Wisdom & Grace at 90

Today is my grandmother's 90th birthday. Her name is Susu. I woke up this morning thinking about how amazing she is and decided to make a list of the top 90 things I love about Susu. As I sat down to write the list, I noticed that some of the first things that came to mind were very "guiltless," so I had to share:

Six out of 90 "Guiltless" things I love about Susu:

1. Her fierce loyalty to herself and her loved ones.
2. Always stands up for what she believes in.
3. Has it. Flaunts it. Works it...and yes, even at 90-years-old!
4. Her deep understanding of love (for others and for herself).
5. Her confidence in her abilities, intelligence, and strength.
6. Her grace.

And the list goes on.

Who doesn't want to be like Susu? I know I do. Happy Birthday, Susu!! Stay Guiltless, girl.

Who do you look up to in your family?

Happy Valentine's Day!

In case you were unaware; Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. A day to exchange sweet nothings with your loved ones, shower them with roses and chocolates and hope for another year of love. A day to make and remember important, wonderful traditions and memories. But did you ever stop and tell yourself that you loved you? Have you shown your body the respect it deserves today?

Head over to Me You Health to Read Elizabeth's top 7 ways to show yourself a little love this VDay!

How are you celebrating Valentine's Day?

Start a Revolution

source

Viva La Revolution!!

Take a Chance

We make hundreds of decisions every day. In fact, research shows that we make more than 200 decisions daily on food alone! But often, the memorable, life changing, decisions are preceded by one specific inner thought: "Take a chance."

I'm certainly never one to throw caution to the wind. In fact, I'm one of the most careful people I know. You'll never find me sky diving or race car driving or cliff climbing. I'm simply not a thrill seeker (though I am often inspired and amazed by those who are.) However, I have learned a valuable lesson, and it's that if you always "play it safe," you're bound to miss out on at least one very special opportunity that could have changed your life even just a little for the better.

Image Source

Whether its applying for the job you think you'd be lucky to get even an interview for, or taking a chance on love, we owe it to ourselves to take risks in life. It's better to try & fail than to always wonder what would have happened if you just...went for it!

Every day, do one thing that scares you. Maybe it scares you a little or maybe it scares you a lot. Either way, the really scary part is never giving it a shot.

What will YOU take a chance on today?

Monday Self Care

"When I’m at my best, it’s because I’m taking care of myself."

--Michelle Gass, Starbucks president, as quoted at Forbes.com


Start Monday off right with a little bit of self-care

• Ask for help. It's not a sign of defeat. Ask and receive help when you need it. Also don't be afraid to delegate.
  
• Be grateful. Write down 5 things you are grateful for. Right now.
• Rest. Schedule in sleep. Take a 5 minute mini break. Take a moment to even just shut your eyes and breathe.
  
• Take a walk/run/breath of fresh air. Sunshine and fresh air almost cures all.
• Laugh
  

maybe even try laughter yoga

May today be your best Monday!

Time Out

One major reason why we neglect to take a break from our busy lives is because we're afraid to disrupt the momentum. On the contrary, my friend. Studies show that vacation time is vital, and whether that "vacation" is an hour, a day, a long weekend, or a week, time to rest is one of the most important things you can do for your mind, body, and yes productivity!

Here are my top 5 ways to decompress and show yourself some love. Give at least one a try and pay attention to your productivity levels the next day. I guarantee you'll feel energized and ready to take on whatever tasks may come your way!

Take a break! (image source)

1. Take a nap - YES! It's that easy. Get the room as dark as you can, put on the most relaxing music or background noise you can find, fluff your pillows, smooth your blankets, put on your most comfortable PJs, and take a nap. Even if you can't fall asleep, simply relaxing will help rejuvenate you!

2. Hang out with friends - Pencil in a little time to spend with your best friend. Whether it's over a glass (or two) of wine or a cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea, spending time with you closest buds is a great way to let the stresses of the world roll of your shoulders.

3. Create a spa at home - Run a bubble bath, light some candles, and put on some spa-like music. Use your favorite face mask while you're in the tub, and splurge on some fancy lotion. After the bath, put on your robe, pour a cup of herbal tea and read something (for fun!!! not for work!).

4. Take a yoga class - Cancel plans that you're only half-way looking forward to and go to a yoga class. The fluid movements and 90 minutes of not having to talk to anyone while you stretch and strengthen your mind/body will leave you feeling refreshed.

5. No time for these things? Go for a walk. Even for just 10 minutes, a brisk walk can help clear your head when you need it most.

How do you decompress?

Be well, and enjoy the day.

Surrender

The next time you're worn out, don't tell yourself to pep up.
Do what your body and brain want: surrender to the weariness.
Breathe into it.
--Martha Beck, Finding Your Way in a Wild New World

We push ourselves day in and day out. Not letting a drop of sleep deprivation show during important business meetings or showing any sort of weariness when we meet with our personal trainers. We've told ourselves day in and day out that being worn out is a sign of weakness, and we must struggle to hide the 3 hours of sleep we put ourselves through.

Then something happens. Maybe that cold finally catches up to you, or getting out of bed seems even a bigger chore than ever before.

That's when we need to remind ourselves that it's ok to say no. That's it's ok to cancel. That it's ok to "schedule" time for workouts, eating, sleeping, cooking, playing. That it's ok to just Breathe. And surrender. Listen to what your body and brain want and feed those desires without guilt.