Category Archives: Life

Giving something up in exchange for something greater.

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Around this time of year, many Christians and Catholics from around the world observe Lent. They choose to abstain from certain foods or pleasurable activities for 40 days leading up to the single most important event of their faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as Easter. Some popular choices include, giving up desserts, taking time out from social media, refraining from deep fried foods, being caffeine-free or simply unplugging the TV… I know it sounds absurd, why would anyone want to give these up? It’s an annual spiritual pilgrimage believers go on to grow closer to God and grow stronger in their faith. So instead of surfing on their iPhone they might use that time to meditate, read their Bible, or write in their journal. Or when tempted to reach for the sprinkle colored donut, they might see it as a reminder to pray for family, friends or the world around them. This may be a foreign, even strange, concept to those who aren’t familiar with Lent.

I believe this practice of ‘giving something up in exchange’ can benefit anyone. Your exchange may not be for spiritual reasons but you can make it deeply personal and meaningful. It can be giving up something tangible like your late night snacks to the intangible like a negative attitude? Or instead of giving something up, why not take something on? Aim to encourage at least one person everyday, ‘ungrudge’ those grudges, look on the brighter side of things, read to the elderly, become a Big Brother or Sister, be intentional to connect with friends and family, write that book or take that class?

Over time, this practice will de-clutter the mind and create more space within the soul to grow. It’ll help you to focus by letting go of things that slowly steal your time or letting go of attitudes that unconsciously hold you back. I’m not advocating that vices are bad but I believe, sometimes, they have an invisible hold on us. How strong – only you would know. I’m confident that you’ll feel and see a difference within 40 days. If you’ve decided to take up this challenge, I’d love to hear how your journey’s going – where it’s taking you and where you are.

© 2014 Susie Lee

Words of wisdom to live by.

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Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious
to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter, for always
there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment;
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

-Desiderata

My dear friend and sister, Angie, sent me these timely words of wisdom to live by today, and in the days to come. We all need friendships that we can draw encouragement, strength, and a shoulder to lean on when our hearts grow faint and weary. I hope each of you can find inspiration and courage in the unexpected places of life.

If you’re having a rough day, be gentle with yourself. Find some time today to retreat to a quiet place, perhaps re-read your favourite book, or soak in the beautiful words of poetry, slowly sip a hot beverage, paint, read, write, play with your pet, go for a nature walk, take a nap, do something that’ll restore your peace, joy, and ultimately bring you rest.

©2014 Susie Lee

When I first met you…

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When I first met you...

Her heart sank

Losing someone doesn’t just happen once, it happens over and over again.

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Losing someone doesn't just happen once, it happens over and over again.

Flawed & Fabulous.

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Flawed and Fabulous

STOP focusing on the destination and START enjoying the journey.

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I’ve come to realize that most of us have the tendency to live in the future – we think about what we need to do sooner, later, or eventually. It starts from the time we’re young – we want to grow up, finish school, be independent, make money, get married, buy a house, have kids, and freedom 55. And as adults we subconsciously wish, probably on a daily basis, that we were healthier, wealthier, and happier. By mentally living in the future, we fail to be in the present and unfortunately, miss those defining moments of happiness around us. The other day, as I paused to give thanks for my breakfast, I realized how lucky I was to have a choice every morning of what to eat for breakfast. And in that moment, I was happy and grateful. Being in the moment + Being appreciative = Being happy.

©2014 Susie Lee

Enjoy the journey.

Live for the little things

Your grass looks greener from the other side too.

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Things aren't what they seem.

Ways to create a better life.

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life is that no one else is responsible for your health and happiness. We each have the power within to create the life we want. No one can do that for you. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying happiness is the end all be all to our lives but I believe, subconsciously, we often tend to look to others to fulfill our hopes, dreams, and expectations of happiness. We don’t need a relationship to make us happy, we don’t need a career to define who we are, and we don’t need a big house to prove we’ve made it. Our lives our worth more than what’s in our bank account, what brand we’re wearing, or who we’re associating with. All of us are here for a greater purpose – to contribute to the good of mankind and be responsible stewards of mother earth. Our happiness doesn’t come from things or people, they come from within, so that no one can ever rob us of it.

©2014 Susie Leeways to create a better life

It’s okay to be sad.

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It’s okay to be sad. There’s no shame in how we feel and sometimes, we just need to ride out the emotion. For the heart often reveals what our words fail to say. Don’t let anyone belittle how you feel – it’s yours and yours only. And unless they understand, you may want to take sometime to stay away from people like this. Sometimes, a good cry and sleep is all you might need. It’s important to acknowledge the pain and feel the sadness but don’t stay in that place forever, and don’t be tempted to feel sorry for yourself. It’s natural to feel sad by the situation or circumstance but don’t play the victim because playing the victim robs you of your inner strength. You see, sadness can either strengthen you or weaken you. The choice is up to you.

After your sadness has dissipated, start filling yourself back up with things that are inspirational, heart warming, and joyful. This’ll help you to think and feel outside of yourself – bringing to mind all the awesomeness and beauty in this world.

Our pain, after it’s done, is not meant to be self-serving but rather an outpouring of courage and strength into others who are struggling in their own storms of life.

©2014 Susie Lee

Sadness

10 ways to love.

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10 ways to love