In less than half a week I abandoned lazy summer days in the sun for a job that now takes up most of my time. It was what I’d wanted then, but as the weeks keep pushing by I’m starting to treasure little things that perhaps I barely paid any attention to before.
Things like a nap after mom’s amazing cooking, or walking Chimbo (even if he IS 15 and takes forever to walk around a corner); having a ‘me’ night, where I give myself a little at home spa treatment, sitting around the TV with my mom laughing at the sillyness of the world or going out for dinner together and talking about big dreams.
I’ve missed lunch dates with friends and silly photos. Two weeks ago I was convinced to go out and watch Eclipse, and I can’t even remember the last time I’d gone to the movies! (OK I lie — I’m pretty sure the last time was for Avatar).
Talking to Tom every day forever isn’t possible anymore, which is heartbreaking, especially considering we are True Blood junkies and I can’t watch an episode if he isn’t around. I’d feel like I cheated.
Now that I have to stretch every bit of time that I have to myself, I seem to be getting a lot more done. I’ve picked up my love for reading again thanks to the long commute to work — currently reading The Time Traveller’s Wife because this is one book I want to read every word of before I see the movie. I’d just hate myself if I didn’t!
What little things have you learned to treasure?
No matter where in the world or how old, there are certain decisions that will be pertinent to human life everywhere. You know the type by now: What is my purpose? What is my true passion and should I follow it? What is success? A lifetime of thinking would probably not give you full answers, as part of it involves getting out there and DOING. Unfortunately our head can sometimes get in the way, making us the main obstacle to reach our goals. It seems we find it easy to let self-doubt seep through our thoughts, but when it comes to acknowledging how beautiful or amazing we are, we hold back. Why is that?!
Jonathan Mead’s Reclaim Your Dreams* is “an uncommon guide to living on your own terms”, and it’s definitely helping me put everything into perspective! If you’ve been to Illuminatedmind.net, you may have noticed Jonathan’s unconventional approach to motivation and self help articles — it’s like a little kick in the butt telling you to get it together, and get to whatever it is you want to be doing NOW. Well this gem is nothing short of amazing and I’m only halfway through. I am not rushing through it, but rather savoring each chapter and each exercise.
In the first chapter, Jonathan Brings up a defining issue that may very well be the beginning to this mess we’ve got ourselves into. And that problem lies in the fact that we don’t own our minds; they are always “brooding about something” and tossing thoughts around. Thoughts rich in conflicting messages about who we should be and who we can be (according to societies, fellow human beings and our own selves). Funny enough it has had me thinking all day.
My thoughts are an ‘original’ mix of everything I’ve ever heard, everyone I’ve ever met and everything I’ve ever seen. They didn’t just spring to life in my head, of course. But what about my fears and self-doubt? That’s also got to be a mix of external influences, as well as all that internal brooding. What if I could control that? What if I could choose when to listen to myself? As Jonathan puts it, we walk away or zone out when someone says something we don’t want to hear, so why can’t we do that with our selves? Chapter 1 ends with a neat little exercise to take this first step, and I can’t wait to try it!
So sugardrop, what do you think “owning your mind” means? Do you sometimes pay too much attention to what your mind has to say, even if you don’t like it?
A year ago today I was running around Beijing, finishing Mandarin exams and packing my apartment into a tiny suitcase! I’d melt just stepping outside onto the busy roads of crazy bicycles and illegal taxis. The entire month of June seemed to drag out and I wondered if I’d ever make it to August. But as usual things always fall into place, one way or another!
Today I’m in Spain, done with first year Psych and running around planning my summer this time. Thanks universe for making everything happen!
Where were you a year ago today?
Hello lovelies! The sun has finally come and it is now okay to let my windows open all day long. It is strange how much more awake I feel, I just want to go outside and walk for ages with no predetermined destination until I find a cute little obscure cafe where I can have a nice cold cup of leche merengada.
Spring, is that you?
I have been sorting my life and making exciting plans for next year, none of which I will reveal until they are a sure go. All I can say is that next year I will be extremely busy to say the least, dabbing in all these areas that have interested me for so long. I don’t want to be at the halfway point in life wishing I had done this or that when I was younger. Now is definitely the time, so I am filled to the brim with excitement and all these expectations. I am going to make a turn in my life (or rather, a few!) and I can’t wait!
So to celebrate, I have decided to prepare Lemon Soda’s first giveaway! Would you guys be interested in one? Do let me know! If you have any ideas or would like your product to be featured, email me so we can arrange something!
Thank you guys for always stopping by and all your lovely comments, it means the world to me!
Oh, it’s so good to be Queen — don’t we know it! Purpurine realms of fabulosity and self love, of amber inspiration and ruby gems and lemon soda. A darling world at our feet, ready to dazzle if we let it. Let’s celebrate!
- Know that you are enough; seek only inspiration from others and be not jealous! Stop comparing yourself to others, it isn’t productive.
- Celebrate those you love. Show them what it means to you to have them in your life.
- Throw yourself an Unbirthday Party!
- Pamper yourself; invite a friend to come along. Get your nails done. Yummy candy apple, mint green is in!
- Redecorate your space. Have an inspiration wall of photographs and writings, and very importantly, with a mirror so that you can appreciate your beauty (even in the morning.)
- Buy some lingerie. For the smitten: give your partner a sexy dance! For the single: dance to your favorite song and eat all the sweets your heart desires!
- Sit next to someone you love. Breathe together.
- Try something new. Anything! Pat yourself on the back for your adventurousness.
- Take a self portrait and hang it up somewhere.
- Watch a friend shine. Encourage them, congratulate them — sparkle together.
- Remember the importance of laughing at yourself once in a while.
So even if for a day, drop your musts and your lists. Stop to appreciate yourself, go ahead and feel special, and don’t forget to spread the love wherever you go!
