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SELF-CARE INSPIRATION
What You Can Do if You’re Feeling Socially Isolated
By LIV You
What You Can Do if You’re Feeling Socially Isolated
There are a lot of people that feel alone these days. It’s not easy or safe to casually meet for dinner at a restaurant. It’s not advisable to meet at a friend’s house for a poker tournament.
A lot of the regular activities you normally use to connect with others and to get out of the house are off-limits now. It’s natural to feel out of sorts and isolated.
However, where there’s a will, there’s a way. There are opportunities to connect with others if you’re willing to think outside the box.
Find new ways to stay in touch with the outside world:
1. Be creative. Maybe your normal social channels and activities are now unavailable to you. That just means you need to be creative and find new ways to connect with others and spend your time.
4. Use the internet. There are countless ways to use the internet to connect with others. Let’s consider just a few:
7. Exercise. Exercise is a great way to change your perspective. It also helps to keep your mind and body healthy. What type of activity do you like to do? Do it.
8. Be safe. It’s easy to become fatigued with the Covid-19 situation and let your guard down. Avoid becoming reckless. Look for safe outlets for your need to connect with others.
The pandemic won’t last forever. In the meantime, if you’re feeling isolated, be creative and reach out to the people in your life. Maybe you can’t sit on the couch and watch a movie together, but there are other meaningful ways to interact with each other. Find new and enjoyable ways to spend your time alone and to connect with others.
By LIV You
What You Can Do if You’re Feeling Socially Isolated
There are a lot of people that feel alone these days. It’s not easy or safe to casually meet for dinner at a restaurant. It’s not advisable to meet at a friend’s house for a poker tournament.
A lot of the regular activities you normally use to connect with others and to get out of the house are off-limits now. It’s natural to feel out of sorts and isolated.
However, where there’s a will, there’s a way. There are opportunities to connect with others if you’re willing to think outside the box.
Find new ways to stay in touch with the outside world:
1. Be creative. Maybe your normal social channels and activities are now unavailable to you. That just means you need to be creative and find new ways to connect with others and spend your time.
- Maybe you were in a bit of a rut anyway. Now might be a great opportunity to make a few changes in your life.
- Meet at the park and share a coffee.
- There are plenty of ways to meet and be safe about it.
4. Use the internet. There are countless ways to use the internet to connect with others. Let’s consider just a few:
- Skype and Zoom. These are just two of many software platforms that allow you to see and talk to others. Zoom is great if you want to talk to multiple people at once.
- Online gaming. You can play card games, chess, checkers, and many other games and have a conversation at the same time.
- Forums. If you want to be more anonymous, forums provide a great outlet for sharing your thoughts, but not your name or your face.
- What could you see yourself doing that would be fun and interesting and take your mind off the current situation?
7. Exercise. Exercise is a great way to change your perspective. It also helps to keep your mind and body healthy. What type of activity do you like to do? Do it.
8. Be safe. It’s easy to become fatigued with the Covid-19 situation and let your guard down. Avoid becoming reckless. Look for safe outlets for your need to connect with others.
The pandemic won’t last forever. In the meantime, if you’re feeling isolated, be creative and reach out to the people in your life. Maybe you can’t sit on the couch and watch a movie together, but there are other meaningful ways to interact with each other. Find new and enjoyable ways to spend your time alone and to connect with others.
Coaching Tips
Dealing With Stress in Social & Non-Social Settings
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Are You Performing These Important Self-Care Practices?
By LIV You
Are You Performing These Important Self-Care Practices?
Self-care habits are among the most important. They show the world that you care about yourself. More importantly, they show you that you care about yourself.
It’s important to take care of yourself. No one is more interested in your care than you are. Maybe your mother cares more, but she’s not available 24/7 like you are.
Too many of us are too focused on helping others and not focused enough on our own care. You can’t do much for others if you’re not taking good care of yourself. Make yourself a priority, and you’ll be more useful to those in your life.
Care for yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally with these activities:
Good self-care practices are also an effective way of keeping yourself firing on all cylinders.
If you’re feeling down and out, give extra attention to your self-care. You deserve the time and attention.
By LIV You
Are You Performing These Important Self-Care Practices?
Self-care habits are among the most important. They show the world that you care about yourself. More importantly, they show you that you care about yourself.
It’s important to take care of yourself. No one is more interested in your care than you are. Maybe your mother cares more, but she’s not available 24/7 like you are.
Too many of us are too focused on helping others and not focused enough on our own care. You can’t do much for others if you’re not taking good care of yourself. Make yourself a priority, and you’ll be more useful to those in your life.
Care for yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally with these activities:
- Grooming. This can be a good gauge of your mental health. Those with significant mental health issues often neglect their grooming. It’s important to look and feel your best each day. It’s amazing how much a good shower, shave, and flossing can do for your mood and attitude.
- Healthy diet. It’s hard to rise above the quality of food you put into your body. Even with conflicting diets and advice out there, you have a good idea of what foods are healthy and which aren’t. Experiment with different diets and take note of their effects on your mood, sleep, energy, and focus.
- Exercise. Exercise has a positive effect on your mind and body. Exercise enhances your ability to sleep, uplifts your mood, and can increase your longevity. The current recommendation from the medical community is to engage in at least 2.5 hours of exercise per week.
- Practice gratitude. Gratitude is good for your soul. It creates hope and contentment even in trying circumstances. It’s easy to forget how much you already have if you’re not practicing gratitude each day.
- Practice forgiveness. Forgiving others has a powerful effect on your physical and emotional health. It also frees your mind from negative recurring thoughts and allows you to make more progress in your life. You’re only stealing time from yourself when you hold on to negative feelings toward others.
- Sleep. Set up a regular schedule for sleeping and stick to it. It’s not too hard to convince yourself of the importance of sleep. All you have to do is skip one night to experience the powerful impact of sleep on your wellbeing.
- Spend time with others. You can’t spend all of your time alone and remain emotionally healthy. It’s necessary to interact with others. How much human contact is needed varies greatly from one person to another. No matter how much of a loner you might be, though, spending time with others matters.
- Spend quality time alone. Spending time with others is important, but it’s important to spend some time alone, too. Everyone needs to get away and be alone once in a while. Again, how much time you need to spend alone is an individual preference. Make time for this important self-care practice.
Good self-care practices are also an effective way of keeping yourself firing on all cylinders.
If you’re feeling down and out, give extra attention to your self-care. You deserve the time and attention.
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I Prioritize My Time, Energy, and Focus
By LIV You
I prioritize my time, energy, and focus.
I know that my results in life are dependent on how I spend my time. I am very choosy about how I spend my time each day. I know what is important to me, and I spend my time accordingly.
I know what I want to accomplish, and I spend time pursuing these goals. I know that if I spend my time more effectively, my life changes for the better. I avoid wasting my time.
I maximize the amount of energy I have each day. I know the type of diet that gives me the most energy and vigor, and I follow it. I get enough sleep each night, so I have the energy I need for the next day. I manage my energy wisely.
I am focused. I am clear on my objectives and can focus on them for long periods of time. This ensures that my time and energy are being used most effectively.
By prioritizing my time, energy, and focus, I am guaranteeing my success. I am learning how to control these three items better each day.
Today, I am giving extra attention to how I spend my time, energy, and focus. I am taking my productivity to a new level. I am excited by what I expect to accomplish today.
Self-Reflection Questions:
By LIV You
I prioritize my time, energy, and focus.
I know that my results in life are dependent on how I spend my time. I am very choosy about how I spend my time each day. I know what is important to me, and I spend my time accordingly.
