Friday, January 30, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 30 - Clear out the clutter

I DID IT....

Today I took a day off work and just spent the day cleaning, throwing things out and getting organized. MY HOME FEELS clear of distractions, mess and anything standing in my way of making this my best year yet. 

My home, now feels like a haven to just retreat to at the end of a day, where I can continue to be positive and focus on my goals, dreams and visions and I AM IN LOVE with my flat all over again :)

It has to be done. We can not begin our best year yet surrounded by mess, clutter and chaos. Whether it's in our minds, our homes, cars or at work. WE HAVE TO CLEAR IT ALL OUT to make room for the good stuff, the positive energy, the love and everything else that is good in between. So with the weekend being too close and just around the corner, dedicate some time over the next day or two to clear out the clutter and make room for your best year yet....Especially as February is just around the corner :)

Here is to clearing it all out (and hopefully not hurting your back like me....#oldladyproblems)

- A 

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 28 & Day 29 - Commit to thinking positive

Its so easy to get lost in the day to day, the worries, the stresses, the negative things that pull you down. You suffer one setback and in your mind the world comes crumbling down. But should it?  I mean Rome wasn't built in a day and it certainly wasn't built with out a setback or two (at the least). So why should our goals and visions suffer???

It's time to change your thoughts, control you mind and keep pushing along. But how you ask?? How do we get the negative thoughts out? 

In all honesty, I myself have not mastered it. I mean I am definitely more aware and present with things that are happening and going on in my mind, so the minute something negative comes in, I try my hardest to work at getting it out, but it still takes me time. Whether it means I have a conversation with myself, blast some Taylor Swift or fall into a trance of Meditation, I work at it. I will not let myself be the thing that stands in the way of getting it all. AND YOU SHOULD NOT EITHER. 

So what are you going to do to make sure your thoughts stay positive?? Have any idea??? Well just in case you are struggling here are some suggestions: 

1. Listen to HAPPPY HAPPPY MUSIC!!!! Come on, Pharrell wrote Happy, so if you can not think of anything at least you know you have that one :)

2. Take out a piece of paper and a pen and set your clock on a timer of 7 minutes. Now for these 7 minutes write down everything that you love!!! And write them out like - I love my new funky pj's, I love the comfort of my bed, I love London, I love XYZ, etc. 

3. Watch something that makes you laugh - I mean there is just no shortage of these are there?? I mean funny movies, YouTube video's, TV shows, comedians - YOU NAME IT!!!! 

4. Do something you love - Go for a run, to a yoga class, sit at your favourite cafe, go for an aimless wonder, DO WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD

5. Go find someone to hug...I mean don't hung a random stranger, but HUGS ARE THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD, they make everyone happy. 

6. Call someone who make you happy or better yet go see them and just be surrounded by their positive energy. Positive energy is just so infectious and addictive it will be hard for you to just steer away. 

Okay - so there you go a starter list to get you going, to help you train your mind and get you in the right frame of mind to REALLY BELIEVE that this will be your BEST YEAR YET. 

SOOOOO LET'S GO!!!! Here is to positive thinking :)

- A 




Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 27 - Commit to your goals

You have to commit. Oh no there is that scary word - commitment. YIKES!!!! 

But its true, that with no commitment, there can be no reward in the end. You have to not only believe in your goals, but you have to be committed to the path. Which means that when opportunities arise that align with your goals, you jump on them and to things that come up that are distractions or go against your goals, YOU RUN, run like the wind as far away as you can from them. 

Commitment scares me, it makes me feel vulnerable and as though I am completely in the arms of trusting something other than myself. But IN this case you are just trusting your own words and visions so it should feel less scary. This year I am committed to fostering my brand and the next stages of my career (#womeninbiz), which is why when someone emailed me the opportunity to sit and learn from some of the best female entrepreneurs I had to jump on it - because it aligns DIRECTLY to what my focus is. I AM COMMITTED

So are you committed? BECAUSE YOU SHOULD BE!!! This is your life and your best year yet and what better way to show some love to yourself than to commit to the path your goals take you on. 

- A 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 26 - Find your outlet

As we all continue repeating our goals in front of that mirror of ours, it's important that we also determine what our outlet is. And by outlet, I mean that thing - that activity - that gets you back into your sweet spot no matter how blue the days have turned. Because let's face it, this may be our best year yet, but even if it is the BESTEST YEAR EVER, it will have moments that make your cringe, that make you second guess yourself and that make you want to shut the curtains and hide from the sun. 

