Inspirational to unmotivated

When I was growing up, I didn’t think I had many talents but the one thing I knew I had was the gift of encouragement. I loved cheering people up when they were sad or finding a solution when they had a problem. And since I’m generally easy going and happy-go-lucky, I always had a hopeful and optimistic outlook in life, even in hard times.

The fact is, even the happiest of people will have their off-days as they feel unmotivated, uninspired, or are emotionally unavailable. It’ll seem as though they’ve reached their maximum capacity to give – they can only say so many things, in so many ways, so many times.

If this is you right now, keep on moving – no matter how slow it may be. You may feel like ‘what’s the point?’ because you’ve lost your enthusiasm and zest. But these dry spells are necessary for growth as it prunes the unfruitful branches and turns off the autopilot mode. As with all things, this season will pass. And once it’s completed its work in you, you’ll re-gain your balance and start to bear fruit once again. Until then, keep moving.

©2015 Susie Lee

Be a team player in the game of life.

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

Anything worthwhile takes dedication, discipline, & determination.

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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.

Fall in love & stay in love.

We must fall in love with our lives, everyday. I know some days will be harder than others but we must train our minds to look for new things to be thankful for or see new ways of looking at things we already have. If you fall out of love, you’ll fall into a rut – just as with all things in life. Fostering gratitude on a daily basis will keep fear, worry, and uncertainty at bay. And soon our minds will begin to see the silver lining in hard times – such as finding daily strength in the midst of illness, being thankful for employment during economical hardship, or witnessing a miracle in a tragic situation. Falling in love with your life doesn’t mean setting off fireworks or tossing the confetti but it should be measured by simplistic joy, new found energy, and a deep satisfaction. Find joy in the things you do, love those who are dearest to you, and give to those who need you. Fall in love and stay in love. Always.

©2015 Susie Lee

  

Periods of growth are painful, yet necessary.

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 LeeIMG_3845

Encouragement for Today

I’m not sure where you’re at in life right now – you might be on cloud nine or you might be at your wits end. If it’s the latter, I want to encourage you today with this quote I found – it spoke volumes to me, and I hope it speaks to you and encourages you to press on. May you find strength and hope in your journey today, and in the days to come.

©2015 Susie LeeEncouragement for Today

Reasons Why People Give Up

This is a great info graph on why people give up – whether it’s fulfilling their dreams, maintaining a healthy body, or taking risks. I’m pretty sure we can identify with a few of these reasons at some point in our lives. Of course, it’s much easier to identify these issues rather than to deal with them directly. But in order to move forward in life we must remove these mental stumbling blocks we’ve created for ourselves. Remember, victory and defeat will always start in our minds. So it’s important to think the best of ourselves, maintain a positive outlook in life, and have a heart of gratitude as we look to the future. This’ll make all the difference as we pursue our dreams and create the life we want to live.

©2015 Susie Leewhy people give up

Keep moving & keep growing.

IMG_2170-0Don’t ever give up. Believe in yourself. Celebrate every small victory. Look back with satisfaction and look forward with hope. Everyday is new opportunity to grow, discover, and learn despite past hurts, regrets, or mistakes. Don’t compare yourself with others as life unfolds for each person in their own time. Drop the ego and practice humility on a daily basis. Don’t be content with what you know, always be a learner. Be kind, especially to those who can’t repay you back. Practice self-control by desiring fewer things. Learn to de-clutter your living space, office space, and especially your mental space. If you’re feeling lost, get back to the basics. It’s okay to start over with life, love, and your dreams.

©2015 Susie Lee

Periods of growth can be painful.

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Look within & Live your greatest life.

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