I know what I want to accomplish, and I spend time pursuing these goals. I know that if I spend my time more effectively, my life changes for the better. I avoid wasting my time.
I maximize the amount of energy I have each day. I know the type of diet that gives me the most energy and vigor, and I follow it. I get enough sleep each night, so I have the energy I need for the next day. I manage my energy wisely.
I am focused. I am clear on my objectives and can focus on them for long periods of time. This ensures that my time and energy are being used most effectively.
By prioritizing my time, energy, and focus, I am guaranteeing my success. I am learning how to control these three items better each day.
Today, I am giving extra attention to how I spend my time, energy, and focus. I am taking my productivity to a new level. I am excited by what I expect to accomplish today.
Self-Reflection Questions:
- What is my biggest goal for the next 5 years? What can I focus on today to help me achieve that goal?
- How much sleep do I need each night to have the most energy during the day?
- What are the major distractions in my life? What can I do about them?
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Top 10 Reasons Why Meditation Might Not Be Working For You
By LIV You
Meditation is simple, cheap, and highly effective, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. And to be honest, it actually is pretty easy, it’s just not what people expect it to be.
Beginners have all sorts of challenges when meditating, but most of them aren’t really problems. The complaints beginners have are simply part of the meditation process.
Meditation can work for everyone that puts in the time and effort.
Are these challenges holding you back?
1. Your mind is too active. Of course, it’s active. It takes practice before the mind quiets down, and it’s rarely silent even after years of practice. It takes about 20 minutes for experienced meditators to notice a slowing down of the mind.
3. A lack of consistency. Meditation needs to be done daily to see the greatest benefits. It also needs to be done daily to gain a high level of proficiency. You can’t become skilled at what you don’t practice. Get as much practice as you can.
4. You fall asleep. It’s not easy to fall asleep if you have the proper posture. It should be impossible to stay asleep if you have the proper posture, as you’re sure to lose you balance and fall over.
7. Rationalizing that quitting is a good idea. Common thoughts include things like, “This is a waste of time.” “Why am I doing this?” “Is this all there is?” Again, just sit with your thoughts and notice them. Every thought is as meaningless as the next.
10. Expecting more. Meditation rarely involves earth-shattering insights. It’s a gradual process that brings understanding over time.
The problems above aren’t really problems per se. They’re simply misunderstandings of what normally occurs during a meditation session. Just keep at it and have faith that everything is as it should be.
By LIV You
Meditation is simple, cheap, and highly effective, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. And to be honest, it actually is pretty easy, it’s just not what people expect it to be.
Beginners have all sorts of challenges when meditating, but most of them aren’t really problems. The complaints beginners have are simply part of the meditation process.
Meditation can work for everyone that puts in the time and effort.
Are these challenges holding you back?
1. Your mind is too active. Of course, it’s active. It takes practice before the mind quiets down, and it’s rarely silent even after years of practice. It takes about 20 minutes for experienced meditators to notice a slowing down of the mind.
- This isn’t really a problem. Part of the purpose of meditating is to learn how your mind operates. This is how it operates.
- Just return your focus to your breath.
3. A lack of consistency. Meditation needs to be done daily to see the greatest benefits. It also needs to be done daily to gain a high level of proficiency. You can’t become skilled at what you don’t practice. Get as much practice as you can.
4. You fall asleep. It’s not easy to fall asleep if you have the proper posture. It should be impossible to stay asleep if you have the proper posture, as you’re sure to lose you balance and fall over.
- The best position for meditating is to sit up straight. If you lie down, you may struggle to stay awake.
- It’s best to try to remain still. Shifting your position will only give temporary relief, and the process starts all over again. No matter how much it hurts, you’ll find the pain fades away and eventually moves to another location if you stay still.
- Itches fall into the same category. Just leave them alone and observe them.
7. Rationalizing that quitting is a good idea. Common thoughts include things like, “This is a waste of time.” “Why am I doing this?” “Is this all there is?” Again, just sit with your thoughts and notice them. Every thought is as meaningless as the next.
- Just realize that it’s your discomfort with stillness that’s bothering you. You’ll come to understand that many of the things you do in your life are to avoid this feeling. This includes things like staring at the TV and overeating.
- If you had time to watch TV, surf the internet, or play on your phone, you had time to meditate.
10. Expecting more. Meditation rarely involves earth-shattering insights. It’s a gradual process that brings understanding over time.
The problems above aren’t really problems per se. They’re simply misunderstandings of what normally occurs during a meditation session. Just keep at it and have faith that everything is as it should be.
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I Am Living the Life I Want to Live
By LIV You
I am living the life I want to live.
I am in charge of my life. I am the only person who determines what I do and who I become. It is up to me to choose the life I want and live it.
The life I am living is the life that I want to live. I work hard to acquire the career that I've always desired.
I have the family that I want to have. My mate is a great match for me. I am raising my children to behave the way I want them to behave.
Life is filled with situations that turn out differently than I expect. At those times, I get on my knees and pray for direction. I seek wisdom from people who are what I aspire to be and I make the necessary adjustments to my behavior.
The authority to alter the course of my life belongs to me. With a simple decision, I have the power to change where I am and where I am headed. I arm myself with the tools necessary to enact change.
Actions have consequences. Therefore, I align my actions with my desired result. When an action leads me away from my goals, I change my reaction so I can be more productive.
Today, I choose to pray for direction and reflect on where I am taking my life. I make adjustments to my behavior, even if it seems easier to change my goals than to change my behavior.
Self-Reflection Questions:
By LIV You
I am living the life I want to live.
I am in charge of my life. I am the only person who determines what I do and who I become. It is up to me to choose the life I want and live it.
The life I am living is the life that I want to live. I work hard to acquire the career that I've always desired.
I have the family that I want to have. My mate is a great match for me. I am raising my children to behave the way I want them to behave.
Life is filled with situations that turn out differently than I expect. At those times, I get on my knees and pray for direction. I seek wisdom from people who are what I aspire to be and I make the necessary adjustments to my behavior.
The authority to alter the course of my life belongs to me. With a simple decision, I have the power to change where I am and where I am headed. I arm myself with the tools necessary to enact change.
Actions have consequences. Therefore, I align my actions with my desired result. When an action leads me away from my goals, I change my reaction so I can be more productive.
Today, I choose to pray for direction and reflect on where I am taking my life. I make adjustments to my behavior, even if it seems easier to change my goals than to change my behavior.
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Am I living the life I want to live?
- What do I need to change to achieve the life I want?
- Who can help me find direction?
Coaching Tips
Making History Along Your Journey
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Keeping Your Love Cup Full
By LIV You
I give myself as much love as I give to others.
I love and support my family and friends unconditionally. I celebrate their joys and lift them up during hard times. I give them the foundation they deserve.
I know I deserve the same amount of love and support that I give to my loved ones. I am continually kind to myself because I am worth it. I avoid selling myself short when it comes to appreciating who I am and what I can accomplish.
When I make a mistake, I can admit it without beating myself up about it. I analyze where I went wrong and trust that I can avoid the same error the next time.
I take the time to treat myself to nice things, just like I do with others. My treats to them represent how much I love them. When I treat myself, I feel the same kind of love.
I feel reassured when I say kind words to myself in the mirror. Even when I notice my shortcomings, I recognize that there is far more to love than to see as lacking. I choose to focus on the positive things.
There is a lot about me that makes me special. I embrace those things every day and find peace with who I am.
Today, I commit to treating myself as kindly as I treat those I love, because I love and accept myself just the way I am.
Self-Reflection Questions:
By LIV You
I give myself as much love as I give to others.