But that's why we have our outlet. By understanding what our outlet is, we have a place to retreat to when all is down, to quickly pick us up and put us right back on that right track. 

SO WHAT IS IT FOR YOU? WHAT MAKES YOUR SOUL HAPPY? AND WHAT WILL SAVE YOU FROM A DAY OF HEADING OFF TRACK?

Spend the time finding it, because with out your outlet, your best year ever could be in danger and we definitely don't want that. 

- A





Sunday, January 25, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 23,24,25 - Understanding and visualizing your goals

Okay, so tardy is not even the right word to describe the lateness that is my post writing. But in my defence I have been battling a terrible flu, which has left my ears clogged, my nose leaky as hell and my throat coughing uncontrollably. I swear I am an absolute disaster to be around and should not be visible to either the real or cyber world. However, I am now slightly less contagious and a bit less high on cold medication, which is why I have retreated back to my lap top and to setting the stage for our best year yet.

So when I left you all my cyber friends we had just set our goals for our best year yet. And while setting them is critical, writing them down is never really enough. You need to understand what your goals mean and know them inside out - so much so that they are in your mind at every point of everyday.

So with that comes a two part exercise. The first piece is about going back to your goals and really understanding them and I mean really understanding what they mean for you, your life and how you see the whole thing panning out. You need to be able to visualize the end result, which comes from knowing what your goals mean for you. Once you feel as though you understand your goals you are free to move onto the second part of this exercise.

So then armed with your goals and your vision of them, head to the bathroom or a room where you have a mirror. Stop directly in front of that mirror and repeat your goals out loud while looking yourself in the mirror. Now I know what you all are thinking and doing (i.e. rolling your eyes), but it has to be done. IT NEEDS TO BE DONE. You need to know these goals and you need to believe in them, and by visiting this mirror daily and repeating your goals out loud, you will begin to remember these goals in everything you do and as a result will stay on track, while getting closer to achieving them and your visions for your best year yet... SO YOU WITH ME?

Remember writing down your goals is just the first step  you need to show commitment - understand them, believe in them and believe in your power in achieving them.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!?!! Pick up those goals and begin the process.

A recovering runny nose blogger
- A


Thursday, January 22, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 22 - Goal Setting

In keeping with the theme of writing, it's now time.

We have spent all month reflecting, enjoying and taking in the air of a brand new year. But now after all this time and prior to the start of the next new month, it is time to get our goals in order, so we can plan for what in fact our best year yet will look like.

So keep that notebook and pen out and start writing out your plans, your goals, your visions. What will this year bring? And what area's are you most keen to focus on. AND DON'T BE VAGUE. Wishy washy goals and ideas never got anyone anywhere. So start broad if that is easiest and start asking yourself what that broad statement looks like to you. It will help you brainstorm millions of visions and ideas that will help you make that broad statement so much more specific.

For example - My objective is to do well at work this year (broad statement). Then ask what does well look like? - Getting promoted, excelling on my daily tasks, getting a pay rise, etc. Okay so in the end my objective is to excel in my day to day tasks at work, resulting in a promotion that will further result in higher pay.

Got it!!! And don't be afraid to write things out. I found it so daunting to do last year, especially when I knew some of my goals involved things I was actually terrified of. And looking back after realising them all, I realise that you can not be afraid of what you want, you can not be afraid of the power that you hold to make your dreams happen.

After all, these goals armed with your will and passion will be all you need to make this your best year yet.

So get goal writing already will you!!!!

- A

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 21 - Write and write like no one is reading

Okay so I may be slightly bias with this post, considering that writing is my solace. But I do believe in it. I have a book that sits by my bed side that seems to always be a place of reflection for me, especially around this time of year.

As of late, I have flipped through it, reading up on where I have been and what I had hoped. And as I continue the reflection on the year that has passed and the year that is to come I realise how important writing is.

So as we move from the reflection period to deciding what will make this year the best years of our lives, get a notebook and not an electronic device that you can write on. And take out an old fashioned piece of paper and pen and start writing out your visions for this year to come. Write them out in any words or form that you want - this writing is just for you. And don't be afraid to dream and write big. THIS IS YOUR BEST YEAR YET AND YOUR CHANCE TO PROVE TO YOURSELF THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN.


