Happy Valentine’s! May you embrace those around you – family, friends and pets. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing celebrate love throughout the day!
Puppy Love. Forever.
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Category Archives: Health & Body
Start Living the Good Life. Now.
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Where’s Life Taking You?
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2013 Gratitude Jar
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Love’s a Choice, Not a Feeling
Lately, I’ve had this thorn in my side… that’s been the struggle to love (or perhaps accept) someone who’s rude, mean, and selfish. It’s much easier to tolerate this behavior from a stranger but much harder from a person who’s close to you.
My first instincts are generally to avoid them – whether it’s seeing them or interacting with them. But realistically, I know I can’t avoid them forever. And I know deep down in my heart there’s a lesson to be learned. I’m learning that my worst enemies are, ironically, the best teachers – they teach me how to be patient, how to love unconditionally and how to practice forgiveness. It’s not easy but I’m learning to embrace these seemingly difficult people (and situations) in order to learn and embody love, kindness and compassion. This is what transforms lives and touches hearts, especially mine.
Every morning, I make a conscious decision to love because I know it’s the right thing to do. I make a conscious decision to forgive because I want to be set free. I make a conscious decision to have a positive attitude because I know everyone’s a work in progress, including me. I want to let go so I can move on – to love and live in freedom. Happiness isn’t a feeling but a daily choice. But you have to want it. I mean really want it. Choose love. One day at a time.
©2012 Susie Lee
Rejuvenate Yourself Today
I’m SO excited it’s the weekend! Today, I’m looking forward to spending some alone time. I’m taking my sweet time and not being pressed, stressed or rushed to do anything. I’m not doing the “should’s” or thinking about the “have to’s”. I’m officially taking a mental break today. I’m going to reflect on all the good things that have happened to me this past week. I’m not taking myself (especially others) seriously instead I’m going to laugh and be lighthearted. I refuse to let anyone rain on my parade. I’m going to relax and lounge in my PJs as long as possible. Right now, I’m eating my breakfast in front of the fireplace with a hot mug of cereal in my hands and looking off into the blue, blue sky… (sigh) That’s as far as I’ve gotten in my day. And so far, I’m very content.
I hope your day will be relaxing and refreshing too!
©2012 Susie Lee
Video of the Week | Parents Are Awesome
Every so often I come across a video noteworthy of being Video of the Week. This Parent Rap Video is noteworthy. I not only love this creative video because it made me laugh but because of it’s truth. I know, sometimes, life can be tough but I believe parenting can be tougher. During those tough times, keep the love and laughter close at hand and see the big picture when those small things drive you insane. Have a fun week!
©2012 Susie Lee
Count Your Blessings
With US Thanksgiving Day right around the corner, I thought today’s post would be quite fitting. Let’s celebrate our blessings 365 days rather than just 1 day of the year. Here’s to you and your loved ones during this Thanksgiving Day.
©2012 Susie Lee
Quotes of the Week | Happiness is Yours
Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.
– Og Mandino
LIFE IS:
Trusting and taking chances,
losing and finding happiness,
appreciating the memories and
learning from the past.
– Anonymous
Happiness is not something you get
but something you do.
– Anonymous
In one year from today,
How do you think your life will be different?
– Anonymous
Choose happiness.
– Anonymous
Happiness is a conscious choice,
not an automatic response.
– Mildred Barthel
The trick is to enjoy life.
Don’t wish away your days,
waiting for better ones ahead.
– Marjorie Pay Hinckley
The happiness of your life depends
on the quality of your thoughts.
– Anonymous
I’ve decide to be happy
because it’s good for my health.
– Anonymous
©2012 Susie Lee
Boost Your Happiness This Season
With the fall season underway, it’s inevitable that these darker and colder days will affect some people’s mood and take a toll on their emotional well-being. Here are some simple things I do to boost my level of happiness during the wetter months:
I wear colorful clothing as I go for my walk.
I buy colorful bouquet of cut flowers for my house.
I buy (and eat) colorful fruits and vegetables.
I watch matinee movies in a theater or I rent comedy movies.
I invite friends over to play strategic board games (My favorites are Settler’s of Catan, Cities and Knights, & Resistance).
I host Texas hold ‘em poker tournaments.
I plan a small weekend (or overnight) get away.
I cozy up by the fire with a blanket, tea and a good mystery novel.
I walk in the rustling leaves.
I play indoor badminton.
I have friends over for a potluck.
I go for nature walks.
I escape to the mountains when they receive their first dump of snow.
I listen to my favorite playlists I haven’t listened to in a while.
I play my guitar.
I see live musicians or see a play.
I go shopping or hang out at the bookstore.
I go to the library or to the community pool.
I bake cookies.
I read, write and take photographs.
I take a warm bubble baths.
I go for dim sum or bubble tea.
I go out for a midnight snack.
I meet up with old (and new) friends.
Host a fondue or a raclette party.
My list is no way exhaustive but the main thing to increasing your energy and happiness is to stay active, engage with people, look forward to something, stimulate your senses, get some fresh air and HAVE FUN. I guarantee one (or all) of these things will put you in a better mood. Although the sun may shine less during these winter months, we can still choose to have a sunnier disposition inside of us everyday for our health and well being.
I’d love to hear what makes you happy during this fall season.
©2012 Susie Lee lives in Vancouver (one of the wettest places on earth)
living your best 