One of the sure ways to grow is to get out of our comfort zones. I know it’s not always easy because we’ll experience discomfort, insecurity, or growing pains. But getting out of our comfort zone will challenge us, stretch us, and shape us. It’s purpose is to develop and strengthen us. Sometimes, being open minded and being willing to see things from a different perspective is half the battle. Here are some ways to get you out of your comfort zone.
©2016 Susie Lee
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
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
It’s Friday, and you know what that means right? It’s the weekeeeeend!! Unfortunately, many of us use our weekends to either play catch up or veg out. Instead of taking a mental vacation, why not try these simple steps to reenergize your body, mind, and spirit? Here’s to a fantastic weekend that’ll rev you up for Monday!
©2015 Susie Lee
Being a sports fan in the audience is easy – there’s no risk, pain, or skill required. It’s easy for us to critique and criticize the players from the comforts of our living room or from the stadium seats. We have very little riding except for the victory we expect from the team we’re rooting for. We share in their victory or defeat but there are no rewards, contributions, or sacrifice on our part.
The same applies to the game of life. Our lives weren’t meant to be lived from the sidelines, watching and criticizing others – we need to get out on the field and contribute to the team. We may not think we have much to contribute and we may even feel insecure or insignificant. But I can assure you that each one of us are here to make a difference – to love, create, help, heal, and give beyond ourselves.
We have to get out there and give it our best shot in the game of life! We have to stop worrying about what might go wrong and start thinking about what might go right. Play hard but play fair. The team needs us. Let’s take chances, follow our convictions, and most of all, have fun!
©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 