I love and support my family and friends unconditionally. I celebrate their joys and lift them up during hard times. I give them the foundation they deserve.
I know I deserve the same amount of love and support that I give to my loved ones. I am continually kind to myself because I am worth it. I avoid selling myself short when it comes to appreciating who I am and what I can accomplish.
When I make a mistake, I can admit it without beating myself up about it. I analyze where I went wrong and trust that I can avoid the same error the next time.
I take the time to treat myself to nice things, just like I do with others. My treats to them represent how much I love them. When I treat myself, I feel the same kind of love.
I feel reassured when I say kind words to myself in the mirror. Even when I notice my shortcomings, I recognize that there is far more to love than to see as lacking. I choose to focus on the positive things.
There is a lot about me that makes me special. I embrace those things every day and find peace with who I am.
Today, I commit to treating myself as kindly as I treat those I love, because I love and accept myself just the way I am.
Self-Reflection Questions:
- How can I promote greater feelings of self-love and acceptance within me?
- Do I acknowledge my input when I contribute to a meaningful accomplishment?
- How do I encourage myself to be positive when I feel unmotivated?
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The Surprising Connection Between Sleep and Heart Health
By LIV You
Diet and exercise may be the first things that come to mind when you think about taking care of your heart. However, what you do overnight counts too. Sleep deficiencies can contribute to many heart conditions, and heart troubles can make it difficult to sleep.
Experts have been aware of a link between sleep apnea and high blood pressure for many years. Now, ongoing research is discovering similar interactions related to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Learn more about how you can use sleep to keep your heart healthy.
Understanding How Sleep Affects Your Heart
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one third of adults get less than the minimum recommendation of 7 hours of sleep each night, adding to their risk for heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. What does that mean for you?
Consider these facts:
More Heart-Healthy Habits
Almost 80% of heart disease and stroke are preventable, according to the American Heart Association. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Include these heart-healthy habits in your daily routines:
Sufficient sleep and other heart healthy habits can lower your risk for many serious medical conditions. Talk with your doctor, so you can figure out which factors are most important for helping you to lead a longer and more active life.
By LIV You
Diet and exercise may be the first things that come to mind when you think about taking care of your heart. However, what you do overnight counts too. Sleep deficiencies can contribute to many heart conditions, and heart troubles can make it difficult to sleep.
Experts have been aware of a link between sleep apnea and high blood pressure for many years. Now, ongoing research is discovering similar interactions related to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Learn more about how you can use sleep to keep your heart healthy.
Understanding How Sleep Affects Your Heart
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one third of adults get less than the minimum recommendation of 7 hours of sleep each night, adding to their risk for heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. What does that mean for you?
Consider these facts:
- Count your hours. Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones and cause calcium buildup and other changes in your arteries. On the other hand, excessive sleep of more than 9 hours is associated with higher health risks too. Most adults need to aim for 7 to 8 hours nightly.
- Watch your blood pressure. Your heart slows down, and your blood pressure drops while you sleep. This nocturnal dipping gives your body a chance to heal from daily stress. Without this time off, you’re more vulnerable to hypertension and other issues.
- Manage diabetes. Elevated blood sugar can harm your blood vessels. Sleep helps to stabilize blood glucose, lowering your risk for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
- Lose weight. Do you crave fattening foods after a restless night? Studies show that lack of sleep may throw your hunger hormones out of balance, and make you want to overeat. Excess pounds increase inflammation and strain your heart, especially if they settle down around your midsection.
- Reduce sleep apnea. If you snore and feel tired during the day, you may have sleep apnea. This disorder causes you to stop breathing intermittently while you’re asleep, putting you at greater risk for heart attack, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. Ask your doctor about CPAP therapy and other options.
- Minimize disruptions. Even if you go to bed early, frequent interruptions can keep you from enjoying the four essential stages of sleep. The deeper stages of non-rapid eye movement sleep are especially beneficial for your heart. In addition, continuous sleep keeps your heart rate from spiking each time you wake up.
More Heart-Healthy Habits
Almost 80% of heart disease and stroke are preventable, according to the American Heart Association. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Include these heart-healthy habits in your daily routines:
- Be consistent. One study found that shift workers had almost 20% higher rates of coronary heart disease. If possible, go to bed and wake up at around the same time each day.
- Change your diet. Eat more fiber, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Cut back on saturated fat and avoid trans fats.
- Exercise regularly. Work your way up to doing at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Cardio workouts like running and biking strengthen your heart and lower your blood pressure. Strength training conditions your heart and enhances your overall health too.
- Learn to relax. It’s natural to feel anxious sometimes, especially in these chaotic times. Relaxation practices can help you to cope and enjoy more restful sleep. Take part each day in activities that help you relax.
Sufficient sleep and other heart healthy habits can lower your risk for many serious medical conditions. Talk with your doctor, so you can figure out which factors are most important for helping you to lead a longer and more active life.
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15 Art Therapy Exercises You Can Do at Home
By LIV You
Art therapy is an interesting field of mental health care that is based on the premise that expressing yourself creatively can enhance well-being and promote emotional healing. It can also boost self-awareness.
While there are licensed art therapists, you can do many of the same art therapy exercises at home that you would do in a clinical setting.
You don’t have to be a great artist to receive the benefits of art therapy. Anyone can draw, paint, color, sculpt, or create a collage. It’s true that some can do these things better than others, but skill is irrelevant in art therapy. The act of creating is what’s important.
Try these art therapy activities:
10. Draw a scene from one of your nightmares. Since we’re on the subject of sleep and dreams, recreate a scene from a recent bad dream. If you haven’t tried your hand at drawing lately, now would be a good time.
11. Build an altar. Create an altar that is unique to you and will help you to connect fully with your spiritual side.
12. Create a map of all the personal connections in your life. Put yourself in the center and diagram all of the relationships you have. Compare that to all the relationships you had 10 years ago. What’s changed?
13. Create a website. There are plenty of places to create a free website, such as www.wordpress.com. Build a website that represents your interests.
14. Paint a rock. List your values on the rock and put it where you can see it each day.
15. Draw your safe place. Use any medium you like. Create a place that makes you feel safe from the world.
Art therapy is a gift that you can give yourself. Pick one exercise and give it a try. Experiment and see what happens. These 15 exercises are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds more for you to discover.
By LIV You
Art therapy is an interesting field of mental health care that is based on the premise that expressing yourself creatively can enhance well-being and promote emotional healing. It can also boost self-awareness.
While there are licensed art therapists, you can do many of the same art therapy exercises at home that you would do in a clinical setting.
You don’t have to be a great artist to receive the benefits of art therapy. Anyone can draw, paint, color, sculpt, or create a collage. It’s true that some can do these things better than others, but skill is irrelevant in art therapy. The act of creating is what’s important.
Try these art therapy activities:
- Create sock puppets and put on a play. Making a couple of sock puppets will put a smile on anyone’s face. You can act out a scene from your life. Maybe you want to re-enact a fight you had with your spouse. Or help a child vent their frustrations related to a bullying incident.
- Create a sculpture that matches your mood. Get your hands on some clay or Play-Doh and let your imagination run wild. Feeling anxious? Create a sculpture that represents that feeling. Dealing with some rage? See what ideas you have for representing rage with clay.
- Make a collage with photographs that you love. Go through your old photos and make copies of some of your favorites. Create a collage that exemplifies the emotions that those photographs stimulate in you.
- Draw a picture that represents utopia to you. What is your version of a perfect life or a perfect world? Draw it. What makes it so perfect for you?
