Category Archives: Life

Rejuvenate Yourself Today

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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

Poster of the Week | Small Acts, Big Impact

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Don't ForgetI’m totally guilty of this. I’m so busy with ‘my life’; work, deadlines, plans, hopes and dreams. That I sometimes forget (or underestimate) to reach out to my parents in simple small ways I know would make their day – a phone call, a hug, a smile, a meal, a ride, a thank you note, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a unexpected visit. As they get older, I believe it’s the small acts of kindness that’ll touch their hearts rather than the once-in-a-while-big-events. My greatest hope is that my actions will always be motivated by love rather than by fear, expectations or guilt. In our parent’s season of change, may we honour them by expressing and showing how important they are to us today, and in the days to come.

©2012 Susie Lee

It’s Never Too Late or Too Early

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“The loneliest people are the kindest.
The saddest people smile the brightest.
The most damaged people are the wisest.
All because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do.”
-Anonymous

I thought of my dad when I read this quote as it describes him. Especially over the last few years of seeing him in physical discomfort and with increased loneliness of growing old. I’ve been told that you’ll never fully appreciate your parents until you have kids of your own or until they’re gone. I don’t want to wait until that day to fully appreciate and embrace them. As the holidays draw near, give the gift of time (and thanks) to your parents. It’s never too late or too early. Wishing you the best. Always.

©2012 Susie Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what my dad looks like. All the time. Truly.

Video of the Week | Parents Are Awesome

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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

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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

Poster of the Week | What Are You Waiting For?

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Quotes of the Week | Happiness is Yours

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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

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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)

Key to Lifelong Success

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“I’m utterly convinced that the key to lifelong success is the regular exercise of a single emotional muscle: gratitude,” writes Geoffrey James in his Inc. Magazine article, “True Secret of Success (It’s Not What You Think).”

“People who approach life with a sense of gratitude are constantly aware of what’s wonderful in their life. Because they enjoy the fruits of their successes, they seek out more success. And when things don’t go as planned, people who are grateful can put failure into perspective.

“By contrast, people who lack gratitude are never truly happy. If they succeed at a task, they don’t enjoy it. For them, a string of successes is like trying to fill a bucket with a huge leak in the bottom. And failure invariably makes them bitter, angry, and discouraged.

“Therefore, if you want to be successful, you need to feel more gratitude. Fortunately, gratitude, like most emotions, is like a muscle: The more you use it, the stronger and more resilient it becomes. The best time to exercise gratitude is just before bed. Take out your tablet (electronic or otherwise) and record the events of the day that created positive emotions, either in you or in those around you.

“Did you help somebody solve a problem? Write it down. Did you connect with a colleague or friend? Write it down. Did you make somebody smile? Write it down.

“What you’re doing is “programming your brain” to view your day more positively. You’re throwing mental focus on what worked well, and shrugging off what didn’t. As a result, you’ll sleep better, and you’ll wake up more refreshed.”

Article from Exchange Everyday
© 2012 Susie Lee