It doesn’t take much for us to be happy in life. And often, it won’t even cost us any money. Here are 10 signs that you’re a truly happy person and if you’re not, here are 10 simple things to start adding to your day:
©2015 Susie Lee
There are going to be days when you doubt your destiny, lose your way, or feel insecure with who you are. This is a part of your journey. You’ll never have it all together, you won’t always be happy, and you won’t be sure of who you are all the time. Instead of beating yourself up over it, just go with the winds of change within yourself. In life, there will be seasons of growth and change, and there will be seasons of restlessness and rest. We can’t always be productive, purposeful, and passionate. Some days, just getting dressed will be a huge accomplishment. If you’re in this cold dark season, be gentle with yourself, keep moving, and stop criticizing yourself. You’re not going to stay stuck in this place of complacency forever. I know it may feel like it now but you’re not – you’ll get your zest and motivation back. Until then, just live and be.
©2015 Susie Lee
The other day, I was helping a friend move their parent’s stuff out of their 40+ years house. Twelve hours later, it seemed as though we hadn’t even dented their place. The next day, this forced me to reevaluate my own stuff throughout the rooms, closets, and crawl space. What am I holding on to that I don’t use anymore? And why am I still holding on to it? So I began to ruthlessly get rid of clothes, books, and knick-knacks that I don’t use, look at, or need.
Why do we hold on to unneeded stuff? I’m not just talking about physical stuff but emotional and psychological baggage in our lives such as anger, resentment, fear, regret, worry, pride, or jealousy. The consequences of holding on to these will eventually clutter our minds and occupy space in our emotional living room. It’s not easy getting rid of these destructive feelings because we’ve either grown accustomed to it, attached to it, or it’s too much work to get rid of. And we may even justify keeping our feelings. But at some point, we must honestly ask ourselves, ‘Why am I still holding on to this? Is it helpful, useful, or productive?’ If the answer’s no, get rid of it – it’s just weighing you down. For the sake of our wellbeing, peace of mind, and the health of our relationships, we must ruthlessly de-clutter our emotional baggage on a regular basis.
©2015 Susie Lee
In my last article, I said that a little etiquette goes a long way. In the same regard, we can also apply this principle to so many other areas of life – take for instance, snacking on junk food. Not only are these seemingly small portions bursting with flavour but they’re also packed with a lot of hidden calories. And until we’re aware of just how many calories we’re consuming, we won’t have any inclination to stop munching. It’s okay to nibble here and there but make sure you also exercise here and there. So if you’re a snacker like me, here’s a little chart to keep those calories in check and balance:
©2015 Susie Lee
Etiquette will never go out of style – everyone from all walks of life, race, genre, and age will always appreciate kind gestures. Not only will it make them feel appreciated but these simple and sincere acts will speak volumes into your character, mannerisms, and thoughtfulness. Always make time to show respect through the little things you do for people, it’ll leave a lasting impression long after you’re gone.
©2015 Susie Lee
Two months ago, I posted an article on how to unveil your 6-pack. Well, since then I’ve increased my physical activity and decreased my candy/chips consumption. And I’ve exhibited impressive self-control whenever I’ve watched friends indulge in mouth-watering treats. But during the two months, I felt as though my bouts of sugar cravings and hunger pains were all in vain as I looked the same, felt the same, and (sigh) weighed the same.
This article isn’t about losing weight but rather not to be discouraged or give up in life. Results take time. The seemingly small choices we make each day will contribute to the greater overall picture. We may not see immediate results now but we will as time goes on: our bodies will feel lighter after months of healthy eating, we’ll run longer distances without huffing and puffing, emotional wounds will slowly heal with each passing day, and relationships will grow stronger through daily sacrifice and love. Anything worthwhile will take dedication, discipline, and determination.
It seems as though time is the answer to everything – to mend, to heal, to grow, and to flourish. And it’s a lesson in developing perseverance, character, strength, and faith within us. So be patient and don’t give up on what you want in life, work, health, and relationships – for only time will tell…
©2015 Susie Lee
PS I hope you’re all having a great summer so far – whatever you’re doing, wherever you are, and however you’re feeling.
All right, it’s no secret that I’m a big procrastinator. Sure I have my sporadic moments of being highly productive but generally, I tend to put things off until last minute – from work projects to getting back to people. Sometimes, I get so overwhelmed thinking about all the stuff I have to do that I just end up taking a nap.
Why do I procrastinate? Maybe it’s because I think I have all the time in the world, there’s other stuff I’d rather be doing, I get easily distracted, (I like to think) I work well under pressure, it’s too challenging, it’s not challenging enough, or I have too much on my plate. From time to time, I ponder about why I procrastinate, which makes me procrastinate even more from the tasks I should be getting done during that time.
Whatever the reason is, procrastinating makes me mentally tired and physically drained because I have the task hanging over my head and in the back of my mind until I get it done. But when it’s finally completed, I feel so much better as if a huge weight has been lifted off of me. And I think, ‘that wasn’t so bad, why didn’t I get it done earlier?’
If you’re like me, this info graph will help you to understand and combat procrastination. …or you can read it later.
©2015 Susie Lee
Some periods of growth can be very painful, yet necessary – just like the growing pains we experienced in our bodies as kids. But the growing pains we now go through as adults aren’t physical but rather emotional, mental, or spiritual. Our transformations usually come through painful life changing experiences that shape our circumstance, mould our behaviour, or shift our paradigm. And in turn, they’re suppose to shed light into who we are and transform us into the person we need to become for our journey. May we grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate through our growth spurts.
©2015 Susie Lee
living your best 