- Create a painting that represents your childhood. What are the most important moments of your childhood? Will you include only positive memories? Or are you in the mood to get your hands dirty and deal with the negative events, too?
- Draw or paint your negative traits. Consider your negative traits and find a way to represent them in a piece of art.
- Draw or paint your positive traits. Do the same with your positive traits.
- Make a flag with a motto that represents your intentions. What motto would you put on a flag that best describes your intention in life?
- Power?
- Sacrifice?
- Peace on Earth?
- Love?
- Domination?
10. Draw a scene from one of your nightmares. Since we’re on the subject of sleep and dreams, recreate a scene from a recent bad dream. If you haven’t tried your hand at drawing lately, now would be a good time.
11. Build an altar. Create an altar that is unique to you and will help you to connect fully with your spiritual side.
12. Create a map of all the personal connections in your life. Put yourself in the center and diagram all of the relationships you have. Compare that to all the relationships you had 10 years ago. What’s changed?
13. Create a website. There are plenty of places to create a free website, such as www.wordpress.com. Build a website that represents your interests.
14. Paint a rock. List your values on the rock and put it where you can see it each day.
15. Draw your safe place. Use any medium you like. Create a place that makes you feel safe from the world.
Art therapy is a gift that you can give yourself. Pick one exercise and give it a try. Experiment and see what happens. These 15 exercises are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds more for you to discover.
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Set Yourself Free by Being Yourself
By LIV You
Authenticity is underrated. It’s more than being honest with the world. It’s about being honest with yourself. There are many advantages to being authentic. Most importantly, you’ll no longer feel the need to change your words and actions to impress others. You can relax and be yourself.
Before you can be authentic, it’s important to know yourself. This includes your values and goals. Authenticity becomes possible when you know what’s important to you.
Embrace authenticity and present yourself honestly:
1. Give up the need to appear perfect. Excellent is good enough. But seriously, when you don’t need to appear perfect, you’re in the position to be honest. No one can be perfect and honest at the same time. Avoid putting on a show for the rest of the world. You’ll only feel bad about yourself later.
2. Know your values and live by them. If you know your values and live by them consistently, you’re already doing well in the authentic department.
3. Notice when you’re not being authentic. It’s not easy to be authentic all the time. You might find yourself transforming based on the situation. A first date is a good example. Are you being authentic or pretending to be someone you’re not?
7. Simplify your life. Get rid of everything that’s extraneous. What you choose to keep will be representative of your preferences and your true self. Find your true essence by stripping away the non-essential. Start with the clothes you never wear, the things you never use, and the activities you don’t enjoy. Only keep the things that mean the most to you.
8. Do what you say you’ll do. Keep your word and follow through on your promises. You’ll feel more congruent, and others will view you as more congruent. When your words and actions match, you’re demonstrating authenticity.
Life becomes easier when you’re living authentically. You’ll no longer feel the exhaustion that comes with constantly changing your opinions, attitudes, and personality to please others. You’ll no longer feel the need to protect yourself from others. Be authentic with your thoughts, words, and actions. Invest the time in yourself and learn to be free.
By LIV You
Authenticity is underrated. It’s more than being honest with the world. It’s about being honest with yourself. There are many advantages to being authentic. Most importantly, you’ll no longer feel the need to change your words and actions to impress others. You can relax and be yourself.
Before you can be authentic, it’s important to know yourself. This includes your values and goals. Authenticity becomes possible when you know what’s important to you.
Embrace authenticity and present yourself honestly:
1. Give up the need to appear perfect. Excellent is good enough. But seriously, when you don’t need to appear perfect, you’re in the position to be honest. No one can be perfect and honest at the same time. Avoid putting on a show for the rest of the world. You’ll only feel bad about yourself later.
- It’s okay to be less than spectacular. Be the best at being yourself.
2. Know your values and live by them. If you know your values and live by them consistently, you’re already doing well in the authentic department.
- Make a list of your values and determine the five that are most important to you. Are you living your life according to these values? Would it be obvious to others that you hold these values?
- Decide to make your decisions based upon your values. Be willing to share your values with others.
3. Notice when you’re not being authentic. It’s not easy to be authentic all the time. You might find yourself transforming based on the situation. A first date is a good example. Are you being authentic or pretending to be someone you’re not?
- Take note of those times your authenticity starts to wane
- Make a list of your short-term and long-term goals. How well do they align with your values?
- How many people know you well? If there aren’t many, ask yourself why. If you’re living authentically, it should be easy for someone to develop an accurate opinion of you.
- What are your “negative” characteristics? Are you impatient or messy? Are you willing to allow others to see these characteristics or do you attempt to hide them?
7. Simplify your life. Get rid of everything that’s extraneous. What you choose to keep will be representative of your preferences and your true self. Find your true essence by stripping away the non-essential. Start with the clothes you never wear, the things you never use, and the activities you don’t enjoy. Only keep the things that mean the most to you.
8. Do what you say you’ll do. Keep your word and follow through on your promises. You’ll feel more congruent, and others will view you as more congruent. When your words and actions match, you’re demonstrating authenticity.
Life becomes easier when you’re living authentically. You’ll no longer feel the exhaustion that comes with constantly changing your opinions, attitudes, and personality to please others. You’ll no longer feel the need to protect yourself from others. Be authentic with your thoughts, words, and actions. Invest the time in yourself and learn to be free.
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What is Spirituality?
By Stephany LIV You Coach
Having a connection to something greater than oneself, involving the search for meaning in life, a universal human experience.
Spirituality is the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. Knowing this, one must understand that life is a journey worth experiencing in the most healthy and happiest way possible. There is so much more to life than having the latest clothes, cars, popular lovers, dance moves, and any other societal fashion trends. Spirituality is getting to know the self on a much deeper level by having a connection through the sounds of the earth, seeing messages given through various forms that are not always the same, and listening to the voices through earth’s beautiful creatures. Choosing to seek your personal purpose in life.
To truly find your purpose, one must agree by saying “yes” to spiritual realm, become committed to finding your personal purpose, and remain committed despite the obstacles thrown. This level of conscious agreement, commitment, and understanding will shake your original understanding of life. Reason being, is because the thoughts prior to the agreement, are a completely different thought in itself, let alone the thought process and thought pattern.
For without challenges, we are not yet worthy of proceeding to the next level in life. Spirituality is a step above normalcy. Spirituality challenges your current thoughts, ways of understanding, and viewpoints. One comes to understand, that life throws the same obstacles a person’s way, even though the obstacles look and feel different. Just as life throws those same obstacles, the spiritual realm watches and walks alongside, as the person decides how to react or respond to life’s challenges with the new thought process and consciously remembering that you have already faced this obstacle.
Walking a spiritual path is consciously choosing to see, hear, and believe differently from learned behavior. That does not mean the person abandons their original belief system, it simply means to expand your current understanding of life, by choosing to learn a different way. At some point or another, we were all taught that there is a higher power. Spirituality is also a part of a higher power, if one chooses to see, hear, believe, and agree.
By Stephany LIV You Coach
Having a connection to something greater than oneself, involving the search for meaning in life, a universal human experience.
Spirituality is the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. Knowing this, one must understand that life is a journey worth experiencing in the most healthy and happiest way possible. There is so much more to life than having the latest clothes, cars, popular lovers, dance moves, and any other societal fashion trends. Spirituality is getting to know the self on a much deeper level by having a connection through the sounds of the earth, seeing messages given through various forms that are not always the same, and listening to the voices through earth’s beautiful creatures. Choosing to seek your personal purpose in life.
