussions with others. By no means do I claim myself to be an expert in anyway. If you disagree, let me know! I love disscussions and being presented with alternate views. It helps people grow! Posts will also contain prompts for lists and journal entires. I've found keeping a notebook and doing the activities to be very enjoyable! So there you have it. Now, how would you finish the sentance: Life is...!
When I fell ill in December (nothing serious, just a virus that refused to let go), I was forced to take 43 days off. For me this was intense. I am a do-er. If I was given an extra hour in the day, chances are I would be jam packing it with whatever else I could. Once I felt well enough to sit up and not be a complete vegetable, I began to wonder what the heck I was going to do until I was cleared to go back to my usual routine. I was struck by boredum and was upset that I couldnt spend time with my friends. Thankfully, I read a book that got me thinking about all I had to be thankful for. I passed the time by making lists, considering past experiences, lessons, and writing. I wanted to fully experience life and everyone I loved in it. I wanted to plan (though that is a terribly rigid word for it) out ways to enrich my life. I also wanted to preserve the memories I had/made and essentially record who I am. Many lists resulted. Some of which I will share here. I hope you find some articles worth while.
As far as posts go, for the tips I give, I have learned these from experience and through discussions with others. By no means do I claim myself to be an expert in anyway. If you disagree, let me know! I love disscussions and being presented with alternate views. It helps people grow! Posts will also contain prompts for lists and journal entires. I've found keeping a notebook and doing the activities to be very enjoyable! So there you have it. Now, how would you finish the sentance: Life is...!
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