Your worst critic

I'm not one for inspirational quotes unless they are sarcastic, but this really spoke to me. I was listening to Bobby Chiu's video podcast and he was talking about how we are our worst critic.

He says: When you mess up you might say some terrible things to yourself that you would never even say to another person. If you wouldn't say those things about another person, then why would you say them about yourself?

listen to yourself

The last few days I've made quite the realization. Listening to yourself—specifically needs—is important. I know that I do best around people, but alas I secluded myself and didn't accomplish the goals I needed to. Working around and with other people can be really important for an extrovert. And by listening to yourself, you can accomplish goals and relieve stress. They all work together.

Not Sleeping is my Achilles Heal

During my time in college I figured out that my biggest roadblock to success was being stressed out— which was amplified by exhaustion. When I understood that was my problem, I took some measures to change my lifestyle to give myself a better chance for success. One of my biggest problems was staying up too late... it caused me to be physically and emotionally drained. The aftershock of these late nights affected me for a couple days after.

So going into senior or junior year I gave myself a bedtime— 11:30-12:00, which I maintained with a few exception on really big deadlines. Having a designated time to stop helped me procrastinate less and work more efficiently. It also helped me deal with the stresses of classes and made me much happier in the long run. I have learned what my breaking point is and what my limitations are.

thirsty

 After reading about how our bodies are particularly thirsty in the morning, I've been drinking 8 oz of water  right when I get up each day. It's been a huge help! just as much energy (for me anyway) as a cup of joe.

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

When I feel unmotivated or unhappy, sometimes all it takes is a good laugh to get myself headed back in the right direction. This song always gets me in a good mood.

It works even better if you sing along.

What made me a journal writer for a time

In fall of 2009, I took a "Fall Block" semester at the Audubon Center of the North Woods. Throughout the entire semester, a significant portion of our grade (at least 40%, as I recall) was based on journal entries about what we learned, observed and/or concluded on every weekday. I feel that, due to the fact that the assignment revolved around the days themselves, putting it off would lead to forgetting important things that I would have observed. For the best grade, I had to write in it every day.

Before Fall Block, I was a superb procrastinator and mess-maker of rooms. With the importance of daily writing and reflection of Fall Block, I dissipated much of my procrastination. I also discovered that it is much easier to focus in a neat and tidy room, so I now make messes much less often and to a much lesser degree. It took some effort at the time, but now I have lost much of the habit of procrastination and have made a habit of keeping a living space fairly organized. Fewer possessions make it much easier.

If you need/want any more details or examples, let me know!

hug someone today

This time last year, I was reading one of those cheesy post-breakup "self help" books that gave me advice to help stave off loneliness. It told me to just hug as many people as I possibly could; friends, coworkers, and people that I meet. At the time I was open to just about anything so I went for it and it actually really helped. So to those of you who are single & lonely, just lonely, are having a difficult time, or just want some love: hug someone today. Hug a lot of people today. Maybe hug that one  friend or acquaintance that looks like they just need it. 

treat yourself

one thing that I like to do each week is treat myself to a mini spa day. It's usually more like a spa hour, but during that time I just pamper myself, relax and put my worries aside. For me this helps to relieve stress and gather my thoughts for the rest of the day. I often do a coffee+brown sugar mask because it's gentle enough on my sensitive skin and I can make it with just a few things I already have in my apartment. Below are directions for how I make my mask. Give it a try and let me know what you think.