To truly find your purpose, one must agree by saying “yes” to spiritual realm, become committed to finding your personal purpose, and remain committed despite the obstacles thrown. This level of conscious agreement, commitment, and understanding will shake your original understanding of life. Reason being, is because the thoughts prior to the agreement, are a completely different thought in itself, let alone the thought process and thought pattern.
For without challenges, we are not yet worthy of proceeding to the next level in life. Spirituality is a step above normalcy. Spirituality challenges your current thoughts, ways of understanding, and viewpoints. One comes to understand, that life throws the same obstacles a person’s way, even though the obstacles look and feel different. Just as life throws those same obstacles, the spiritual realm watches and walks alongside, as the person decides how to react or respond to life’s challenges with the new thought process and consciously remembering that you have already faced this obstacle.
Walking a spiritual path is consciously choosing to see, hear, and believe differently from learned behavior. That does not mean the person abandons their original belief system, it simply means to expand your current understanding of life, by choosing to learn a different way. At some point or another, we were all taught that there is a higher power. Spirituality is also a part of a higher power, if one chooses to see, hear, believe, and agree.
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Five Everyday Activities to Protect Your Physical Health
By LIV You
Does your body ever feel stiff or sore? As we go through the motions of our often sedentary activities, it can be easy to forget that our bodies need tending too. With just a little conscious thought, you can increase your physical well being today.
Incorporate these easy activities into your daily routines to help keep your body healthy:
1. Stand up and stretch. Whether you're home watching TV or at work behind your desk, sitting for long periods can really take its toll, especially on your back. To ensure that you stay healthy and flexible:
2. Avoid spending hours at the computer. Your job may require you to work at a computer all day. However, no matter how busy you are, you can take a moment or two every hour to rest your eyes. Here are some suggestions to ease your eyes:
3. Lift with your legs. As we go through "the motions" on a daily basis, we often overlook the impact small things can have on our physical health. For example: how we lift. Like most of us, you may forget sometimes that lifting with your back can cause damage. Try to remain conscious of this fact to protect your body.
4. Eat frequently. Sometimes you may get caught up with work and other activities, and forget to eat. However, there is absolutely no positive gain from skipping meals, whether intentionally or mistakenly. Eating every 3-4 hours helps keep your digestive system healthy.
5. Get plenty of rest. To function, two of your bodies' most primary needs are food and rest. A good night's sleep will help you be at your best. Rest periods give your systems a chance to regenerate and become ready for the next day's physical challenges.
By LIV You
Does your body ever feel stiff or sore? As we go through the motions of our often sedentary activities, it can be easy to forget that our bodies need tending too. With just a little conscious thought, you can increase your physical well being today.
Incorporate these easy activities into your daily routines to help keep your body healthy:
1. Stand up and stretch. Whether you're home watching TV or at work behind your desk, sitting for long periods can really take its toll, especially on your back. To ensure that you stay healthy and flexible:
- Avoid slouching in the chair or couch if you have to sit for long periods.
- Take a 1-minute break every 30 minutes to walk around and stretch your legs and back muscles.
- Support your back. Perhaps you would be more comfortable in different chair. You may also find that a lumbar cushion or back brace would be helpful.
2. Avoid spending hours at the computer. Your job may require you to work at a computer all day. However, no matter how busy you are, you can take a moment or two every hour to rest your eyes. Here are some suggestions to ease your eyes:
- Use an anti-glare screen to decrease contrast.
- Take frequent breaks and rest your gaze out a window or at far-away object. Relaxing your eyes will help you avoid eyestrain.
- Ensure that you have good lighting; there should be light around your monitor, and even behind it. Avoid using the computer in the dark!
- Minimize the amount of clutter around your monitor. Your eyes have more work to do when there are excess items in your frame of vision.
3. Lift with your legs. As we go through "the motions" on a daily basis, we often overlook the impact small things can have on our physical health. For example: how we lift. Like most of us, you may forget sometimes that lifting with your back can cause damage. Try to remain conscious of this fact to protect your body.
- Bend at the knees, not at the waist to take the pressure off your sensitive back muscles and prevent unnecessary damage.
- Avoid lifting things that are overly heavy. You might feel like you can manage it but you may be putting excess strain on your muscles.
4. Eat frequently. Sometimes you may get caught up with work and other activities, and forget to eat. However, there is absolutely no positive gain from skipping meals, whether intentionally or mistakenly. Eating every 3-4 hours helps keep your digestive system healthy.
5. Get plenty of rest. To function, two of your bodies' most primary needs are food and rest. A good night's sleep will help you be at your best. Rest periods give your systems a chance to regenerate and become ready for the next day's physical challenges.
- Set your bedtime and try to stick to it.
- Take a break from work if you notice your body is showing signs of weariness.
- Relaxation is another form of rest; a little leisure time can effectively help your body to regain lost energy.
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Self-Belief: 7 Tips to Get Your Mind on Your Side
By LIV You
Self-belief isn’t optional. It’s vital. Think of all the things you haven’t accomplished or tried because you didn’t have enough belief in yourself. Self-doubt will always creep in at times. That’s why it’s so important to have an excess of belief in yourself.
Create a reserve of self-belief and you really can accomplish nearly anything you can imagine. What would you do if you believed you could do essentially anything? How would your life be different? How would you feel?
If you need a little more faith in yourself, read on:
1. Examine your beliefs. You weren’t born with any limiting beliefs. You learned every single one of them. We all learn to limit ourselves unfairly. Give yourself the credit you deserve.
3. Eliminate self-criticism. As soon as self-doubt starts to invade your thoughts, ask yourself where that inner critic is coming from.
5. Coach yourself. Everyone needs a little support and encouragement. So when you find yourself struggling, consider what you would say to someone that you really believed in if they were feeling the same way you are. When self-doubt starts to creep in, take a few minutes to coach yourself.
6. Think about how you would like to act. Think about how you would think and behave if you were full of self-confidence.
A strong belief in yourself is a sure ticket to reaching great success. Build your self-belief and seemingly impossible tasks can become routine.
By LIV You
Self-belief isn’t optional. It’s vital. Think of all the things you haven’t accomplished or tried because you didn’t have enough belief in yourself. Self-doubt will always creep in at times. That’s why it’s so important to have an excess of belief in yourself.
Create a reserve of self-belief and you really can accomplish nearly anything you can imagine. What would you do if you believed you could do essentially anything? How would your life be different? How would you feel?
If you need a little more faith in yourself, read on:
1. Examine your beliefs. You weren’t born with any limiting beliefs. You learned every single one of them. We all learn to limit ourselves unfairly. Give yourself the credit you deserve.
- Think about the limiting beliefs you already have. Do what you can to discard them. Ask yourself if this limiting belief is really legitimate. Where did it come from? What evidence do you have that it simply isn’t true?
3. Eliminate self-criticism. As soon as self-doubt starts to invade your thoughts, ask yourself where that inner critic is coming from.
- Are you channeling a negative experience from the past?
- Is the source of this criticism credible? It rarely is.
- It can be challenging to quiet your mind, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it drag you down. Focus on positive self-talk.
5. Coach yourself. Everyone needs a little support and encouragement. So when you find yourself struggling, consider what you would say to someone that you really believed in if they were feeling the same way you are. When self-doubt starts to creep in, take a few minutes to coach yourself.
6. Think about how you would like to act. Think about how you would think and behave if you were full of self-confidence.
- You can effectively borrow traits from others, too. Who are some of your heroes? Sometimes it easier to imagine others dealing with a situation than to imagine ourselves. See yourself acting the way your hero would act.
- If you need help, ask a trusted friend or family member. You might be surprised at what you hear.