So get creative :) Happy writing

- A

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 20 - READ and READ A LOT

Growing up my dad used to take me to the public library every couple weeks. We would walk in and instead of being able to sit near all the babysitter club books and get lost in their tales, I was forced to roam each of the aisles and select one history, geography and science book and then once those were selected I was allowed to pick something fun. I would return from those library trips lay the books in my room and stare at them with the evil eye as I held on tightly to my baby sitter club book.

I did end up having to read through all those books, which is likely why I am still such a bookworm to this day. And while I hated my dad then for robbing me of fun reading, I understand why he did it.

Reading is like writing, it is an escape, a chance not just to learn something new, but a chance to get caught up in the fairy tale of the different ways life or things could be. You feel like being rich, you read about money, you feel like being scared, you read a thriller, you feel like improving, you read some self-motivation. There is always something to get lost in, to giggle with and most importantly to curl up with.

But we all know that as busy as we get and as much as our lives are taken over by scrolling through instagram, Facebook and other media sites alike, things like reading just fall through the way side. I am guilty of it. For someone who had been away from social media for so long, joining instagram has created an obsessive habit that I am attempting to break.

So this year as we work to have our best years yet, let's pick some books, lay them by our bedsides and commit to getting lost in something phenomenal everyday even if its just for a few minutes.

I am starting with finishing off - we are all completely beside ourselves and then moving onto Gluten is my bitch. What will you begin with?

- A

Monday, January 19, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 19 - Devoting time to Learning

It could be possible that somehow I come from a long list of nerds, geeks, bookworms, Point Dexter's and others alike. But regardless of what it is, I don't care, because I LOVE LEARNING. And learning about anything and everything, be it from new cultures, to new ways the economy works. I relish at reading and discussing new things and with each new topic or piece of insight that is squeezed into this brain of mine I am turned into an eager and bright eyed child.

I can imagine what you all are thinking out there, but really learning especially as you get older, is not the same as it was when you were a kid. No one forces you to go home and do homework that they will eventually check. Instead you are given the WORLD and told that it is your OYSTER and so with that you can learn about anything and everything and at your pace with no one telling you that you have to.

ISN'T THAT EXCITING???!! I MEAN THE WORLD REALLY IS YOUR OYSTER!!!!!!!

And truth be told, before you embark on a path blinded you can LEARN about it and than decide if it is your chosen walkway. So don't you think that before you embark on your best year yet, you take some time to learn?!?!??!

I sure think so - so, what will it be? A new language, a new culture, a new technical area, a new food?? Pick one, two or a million new areas and just LEARN your way through your best year yet.

- A

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 17 and 18 - Time to reflect

Before we can really move forward, we do need to stop and just take in all that is happened, assess what we wished went different and think about how we build on how far we have come.

Time is what you need to reflect, the right kind of time. And while we may do some of our best reflection on the treadmill or our walk home, sometimes you just need to lay there on your bed like a starfish and stare up at the ceiling and think for hours on end.

I will admit, I did not spend the weekend laying like a starfish, things are just way to maniac at the moment. But what I did do was spend time with people that reflect the pathway I am headed on personally, asking millions of questions and observing. And at the end of a very long and maniac weekend, I retreated to the comfort of my bed and lay like a starfish taking it and all of 2014 in. Which was incredibly overwhelming but had to be done to ensure I am easing my way into what I know is now to come.

So in my tardiness of blog posting, I advise you all TO STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING. Well okay, don't lay out like a starfish at work, but spend some time today, whether its first thing in the morning or this evening and just reflect in that position that is so comfortable that getting up is nearly impossible.

Remember we have to first slow down before we speed up and fly right into our best year's yet.

- A



Friday, January 16, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 16 - CELEBRATE life

Have you started the day with a smile? Have you just stopped to think, GOOD LORD, I AM ALIVE, you know living, breathing and surrounded by at least 5 things that I am thankful for? I know I preach a lot about making time for about what seems to be a million things at this point. But the one thing I will never stop preaching about is.....
 
CELEBRATING LIFE
 
For what seemed like ages, I lay in my bed, afraid to face the day, afraid to look at the sun, afraid to just leave the confinements of what seemed like security. I was living, but afraid of admitting it. BUT NO MORE will that ever be me.
 
I walk around London with a constant smile on my face and while many a grumpy Brits may think I am an extremist, I won't shield my happiness or my celebration of life. IT IS TOO GOOD to not celebrate.
 
Wouldn't you agree?
 
