18 March, 2016

Making Time For Yourself

Hello everyone! I hope that this blog post finds you content and relaxed. Today's topic is on making time for yourself. That's right. Just for you.

It seems like we never have enough time for ourselves. We are on-the-go and have duties to fulfill. You might have a demanding work schedule, kids to take care of, obligations you must attend, etc. And while those things aren't all bad, they take away from treating yourself well. Even if you only have 5 minutes, then for those 5 minutes, do something nice for yourself, make a cup of coffee, give yourself a hug, spray some perfume, or watch a short funny video. Stress kills. It is so important to find an outlet where you can release some tension and check in with yourself. You work hard, you deserve a small break. Don't let others make you into a machine. The work will eventually get done and everything will be okay. If you have to stop for a few minutes to breathe, then it is a reminder that you are a human. A strong and successful human...

Also, don't be afraid to ask for help if you want a longer break. Ask someone to watch the kids while you go get a pedicure or manicure. Maybe you just want to go out for a nice dinner sans little ones. There will always be someone who understands completely and would love to offer their help. Just ask. The worse case scenario is they say no and someone else will step us and say yes. Be assertive and make the first initiative instead of waiting for others to offer.

Enjoy the rest of the week and take a few deep breaths. You'll feel so much better. Take care of yourself before worrying about everything else. If you're not healthy and well taken care of, then how can you care for others and do a good job?

XOXO
Chloe

09 March, 2016

Perfectionism

How's it going, everyone? I realize I am posting this early, but I'm doing it because this Friday is going to be very busy and I won't have enough time to write this out, so I'm doing it now. I hope this week has been kind to you so far.

Today's topic is on an issue that is close to me. Very close to me, it's called perfectionism. The thing is a lot of people make jokes about perfectionists and assume a bunch of things. I am an individual who struggles with expecting too much and there's really nothing funny about it. If you don't associate with being a perfectionist, it's easy to assume people like being overly organized and overachieving. It's easy to think people have their lives completely together and it's all neat and happy. It might be easy to assume people are perfectionists because they have nothing better to deal with and are just bored and overly dramatic. Let me tell you from experience, it's absolutely NOT like that. I do not want to make this a sob story, victimizing myself or being a drama queen but all I'm saying is please have a little bit of compassion before judging others. It's not easy living as a perfectionist. That is why perfectionism is something I want to overcome and get better at accepting whatever comes my way. I want to be able to embrace any situation and let things go instead of getting tied down with every single detail. Life will still be okay if I get an A- instead of an A. Life will still go on if I mix up a couple of words during a speech. Life will go on if my desk ins't perfectly tidy and my clothes for the next day still aren't picked out. Not everything is what it seems when it comes to struggling with perfectionism. I may have rough days, but I am not a victim. I choose to accept what is.

1.) Nobody chooses to be a perfectionist. Don't tell someone to get over themselves and stop what they're doing. Please don't say "you're being overly dramatic" or "I don't get why this matters so much"  It doesn't help at all. Instead it makes it a lot worse. It might make them feel more depressed because they aren't pleasing you and they feel like more eyes are judging them.

2.) Ask if there's anything you can do to help. They might refuse. Sometimes I can be very stubborn about how I think things should be done, but it never hurts to have a friend who can sit and cheer you up. Sometimes taking a break from studying by watching silly youtube videos or a nice movie can help ease stress. Sometimes even asking them to go out for a cup of coffee can make their day so much brighter.

No matter what, please remember compassion is always the best choice. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird told his children that in order to really understand what someone is going through, you must be willing to walk around in that person's shoes for a bit of time. I understand it is very easy to assume things right away or say snide comments but it can be hurtful. If we all took a little bit of time to understand what our friends were going through, then the world might just be a happier place. Speaking with gentleness will always soften people up. It's amazing what tenderness does.

Have a wonderful rest of your week! It's almost the weekend. You can make it! You're going to do amazing things. Now go and conquer!

XOXO
Chloe

04 March, 2016

Your Mind is Stronger Than You Think

Happy Friday! Congratulations, you're almost done with the week!
Lately I've been thinking about how powerful the human mind is. You can talk yourself into doing just about anything, and also talk yourself out of doing certain things. It all starts with your thoughts and attitude.

I often find myself complaining when things get hard. (Don't we all?) and it's super easy to drown in an ocean of self-doubt, hopelessness, and irritability. It seems like there's no light at the end of the tunnel, and my body's too weak or too tired. And as soon as I start telling myself I'm too tired, not good enough, or need more inspiration, then the quality of my work goes drastically down. Negative thoughts will always make your body and mind crash.

I love running. It's how I process and reflect on the day. Some of my very best thoughts and ideas have occurred while on a run. But let me tell you, it's not always easy to start the run. There's thoughts like "I just need to rest." "This couch is so comfy" "But I'm going to be so sore tomorrow and it's going to hurt." However, as soon as I lace up my shoes and take the first few steps, it's all over. The happier thoughts come: "It's going to hurt but it's all worth it." "You can and you will make it." "Keep going." And then somehow three mils feels like nothing. If you just speak positively to yourself, it's incredible to see what can happen. Life's a lot like running: You just need to keep going no matter how slow, and then the "runner's high" will catch up to you. Be your own motivational coach. Running and life are both mental challenges. Positivity will see you through.

Have a wonderful day! Keep your head up and charge the mountain(s). You can do it!

XOXO
Chloe