In my life, there are seasons where I’m an introvert and at other times an extrovert. I don’t believe we can define ourselves as one or the other because we’re gradually changing over time. Our moods are influenced by our outward circumstances and our attitudes are affected by our inner state of mind. We’re also, influenced by the people around us – we may take the backseat around those who are more exuberant than us or take the limelight around those who are quieter than us.
Lately, I’ve learned not to judge myself or put myself in a box. There’s no right or wrong, better or worse, good or bad. Rather we need to learn to embrace the mystery of who we are in the different stages of life. We’re both wonderful and beautiful, simple yet complicated, whole yet broken. There are so many contradictions within us, so many colours of emotions, so many arrays of thoughts, things we do in the shadows of our intent. There wouldn’t be enough lifetimes to discover everything about ourselves because we’re constantly changing. Be self aware but not self-critical. Let it lead you to a place of beauty, truth and love of yourself.
©2013 Susie Lee
At this moment, how many of these can you say you’ve checked off your list? In order to be successful, do a little bit of these everyday. ©2013 Susie Lee
This week I’m going for it! The very thing I’m scared of, I’m going to do. Why? Because I don’t want to live in the ‘what ifs’ and have the fear of failure paralyze me. I want to stop making excuses of why I can’t and start giving myself reasons of why I can. I can, not because I’ll succeed but just because I CAN. And sometimes, that’s all the reason I need.
My advice to you this week is just “GO FOR IT!” The thing you want to do, the thing you were thinking about, the thing you’ve always wanted to do. Do it. Really. Don’t over think. Just do it. And next time, it might not be as hard. Now that’s living.
©2013 Susie Lee
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching and this is what my soul found:
1. Practicing the art of being rather than doing (it’s harder than I thought).
2. Letting go of controlling people by asking them what they want and respecting their answer.
3. Letting go of being a super hero (example: people pleaser, solver and rescuer) by simply listening.
4. Not being upset by criticism or feeling elated by compliments.
5. True forgiveness means wanting the best for that person.
6. My identity is not what I do, what I have or what others say I am.
7. Letting go of expectations I put on myself, automatically releases expectations I unconsciously place on others.
8. Learning to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty.
9. Learning to graciously accept help from others.
10. True freedom means letting go of perfection.
My soul searching will be an on-going quest as I’m forever changing, learning and growing. May your journey take you into deeper and unchartered places that will bring freedom, renewal and exciting discovery of yourself.
© Susie Lee 2012
At some point in our lives, it’s inevitable we’ll face disappointments. It might be with our career, relationships (or a lack of), health or the world at large. The good news is that disappointments come whenever we attempt to do anything great in our lives or for the world. The not so good news is that it’s closely followed by resistance, doubt, cynicism, or setbacks in the pursuit of that greatness.
Why this gloomy topic? Because I know some of us are in this journey right now. Disappointments will often crush determination with hopelessness, despair and “what’s the use?” Our minds and bodies will begin to shut down with weariness. I find when I’m in this place; it helps to step away from my efforts and rest. In the meantime, I connect with my family and friends for encouragement – drawing strength and wisdom from them. I, also, read books, get out in nature, watch movies and listen to songs that will inspire me, as it fills me up with love, light and life. After a period of time, I have the newfound energy to help me move forward with clarity, courage and creativity.
But I understand this overwhelming feeling of despair might be a heavy burden for some people to carry that they may decide to throw in the towel. For others, this feeling of despair may become a catalyst to grow stronger and wiser – fueling their passion, energy, and creativity. They can choose to remain in despair or see the undercurrent of hope. For many people, this is where the rubber meets the road.
My message to you is don’t give up on your convictions. Disappointments are a part of the journey; it’s a sign that you’re closer to success than when you first started. You’re an amazing being who is highly adaptable and strong-willed. When the weight of the world is crushing you – there’s still more inside of you. You can never be completely crushed unless you allow it. Continue to explore, discover, create and dream of a better world… and a better you.
© 2012 Susie Lee
*This article is dedicated to my aquaterra tv co-host Peter Ormesher
Quotes ::
Anytime you suffer a setback or disappointment,
put your head down and plow ahead.
– Les Brown
Enthusiasm is followed by disappointment and even depression,
and then by renewed enthusiasm.
– Murray Gell-Mann
Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal;
it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.
– Eliza Tabor
One’s best success comes after their greatest disappointments.
– Henry Ward Beecher
The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire;
the size of your dream;and how you handle disappointment along the way.
– Robert Kiyosaki
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 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 up, why not take something on? Encourage a person everyday, ‘ungrudge’ those grudges, look on the brighter side of things, read to the elderly, become a Big Brother or Sister, 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 will 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 will feel and see a difference within 40 days. If you’ve decided to take up this challenge, I would love to hear how your journey’s going – where it’s taking you and where you are.
I’ve heard it takes 21 days to break a habit and 30 days to retrain a new one. Hmm… This sounds vaguely like the New Year’s resolutions doesn’t it? And while we’re on that topic, how’s that going for you these days?
© 2012 Susie Lee
“What you are planning to do tomorrow, do today;
what you are going to do today, do right now.”
-Indian Proverb
“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers.
But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.”
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
This week I encourage you:
Don’t procrastinate. Don’t wait. Don’t fear. Don’t doubt.
Take the risk. Do it now. Seize the moment. Dream BIG.
And take positive steps towards it.
-susie lee
Have a great surprised filled week!
living your best 