SO STOP ALL THE PLANNING, ALL THE MUNDAINENESS OF THE DAY AND JUST TAKE A MOMENT TO TAKE A DANCE, SMILE OR CHAMPAGNE BREAK and dedicate it all to life :)
 
Happy Friday all you cyber people out there. Cheers to life!!
 
- A

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 15 - Love thy SELF

Come on, get up there, you know you can. Stand in front of that glorious mirror in front of you, and look yourself straight in the eye and tell yourself YOU ARE ONE AWESOME HUMAN and DAMN YOU SURE DO LOOK GOOD, and if you are feeling really adventuress give those guns a kiss or two. 

DID YOU DO IT???

Of course you didn't, well not yet at least. We are all guilty of self loathe, me included. Even when I know I am at my bestest, I will find a way to bring myself down. And it doesn't matter what anyone else says at that point because my mind has already convinced me otherwise. 

BUT NO MORE I SAY NO FREAKIN' MORE. As I dragged myself into the gym this morning I could hear the self loathe in my head and it continued all the way till I finished my morning cardio. But then something happened, as I switched to the weights. I just looked me dead straight in the eye and was like NO MORE, there is too much going on that is positive for any self loathe to be allowed YOU HEAR ME YOU CRAZY WOMAN. Seriously, it was like someone had taken over my brain. And from that point on, anytime something self loath like entered my mind, it was as if my brain took over and said nope you negative thought stop here and instead here is something positive to show you there ain't no place for you in this head of mine. And as the day progressed, the more I realized how right it was for me to just be oozing with positivity. 

I AM HAPPY DAMN IT and LIFE IS REALLY DAMN GOOD :) So I am going to remind myself of that everyday as 2015 continues to ensure I am positively present, happy and aware that I deserve another incredible year. 

Don't you think you do? I THINK YOU DO!!!! So what are you going to do? Duh, you are going to finish this blog and read the top paragraph again, but this time you will ACTUALLY DO THE EXERCISE :)

Remember you are simply amazing and beautiful all you cyber people out there. Here is to giving yourself some daily love. 

- A 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 14 - Give back

The older I get, the more time I spend trying to figure out how I can give back to the world in any shape or form really. From volunteering in Africa, to leaving random notes on the streets for people to find, all the way to paying a bigger tip and sitting with a friend to offer some advice. 

The form does not really matter at the end of the day. It really is just about being selfless and thinking about something other than you, your busy life and what you need. 

I find giving back more gratifying than achieving my own goals. That personal impact, that ability to change someone else's fate is overwhelmingly beautiful. 

So in a time of year when we are forced to think about ourselves and what we want to achieve, it is important to also consider those around you and how you plan to impact them. And I do not mean impacting them through your achievements but rather impacting them through your actions. 

So take a breather and day off from you, and GIVE BACK!!! Leave a sweet note somewhere, call someone who needs some cheering up, skip work and volunteer, JUST DO SOMETHING!!!!! The world needs you and so does your best year yet. 

- A 

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 13 - Add some sound to the soul, MUSIC!!!!

I am music obsessed. It is a hard cold true fact about me. I am obsessed with music so much that it does not even matter what is playing, I will listen, bop my head and likely memorize the lyrics as I go along. In fact I think I can have my voice sound exactly like the vocalist (in my dreams of course). I am one of those whose brain is filled with more music lyrics than anything remotely relevant to the world. It's likely why when anything educational pops up, I JUST SAY NO, this brain has too much important stuff in it already. 

Music is the thing that gets me through everyday, every good and bad mood and every horrible or gratifying moment. It is the soundtrack to my life essentially. And it is the thing that can pull me out of any rut and have me suddenly think I am completely invincible. 

Sometimes I set my iPod to shuffle, get my walking shoes on and just take over the world, 3 minutes at a time. 

So why not set the soundtrack for your best year yet? COME ON YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO. Think about your all time favourites and the songs that get you pumped up and ready to go and just let them play. Let them flow through your headset or speakers and into your best year yet. 

- A 

Monday, January 12, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 12 - Your image

It's no secret. I was a fat kid and I am not afraid to admit it. I have battled not only with my weight but my image my whole life. And the older I get and the more serious I get about my career, the more I realise the importance of taking some time to re-evaluate the clothes in my closet, my hair style, my make-up, my behaviour, actions, and everything else in between. 