A strong belief in yourself is a sure ticket to reaching great success. Build your self-belief and seemingly impossible tasks can become routine.
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Getting In Touch With My Natural Roots
By Ciara Wimby
2020 was the most amazing year as it brought me into a closer relationship with my natural roots, my hair. For the first time in my life I tried a variety of hairstyles with my hair in its natural growth pattern. So many different styles that a co-worker of mine took notice and suggested that I take pictures of the daily change of my hairstyles and put together a slideshow to present at one of our team lunches.
The truth of the matter is that I have really loved and enjoyed styling my natural hair. It was sooo much fun for me to be this creative. Externally, it was a way for me to consciously cope with all the uncertainty we as a collective were experiencing with the pandemic, as it was a method I used to ground or become rooted. However, in reflection, internally I was unconsciously connecting with my power, my hair.
Most days of styling my hair, I learned that it has a mind of its own. I may have had an idea of how I wanted to style my hair, but it had its own idea of how it will be manipulated. And I had to learn to work with my hair.
This is a totally different process when working with my straightened hair. Straightened hair is easier to manipulate, form, and mold into the style one invisions. In my mind, as I write this, if my hair can be easily manipulated in its unnatural or altered state and it sits atop my head or brain, how else has my head, brain, or thoughts been manipulated to form and mold into the style of another’s vision for me?
I have to admit, I have always favored my straightened hair over my hair’s natural state of being, until recently. In its natural state, I see it as more of an artistic expression of who I naturally am, my most authentic self. The loose waves turned into tighter waves or curls, as my time away from straightening it with the use of the blow dryer became.
I feel more playful, energetic, and strong due to wearing my natural locs. Strong because I see how resilient my hair is, even with all that I have done to it over the years, through coloring and straightening it. Playful and energetic because my hair likes being larger than life, untamed, and free!
Larger than life, untamed, and free is who I naturally am. Even at times in my life when I have tried to fit in, play it safe, or be small to blend in. This ten month process has helped me see that hair plays one of the most important roles in identifying who we naturally are.
By Ciara Wimby
2020 was the most amazing year as it brought me into a closer relationship with my natural roots, my hair. For the first time in my life I tried a variety of hairstyles with my hair in its natural growth pattern. So many different styles that a co-worker of mine took notice and suggested that I take pictures of the daily change of my hairstyles and put together a slideshow to present at one of our team lunches.
The truth of the matter is that I have really loved and enjoyed styling my natural hair. It was sooo much fun for me to be this creative. Externally, it was a way for me to consciously cope with all the uncertainty we as a collective were experiencing with the pandemic, as it was a method I used to ground or become rooted. However, in reflection, internally I was unconsciously connecting with my power, my hair.
Most days of styling my hair, I learned that it has a mind of its own. I may have had an idea of how I wanted to style my hair, but it had its own idea of how it will be manipulated. And I had to learn to work with my hair.
This is a totally different process when working with my straightened hair. Straightened hair is easier to manipulate, form, and mold into the style one invisions. In my mind, as I write this, if my hair can be easily manipulated in its unnatural or altered state and it sits atop my head or brain, how else has my head, brain, or thoughts been manipulated to form and mold into the style of another’s vision for me?
I have to admit, I have always favored my straightened hair over my hair’s natural state of being, until recently. In its natural state, I see it as more of an artistic expression of who I naturally am, my most authentic self. The loose waves turned into tighter waves or curls, as my time away from straightening it with the use of the blow dryer became.
I feel more playful, energetic, and strong due to wearing my natural locs. Strong because I see how resilient my hair is, even with all that I have done to it over the years, through coloring and straightening it. Playful and energetic because my hair likes being larger than life, untamed, and free!
Larger than life, untamed, and free is who I naturally am. Even at times in my life when I have tried to fit in, play it safe, or be small to blend in. This ten month process has helped me see that hair plays one of the most important roles in identifying who we naturally are.
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Big Dream Life, Small Scale Reality
By Ciara Wimby
When we are small and little, we wish we could be big. We have so many dreams and desires of who we want to be and the life we want to live. And as children, we tend to rely on our imaginations as a way to connect to our big dreams.
When we get older, we still wish to have the life we desire, if we aren’t already living it. And even if we are living the life we want to live, our human nature always wants more. Unfortunately, when we have yet to achieve any of our dreams we sometimes can become frustrated.
Instead of being frustrated or even waiting to get to live out your big dream life, why not live the life you desire within a small scale reality. So what is small scale reality? Well it’s an opportunity to play in real time the life you want to live.
As children, if they have a desire to be a doctor when they grow up they will use props around the house or request toys to use to demonstrate being a doctor in their current small scale reality. While they have not been to school and received the training of a doctor, they behave in a manner that makes them look, feel, and behave as one. This behavior allows them to connect mentally and physically with their desire. Thus playing it out in real-time, even though it is a future goal.
When you choose to apply small scale reality demonstrations in our adult lives, it too can help us connect in real-time to the goals we wish to manifest into our lives today. There goes the need to wish, pray, and hope that our big dream reality will come to fruition. All we need to do is get us some props that reflect the goal we want to live out in the future, so we can begin connecting with the future mentally and physically in the present time.
What would you like to manifest? And what props would help you connect to your goals?
By Ciara Wimby
When we are small and little, we wish we could be big. We have so many dreams and desires of who we want to be and the life we want to live. And as children, we tend to rely on our imaginations as a way to connect to our big dreams.
When we get older, we still wish to have the life we desire, if we aren’t already living it. And even if we are living the life we want to live, our human nature always wants more. Unfortunately, when we have yet to achieve any of our dreams we sometimes can become frustrated.
Instead of being frustrated or even waiting to get to live out your big dream life, why not live the life you desire within a small scale reality. So what is small scale reality? Well it’s an opportunity to play in real time the life you want to live.
As children, if they have a desire to be a doctor when they grow up they will use props around the house or request toys to use to demonstrate being a doctor in their current small scale reality. While they have not been to school and received the training of a doctor, they behave in a manner that makes them look, feel, and behave as one. This behavior allows them to connect mentally and physically with their desire. Thus playing it out in real-time, even though it is a future goal.
When you choose to apply small scale reality demonstrations in our adult lives, it too can help us connect in real-time to the goals we wish to manifest into our lives today. There goes the need to wish, pray, and hope that our big dream reality will come to fruition. All we need to do is get us some props that reflect the goal we want to live out in the future, so we can begin connecting with the future mentally and physically in the present time.
What would you like to manifest? And what props would help you connect to your goals?
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I Am Everything
By Ciara Wimby
Listening to meditation music on my Spotify account, I came across this group, Beautiful Chorus. The harmony of their voices is so soothing and relaxing. Because I liked what I heard, I researched more songs by them.
I heard this song and it just touched me to my soul. Such very simple lyrics, but so powerful. I want to share with you this song, I provided the short lyrics below, in hopes that you know that you are everything you want to be and need. As a suggestion, use it as a daily mantra.
“I Am Everything”, Wheels of Light by Beautiful Chorus
I am everything I want to be
I have everything I need
Watch below as the participants in our weekly Self-Care for Women event practice a 5-minute mediation.
By Ciara Wimby
Listening to meditation music on my Spotify account, I came across this group, Beautiful Chorus. The harmony of their voices is so soothing and relaxing. Because I liked what I heard, I researched more songs by them.
I heard this song and it just touched me to my soul. Such very simple lyrics, but so powerful. I want to share with you this song, I provided the short lyrics below, in hopes that you know that you are everything you want to be and need. As a suggestion, use it as a daily mantra.