I know it sounds like a girl just being an everyday girl. But you have no idea how important it is to consider your image and what you are portraying out in the world. While your attitude and actions are one thing, so is the way you carry yourself - it is all one package. One massive package that everyone sees. 

So how do you want people to perceive you? And more importantly, how do you want to see yourself?

For me, moving to London has been this blank slate of creativity to reinvent myself and really just figure out who I want to be and what I want my image to stand for. I spend countless hours weeding through magazines and people watching just to take it all in and allow it to simmer in this creative head of mine. And it feels fabulous getting closer and closer to that woman I want the world to see. 

So while your goals and objectives for making this year your best will be critical, so will be your image, since after all it is your image and what you put out to the world that will help you achieve everything that you desire. 

So what are you waiting for? Start today, start weeding through those clothes and looking in the mirror and watching your actions and putting it all together to become the image that you want to give to the world. 

- A 

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 11 - LIVE THIS EXACT MOMENT

The premise of this blog started with the idea of trying to stop "running shoe era" kids from chasing the next big thing and instead stopping to enjoy the moment, you know smelling those beautiful roses. 

So with that I feel as though it is imperative in this 31 day mission of setting the stage for our best year yet, that we focus on enjoying not just today, but every single moment that arises in our lives. 

How did you spend this day 11? And did you enjoy every moment of this Sunday Funday?

I SURE DID!!! I spent it laying around all morning, enjoying the comfort of my cozy bed and some awesome TV, followed by a yummy breakfast, a beautiful walk outdoors and some quality time with one of my most favorite people. Every moment, even if it was considered a routine like thing, felt like the only moment that mattered. Not the before, not the after, just the now. 

So what do you have to say for yourself? I am not asking you to stop chasing dreams and rainbows, I am just asking you to stop, breath and enjoy the pathway and all it has to offer. I DARE YOU, just live this exact moment, with out thinking of the next. 

What crazy stuff would you get up to if right now was all that mattered?

- A

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 10 - Be child like

I pride myself on being the goofy, silly, random one. I live for child like moments and the silliness that you can get caught up in. 

I mean, don't you have to have a child like self? 

This past Day 10, I spent the day surrounded by children, being absolutely crazy. They were painting with their hands, being silly with their actions and being absolutely 100% care free. As the tagged photographer for the morning, I spent the entire time, looking at things through their eyes and couldn't help but feel grateful for the ability I have to not take everything so seriously all the time and just be able to relax and enjoy things in a way that makes me feel like a child playing with paint, play doh, Lego and whatever else your forte may be. 

WE HAVE TO LOOSEN UP. The older we get, the more responsibility gets thrown at us, thereby leaving us feeling as though we have to get our act together and act adult like. And while I do believe that to a certain extent. I also think we have to have a side to us that let's us laugh in the face of disaster, chaos and stress - that side should be our child like sides, the sides that let us act naive and believe that it will all work out in the end, no matter how big the disaster, problem or whatever else it may be is. 

So what do you say? While I know day 10 is over - I dare you to take out that Lego set you know you have hiding under your bed and spend the last bits of the weekend being a complete and utter child. 

IT IS IMPERATIVE TO YOU SURVIVING YOUR BEST YEAR YET. 

Happy Legoing 
- A

Friday, January 9, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 9 - Family

I feel like this quote really just says it all. In fact I am not even sure how I can top it. 

I am at a loss for words - SHOCKING.  But true. 

Here is all I will say for this post and this 9th day of our best year yet. Family are the first set of people you will scream and yell at when you are mad, frustrated, annoyed. But they are also the first people you will call or go to when you are feeling the urge to scream, be mad and cry your eyes out. 

They are the unit that will always understand, always forgive and always love you unconditionally.

I may not always say it to my family, but I do try and show it as much as I can. I am the luckiest girl in the world if not for anything but just the people that are my family. They are my rocks, my strength and that mirror that I look into that gives me the guts and glory to face each day. 

Spend today loving your family and knowing that in your best year yet, they will stand by you through everything no matter what. 

-A

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 8 - Taking time for you (PAMPERING!!)

As hard as it may be for some of you to believe, I was actually quite a tom boy growing up. I think I really only began to discover the girl in me, as I started University and then suddenly i graduated and joined an army of professional woman dressed head to toe in fitted suits, high heals and glamorous jewellery. 

There was no way my flat shoes and orthopaedic running shoes were going to make it very far, not to mention my love for baggy clothes. 

However, before I could really transform, I needed to learn to deal with my nails, my hair, my skin and everything in between - and ladies you know all the things I am referring to. 

So with that I emerged into my first spa related experience and from that point on there has been no turning back. I LOVE GETTING MY NAILS, HAIR AND ALL ELSE DID. I am a slave to the beauty pampering world and am likely a sales persons dream. Walk me into the spa for a massage and walk me out with a massive bag of creams, fat burning techniques and nail growing oils. I AM OBSESSED. And for no other reason other than the fact that I love that all these places I go to allow me to shut out the rest of the world and just enjoy some calm and serenity time. 

ITS MY ME TIME. Well one of my me time like activities and I am simply at a loss with out it. It's this time that lets me recharge, re energize, rethink and just relax. And what better way to start off YOUR BEST YEAR YET than with a day, a week, a moment of just you time. Doing what you need to just relax. It will give you a chance to just clear your mind and really allow the important things to float back in. It will make designing your yearly goals THAT MUCH EASIER. 

So as I head off to my slumber and count the minutes to when I get to get my nails did tomorrow, think about how you can carve out some of that you time. CANCEL THOSE DINNER PLANS AND JUST MAKE A DATE FOR YOU AND YOUR BAD SELF :)

To typing with manicured nails, 

- A 

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 7 - Taking responsibility

Now there is a word that will send shivers up and down my spine - RESPONSIBILITY. Its as though just saying the word alone makes me feel adult like. 

So here is the deal. I am from a family where I am the youngest of two. And while I definitely stand by the fact that I have worked my ass off to get to where I am, I will admit openly on this inter web, that the things that never seemed to be a struggle for me, were the things I likely took for granted. 

Having parents that seemed to give me what I wanted / needed combined with this desire to just fit in somewhere in this world, resulted in a clear weakness in me growing up. And I am not blaming anyone, hell I think for the first time I admitted it was my fault to my parents prior to moving to this crazy city I live in now. But after a year of admitting fault, I realized over the past few days after staring at the vision board that hangs on my wall, that it was time to stop admitting defeat and instead take care of stuff like a REAL LIFE ADULT WOULD. 

But being an adult is hard work!!!! And it is by no means fun at times. I had to write an email to a dear friend today admitting weakness and likely letting her down and it KILLED ME. I sat at my computer in the office all day grumpy as hell, snapping at everyone. It took so much of me to not get up and stomp my feet like the 6 year old that I know lives inside of me and just throw a plain old tantrum, while praying that my parents would come to the rescue. I KNOW, I need to grow the hell up. Well in some respects, in others I would argue that I air more on the side of a wise senior citizen. But I guess taking responsibility for your actions and mistakes, is about facing yourself in the mirror and admitting that it's time to get serious, regardless of how hard some of the steps you may need to take are. 

And with that I am beginning to make my focus - RESPONSIBILITY (minus the shivers up and down my spine). 

If there is one thing I have learnt it is that you can not ignore the mistakes you have made and the wrong you have done, hoping that they will go away. It's like KHARMA, it all comes back. And so sooner or later you gotta bite the bullet deal with the tough times and face the music. So in order to make 2015 your best year yet. Take a look at some of the things you know you have run from, or ignored. AND CLEAR THEM OUT. Face them and right the wrongs. Only then as I realized today, will you begin to really feel like you are taking ownership for your life. 

HERE IS TOOOO RESPONSIBILITY (arghh...) and day 2 of not being tardy :)

-A 

Monday, January 5, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 6 - Become a morning person

Now I for sure know you all think I have gone mental. Yes this is right, I am suggesting that in making 2015 your best year yet - you commit to becoming a morning person. 

I used to try to sleep as long as I could in the morning and then rush out of bed, get to work and count the hours till the day was done, so that I could do the things I wanted to most. But than I got staffed on a project with someone Senior to me that used to begin his work days at 530AM and log off at around 530-6pm at least for a few hours to get his me-time in. Since he had started early he felt no guilt, for logging off when he did. Even if that meant that some of us were meant to pick up the late night shifts. 

Now, I am not that type of a morning person. It takes me at least 30-45 minutes to be able to properly converse after emerging from my slumber. So I have learnt to love and do the reverse. I AM ADMITTING TO THE CYBER WORLD, that I, little old me, am a 530AM riser from Monday to Friday. But this little bumpkin does not emerge to respond to emails, but rather to pack up my belongings, head to the gym or for a run or for yoga, a hot shower, a relaxing get ready time and than to wherever my office may happen to be for the time being. 