“I Am Everything”, Wheels of Light by Beautiful Chorus
I am everything I want to be
I have everything I need
Watch below as the participants in our weekly Self-Care for Women event practice a 5-minute mediation.
Not only is it here for you to listen to, I have added it to LIV You’s YouTube account under the Self Playlist. If you are not already a subscriber to the the LIV You Nonprofit YouTube channel, please take a moment to do so. We thank you very much!
May you continue to know how powerful and wonderful you are, namaste! And please let us know if you have enjoyed this song.
May you continue to know how powerful and wonderful you are, namaste! And please let us know if you have enjoyed this song.
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The Long Mile
By Ciara Wimby
As part of my most current self-care practice, I walk for 30-minutes after work, twice a week. On one particular day, while I had been looking forward to my after work walk, as the time neared I began to dread it. You see, this particular day was extremely energy draining for me. A lot of new activities had entered my week professionally and personally. And by the weeks end, I was just done!
Therefore, I decided after work, I would just relax. However, as I was transitioning from my work clothes to my pjs, I realized that I still had a desire to walk. And I didn’t just have a desire to walk, but I had a real need! I needed my walk to help me transition from my mind's work space to my mind’s non work space. Just like I had with transitioning from work clothes to pjs.
But I still didn’t want to go outside to walk. Outside just seemed too long and daunting. I felt very overwhelmed with just the idea of putting on my walking clothes, putting on my walking shoes, and walking the parking lot of my complex.
Then a lightbulb moment happened! I could stay inside and walk around my home, instead of walking the long mile outside. I felt this would be a great opportunity to transition from work to relaxation, while allowing me to do this in the comfort of my pjs and home.
I have to admit, at first it felt silly walking around my home. But after a few go-arounds, I began feeling calm and relaxed. My walk lasted roughly 20 minutes, which would equate to a mile or so for me.
I felt rejuvenated after my walk and very grateful I had once again listened to my internal voice nudging me forward. By no means did this walk look as I had expected at the beginning of my day, one in which I was outside. But being inside on this walk served an even higher purpose than I thought it would. I got all the benefits of walking outside, but with the benefits of changing perspectives to get a goal accomplished.
By Ciara Wimby
As part of my most current self-care practice, I walk for 30-minutes after work, twice a week. On one particular day, while I had been looking forward to my after work walk, as the time neared I began to dread it. You see, this particular day was extremely energy draining for me. A lot of new activities had entered my week professionally and personally. And by the weeks end, I was just done!
Therefore, I decided after work, I would just relax. However, as I was transitioning from my work clothes to my pjs, I realized that I still had a desire to walk. And I didn’t just have a desire to walk, but I had a real need! I needed my walk to help me transition from my mind's work space to my mind’s non work space. Just like I had with transitioning from work clothes to pjs.
But I still didn’t want to go outside to walk. Outside just seemed too long and daunting. I felt very overwhelmed with just the idea of putting on my walking clothes, putting on my walking shoes, and walking the parking lot of my complex.
Then a lightbulb moment happened! I could stay inside and walk around my home, instead of walking the long mile outside. I felt this would be a great opportunity to transition from work to relaxation, while allowing me to do this in the comfort of my pjs and home.
I have to admit, at first it felt silly walking around my home. But after a few go-arounds, I began feeling calm and relaxed. My walk lasted roughly 20 minutes, which would equate to a mile or so for me.
I felt rejuvenated after my walk and very grateful I had once again listened to my internal voice nudging me forward. By no means did this walk look as I had expected at the beginning of my day, one in which I was outside. But being inside on this walk served an even higher purpose than I thought it would. I got all the benefits of walking outside, but with the benefits of changing perspectives to get a goal accomplished.
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CEO of Your Life
By Ciara Wimby
I use to cry about going to work. I hated my job. It was very analytical and required a predominate logical mindset. I’m 60% creative and 40% logical. I was living out of balance. During my afterwork hours I wrote a book and self published it, which maintain me a bit.
My personal health challenges and the health of my mom changed me. I needed more happiness in my life. I would move on from my accountant life to become a career coach. I loved it!
I found myself moving into the nonprofit world through career coaching. I liked nonprofit, but didn’t love it! However, I realized I was a person of service.
I engaged more. I was on boards. I managed a nonprofit. And I still didn’t love it until I created my own nonprofit, having a focus and mission that guided me. It allowed me to be some analytical, but mostly creative. I loved it!
Although I found my sweet spot with LIV You, it was not financially rewarding. I continued to work my day job, a project manager at that point. But I enjoyed it!
I was finding a better balance in my life! I kept creating within LIV You. And I kept my financially rewarding day job. Now making more more money and learning new skills sets simultaneously, I’m loving it!
Today, I’m still creating in LIV You without the financial reward. I have yet another rewarding role that aligns me with the creative endeavors, yet be analytical simultaneously, and it is financially rewarding. I’ve found my sweetest spot yet!
Your sweet spot is out there. It may take time to find your niche and your groove. It’s the process of learning about who you are.
We do not have a cookie cutter, one size fits all life! It is stars, rainbows, and unicorns. Or dragons, dandelions, and starfish for another.
I encourage you to explore! If your 9 to 5 doesn’t fit in line with your passion, but it does keep you financially whole, stick with it. Create in the after 5pm hours. Allow time for your purpose and passion to align and create a balance with your financial reward.
Yes it’s work! But aren’t you worth the investment?
By Ciara Wimby
I use to cry about going to work. I hated my job. It was very analytical and required a predominate logical mindset. I’m 60% creative and 40% logical. I was living out of balance. During my afterwork hours I wrote a book and self published it, which maintain me a bit.
My personal health challenges and the health of my mom changed me. I needed more happiness in my life. I would move on from my accountant life to become a career coach. I loved it!
I found myself moving into the nonprofit world through career coaching. I liked nonprofit, but didn’t love it! However, I realized I was a person of service.
I engaged more. I was on boards. I managed a nonprofit. And I still didn’t love it until I created my own nonprofit, having a focus and mission that guided me. It allowed me to be some analytical, but mostly creative. I loved it!
Although I found my sweet spot with LIV You, it was not financially rewarding. I continued to work my day job, a project manager at that point. But I enjoyed it!
I was finding a better balance in my life! I kept creating within LIV You. And I kept my financially rewarding day job. Now making more more money and learning new skills sets simultaneously, I’m loving it!
Today, I’m still creating in LIV You without the financial reward. I have yet another rewarding role that aligns me with the creative endeavors, yet be analytical simultaneously, and it is financially rewarding. I’ve found my sweetest spot yet!
Your sweet spot is out there. It may take time to find your niche and your groove. It’s the process of learning about who you are.
We do not have a cookie cutter, one size fits all life! It is stars, rainbows, and unicorns. Or dragons, dandelions, and starfish for another.
I encourage you to explore! If your 9 to 5 doesn’t fit in line with your passion, but it does keep you financially whole, stick with it. Create in the after 5pm hours. Allow time for your purpose and passion to align and create a balance with your financial reward.
Yes it’s work! But aren’t you worth the investment?
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(Video) Honoring Your Commitments
By Ciara Wimby
There are times in my life when a person or two made a commitment to me to complete a project, do me a favor, or honor an agreement that didn’t happen. In the past when this occurs, I would be mad and angry. I would judge them because they were unable to honor their commitment to me. “What was wrong with them that caused them the inability to do what they say they are going to do?”, this was my thought.
By Ciara Wimby
There are times in my life when a person or two made a commitment to me to complete a project, do me a favor, or honor an agreement that didn’t happen. In the past when this occurs, I would be mad and angry. I would judge them because they were unable to honor their commitment to me. “What was wrong with them that caused them the inability to do what they say they are going to do?”, this was my thought.
Along my self-development journey, I came to realize my error. It was not about what was wrong with them. Instead, it was what was wrong with me?
Meeeeeee! In my metaphysical studies I aligned deeply with the lesson, I Meet No One But Me, by Rev. Ike. That very simple statement changed my life forever.
Today, when people don’t honor a commitment they made to me, I no longer judge them. I am of the belief system that a person not honoring their commitment to me is not about me from their perspective. But it is about me from my perspective. I do a scan over my life to see where I may not be honoring my commitments. Because, I meet no one but me!
Everyone we meet is simply a reflection of who we are in some past, present, or future self. As I strongly believe this, I continue to observe people with a perspective of where in my life am I doing well. Or where I can continually improve.
I have developed myself to become a person to honor my commitments. Not the commitments I make to others. But the commitments I make to myself.
I too fall short of honoring my commitments. This knowledge has made me more compassionate to myself, as well as to others. I commit to the only commitment I can make which is to keep growing and developing in this process we call life.
Meeeeeee! In my metaphysical studies I aligned deeply with the lesson, I Meet No One But Me, by Rev. Ike. That very simple statement changed my life forever.
Today, when people don’t honor a commitment they made to me, I no longer judge them. I am of the belief system that a person not honoring their commitment to me is not about me from their perspective. But it is about me from my perspective. I do a scan over my life to see where I may not be honoring my commitments. Because, I meet no one but me!
Everyone we meet is simply a reflection of who we are in some past, present, or future self. As I strongly believe this, I continue to observe people with a perspective of where in my life am I doing well. Or where I can continually improve.
I have developed myself to become a person to honor my commitments. Not the commitments I make to others. But the commitments I make to myself.
I too fall short of honoring my commitments. This knowledge has made me more compassionate to myself, as well as to others. I commit to the only commitment I can make which is to keep growing and developing in this process we call life.
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(Video) Being Black with Anxiety
By Cicely Beckam
You call me strong as if I were given a choice to be anything else. Smile as though it is a compliment and get angry when I look at you and not comment. You took everything from me, beat me, raped me and left me for dead. And when I didn’t die, you began to experiment on me because you couldn’t phantom how I could survive the torture that you put me through. Enslaved me, impregnated me, all while withholding basic humanity from me. Did things to me that were sure to drive any person insane.
By Cicely Beckam
You call me strong as if I were given a choice to be anything else. Smile as though it is a compliment and get angry when I look at you and not comment. You took everything from me, beat me, raped me and left me for dead. And when I didn’t die, you began to experiment on me because you couldn’t phantom how I could survive the torture that you put me through. Enslaved me, impregnated me, all while withholding basic humanity from me. Did things to me that were sure to drive any person insane.
Yet, I survived, and this seemed to drive you insane. I birth generations that I made sure they would thrive. Engulfed them with love and taught them how to survive. I clung on to my spiritual practices to keep me going and passed them down as law, so my children, children’s children would understand who they are. I spoke life unto my babies, because I knew that you wanted nothing but death of them.
So, excuse me if I get a little jumpy when you’re around. Anxious behaviors look different when you’re brown. Your presence is a trigger for me. It causes my voice box to tremble so when I speak, it comes out as low growl, that soon turns into a loud sound laced with anger, hurt, fear and passion. And you mistake this for aggression when instead it is my protection.
My heart is racing, sweat pouring and my natural instinct is preparing me for war. Then you tell me to breathe and ask why I am so uptight, as though you forgot what happened just last night. No, I’m not angry, I’m pissed that you so casually tried to dismiss years of oppression and inhumane treatment. Taking our men and saying its for good reason, criminalizing us and demoralizing us.
Yet, we still walk with our heads held high and smile through the pain, while bulldozing through every hurdle you place in our way. It’s because we know the truth, we were born equipped for this life and never will you be able to dim our light. Please don’t confuse my anxiety with aggression because it looks different from yours. What you have to know is that our journey is different and yours don’t compare. Respect my boundaries and don’t antagonize me and then play victim when you can’t control me.
Being black with anxiety looks different, take time to consider that before you judge us.
So, excuse me if I get a little jumpy when you’re around. Anxious behaviors look different when you’re brown. Your presence is a trigger for me. It causes my voice box to tremble so when I speak, it comes out as low growl, that soon turns into a loud sound laced with anger, hurt, fear and passion. And you mistake this for aggression when instead it is my protection.
My heart is racing, sweat pouring and my natural instinct is preparing me for war. Then you tell me to breathe and ask why I am so uptight, as though you forgot what happened just last night. No, I’m not angry, I’m pissed that you so casually tried to dismiss years of oppression and inhumane treatment. Taking our men and saying its for good reason, criminalizing us and demoralizing us.
Yet, we still walk with our heads held high and smile through the pain, while bulldozing through every hurdle you place in our way. It’s because we know the truth, we were born equipped for this life and never will you be able to dim our light. Please don’t confuse my anxiety with aggression because it looks different from yours. What you have to know is that our journey is different and yours don’t compare. Respect my boundaries and don’t antagonize me and then play victim when you can’t control me.
Being black with anxiety looks different, take time to consider that before you judge us.
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(Video) Yoga in Bed is Dreamy
By Ciara Wimby
In the early morning hours around 3:00am, 3:11am to be exact, my alarm goes off. I have it set to the time my birth certificate says I arrived in this world. And since every night I drift off into the dream world, I figure it would be nice to daily arrive in this world as I originally did.
By Ciara Wimby
In the early morning hours around 3:00am, 3:11am to be exact, my alarm goes off. I have it set to the time my birth certificate says I arrived in this world. And since every night I drift off into the dream world, I figure it would be nice to daily arrive in this world as I originally did.
While I lay in bed reflecting on the dream space I just left and attempting to tie in the meaning of them, I also began asking myself why in the world am I up so early. Then as I focus more into this world’s reality, I remember. It’s yoga time!
Even being a passionate lover of yoga, I often don’t have the desire to hop out of my warm cozy bed to begin an early A.M. practice. So, what is a yogini to do? Bed yoga of course!
All snuggled under my cover, I do a simple twist to one side. I don’t count or time it. I am just there until my body feels ready to move on to the other side. And when it’s ready, I turn to the other side and lay there once again until my body is ready to move into another pose.
While I’m in one pose, I generally ask my body, “What pose would you like to go into next?” My body will reply and then I move into that pose. And I generally comply.
After about an hour of this, my body is ready to hop out the bed and do some other yoga poses. I find this to be the best way for me to connect with the needs and wants of my body. The body let’s me know what areas I need to focus on while being able to stay comfortable in bed until it is really ready to get up and greet the day. This is why yoga in bed is the yummiest to me!
Even being a passionate lover of yoga, I often don’t have the desire to hop out of my warm cozy bed to begin an early A.M. practice. So, what is a yogini to do? Bed yoga of course!
All snuggled under my cover, I do a simple twist to one side. I don’t count or time it. I am just there until my body feels ready to move on to the other side. And when it’s ready, I turn to the other side and lay there once again until my body is ready to move into another pose.
While I’m in one pose, I generally ask my body, “What pose would you like to go into next?” My body will reply and then I move into that pose. And I generally comply.
After about an hour of this, my body is ready to hop out the bed and do some other yoga poses. I find this to be the best way for me to connect with the needs and wants of my body. The body let’s me know what areas I need to focus on while being able to stay comfortable in bed until it is really ready to get up and greet the day. This is why yoga in bed is the yummiest to me!
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