By becoming a morning person, I feel like I have woken up, by making my well being a priority. Therefore when anyone asks me to help or do something that may take longer than the 6 o'clock hour, I don't feel annoyed, angered or guilty because I have already spent time doing what was really important for my mental health. 

Now I am not asking anyone out there to wake up every morning to exercise or do work, but rather to think about what's important to you and what isn't getting included in the day to day, simply because you are distracted or feeling like there isn't enough hours in the day.  I think its important for us all to understand the things that are most important to us and to make time for them. I mean we are all living lives that are an endless game of searching for more time - So why not create it? Lessen the stress? And along the way increase the enjoyment and happiness?

Come on - you know you all want to try it???? GET INTO BED and set your alarms at least 30 minutes earlier to do something you know you love to, but haven't had a chance to lately. 

Signing off so I can retrieve to my slumber in preparation for this 530 AM wake-up call

- A 

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 4 & 5 - GET ON OUTSIDE!!! and MAKE SURE YOU EXERCISE!!!

Okay, okay I apologize over and over again to the Gods that I have promised my daily blogging to. I am never this tardy when i set a goal, but something about travelling between continents and being pulled from reality for so long has made me overly exhausted and craving nothing more than the comfort of my sweet little comfy bed, with my lap top streaming The Good Wife on repeat (ADDICTED!!!!). But I think after a double post this evening i will find myself ahead of the game and finally back on top of life. 

Let's hope all of you, yes my little cyber friends shall enjoy what I have in store. 


Day 4 - GET ON OUTSIDE!!!!!!! 

I never believed it. But after going through a tough time a few years back, self-help books became my best friends. I was searching for an answer of how to cure my life, if that even makes sense. And along my path I listened to and tried everything you can think of - hey desperate times call for desperate measures, what can you do? Anyhow, in all the hocus pocus I read, a repetitive pattern emerged. No matter what I read there was always something about getting outside in nature at least once a day. And unplugging yourself while you do it. Which means - no people, no phones, no distractions.  

Now i know what you all are thinking - ITS WINTER ARE YOU MAD!!!! And the answer contrary to what some of you may think is that NO I AM NOT MAD. I know it's winter, but that's why all of our favourite stores created such awesome and fashionable winter accessories (and HELLO WINTER SALES!!). So hold up on your excuses, get to the mall, buy some winter protecting gear and then commit to at least a 20 minute walk outside a day. Even if it means going out at lunch and taking an extra 10 to just walk outside. 

I have found that on even the days that have just passed where I feel glued to my bed, getting outside and getting some fresh air change my mood, my health and overall feeling. And while i used to be glued to an iPod or some electronic source blaring music. I have found that a walk with nothing at all, actually allows me to think with out the emotional songs of the past and the future influencing which way my head will go. 

Day 5 - EXXXERCCCIIIIISSSSEEEEEE

Keeping up with the trend of being active. EXERCISE!!!! I know some of us love it, most of us hate it and no matter what group we fall in, we sometimes equate it as a chore - a must do that will make eating that dairy milk seem okay. 

I don't know. I equate exercise to writing in some ways. Meaning just as writing as a solace, I find exercise the same almost, i find it not therapeutic but empowering. Celebrities always talk about their ultra ego's and I think that's where mine emerges. I can be in the crappiest mood and have been crapped on all day at work or in life, and no matter what I will lace up, get my butt on the treadmill, and my body directly emerged in the weights and will walk out feeling like a serious champion. 

Your body releases such positive endorphins when you exercise, it's hard to not get addicted to that feeling. So commit to it. And don't do it for the weight loss, or for the dairy milk you ate. Do it because it makes you feel good, because that good feeling will be there on your fat and non-fat days. Its consistent and will make you fall in love with the sweat that drips down your face :)

And remember I am not just preaching but also following. Even in recovering sick state I headed both to the gym and for a walk today :) 

SO WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE?!!?!? GET OUT THERE and allow these outlets to let you formulate the visions you have for 2015 and how you plan to make it YOUR BEST YEAR YET. 

Promise to try to no longer be tardy,

- A 

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 3 - SLLLLLLEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPP

I totally used to be one of those - you know the person that goes out till all hours of the night and then sets the alarm even in the most ridicules of states for something like 8AM on a Saturday or Sunday. I was in a constant state of tiredness and all because I felt the need to seize the day and not waste a second that I had doing anything completely irrelevant like sleep. 

I thought weekends were to do fun stuff and sleep was never on my list. But after moving to London and clearing my schedule so to speak, I realized just how good it felt to just let the idea of setting the alarm go and instead just sleep for as long as my mind, body and soul said I needed to. I mean i knew the grocery store would be open when I needed it, and there were yoga and gym classes galore that could be taken at all hours and most importantly I knew that the majority of my London clan adored sleep as much as I have learnt to, so I knew there wouldn't be much to miss out on. 

And with that, my love of sleep was found. 

The idea now of snuggling into my massive duvet and getting lost in my pillows as I dream things away is something i crave all week, after all it is something i desperately need after a long week of life. Hell even during the week I find that to make it through the day with my 530am wake up calls, getting into bed early is a must, even if I am going to bed at the same time as some 7 year olds. 

Sleep and rest have allowed me to live with a clearer mind, be more alert, aware and focused on anything I do in the hours that I am awake. My productivity has sky rocketed, which means I have more hours in a day TO DO THE THINGS I LOVE. 

So WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!! Do not pass go, do not move forward, just get into bed, cuddle into those covers and SLEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP till your heart's content. 

Happy dreaming, sleeping and hopefully not snoring. 

Til tomorrow, 

- A 

Friday, January 2, 2015

Making sure 2015 is your best year yet: Day 1 & 2 - Gratitude and Organization

Its been just 24 hours into the new year and I have already been tardy in documenting the first 30 days of this 365 day process - automatic fail, lol. However,  in my defence I have also just spent the last 24 hours commuting between continents and am now sitting at my lap top jet leg, sick and not sure of what time it really is. Which, means that this should turn out to be a rather interesting post with even more spelling mistakes than usual. Anyhow I digress. 

So regardless of my failing to document this process, I have actually been giving it much thought and have selected a couple of key focuses over the past couple days. 


Thursday January 1, Internal focus - Gratitude

It has been ages since I have gone out for New Years Eve. The whole process of getting super dressed up, paying a fortune and than getting stuck in and out of the cold between taxi and bar lines is a nightmare. Therefore for the past few years I have opted out of the chaos of new years and stuck to a more civilized and calming plan of action - ringing the new year in at the temple. Now I know what you all are thinking, this post is about to go religious, but fear not my dear cyber friends. I will not by any means be preaching anything about the big guy.

Anyhow the whole temple experience always left me feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for days and weeks following new years eve. So this year as I opted to join in the madness of new years celebrations, I focused my thoughts on all things I was thankful for and then like the overflowing bubbly, the clock struck midnight and I reached for my phone to text my parents and got emotional. I got emotional writing out my text, hugging my friends and just looking around at where I was. I was absolutely oozing of gratitude for the life I have and it left me feeling so amazing as January 1st continued. 

Sooo I ask you all - while we can not go back to the 1st of January, to take out your iPad's, notepads, diaries, whatever you have and just right down the numbers 1-20 on the left side of your page and list out the top 20 things you are grateful for. And when you are done, review that list, memorize it, hell stick it to the wall next to your mirror and review it EVERY SINGLE DAY. Because you will find that even in the hardest of days, that list will keep you honest to the belief that life is pretty awesome and will continue the flow of all your positive energies and beliefs. 

Friday January 2nd, Internal Focus - Organization 

God i totally sound like a parent  - don't I? I mean who focuses on organization? Trust me, if you knew me before you would know that the life of a travelling consultant is maddening. You live in and out of a suit case in a constant state of piled up bills, errands to run, laundry and dry cleaning to make time to do and everything else in between. And while travel for me has cut down, coming back after a two and a half week break, made me think of only one thing, from the moment the plane touched down - unpack, pay bills, go through mail, HELL JUST GET FREAKING ORGANIZED!!!!

I know it seems minor, but getting organized is like clearing out the clutter - YOU HAVE TO DO IT, after all a clutter free environment, clears the space for positive thoughts, energy and all else in between. 

So I ASK YOU ALL OUT THERE IN CYBER SPACE - DO YOU HAVE CLUTTER TO CLEAR?!?! THAN!!! Do not hold off any longer, do not continue another second. Clear your calendar to clear your clutter and really let it all get done!!! 

And that's that for now :) Let's hope that I can jump off this tardy bandwagon beginning tomorrow. Tootles cyber space, till tomorrow. 

- A