Prioritize like Picasso

"Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone."

- Pablo Picasso

Why So Serious?

If I don't try, this is how my face usually looks.  Kinda deeply dissatisfied.

How many times have you laughed today?  Don't know?  Try to keep count tomorrow.  Don't change what you do, just keep track of how often you laughed.  Sadly, Kids Health Organization reports that adults laugh only 15-18 times a day.  Now, how often do you think children  laugh throughout the day?

Don't Give Up

It's April now, which means that three months have passed already and we are a quarter of the way done with 2015.  In the past, I didn't pay attention to the months passing, so my birthday or the new year always caught me by surprise.  This year, I made smart goals so I'm keeping myself accountable and looking back as well as forward.  How are you guys doing with your resolutions if you made any?  There are still nine months left so don't give up!

Now Say, "Thank You"

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

- William Arthur Ward

Spring Purging

"Go confidently in the directions of your dreams; live the life you've imagined.  As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler."

- Henry David Thoreau

Spring is the time for fresh starts and new beginnings.  I quite admire minimalist bloggers who share photos of their pristine rooms or homes.  There's nothing there that doesn't belong.  It's all so vanilla.  And yet, why does it look so inviting?  I think it's the lack of clutter.  A minimalist place seems so refreshing because I imagine that that person's life is totally in order.  They've sifted through and gotten rid of all the extraneous in their lives.  Thus, they are free to live in the present.  I don't know.  Maybe I'm just projecting.

I titled this post "Spring Purging" because cleaning is not a strong enough word.  I really want this spring to be the start of something fabulous.  I will actively pursue the life I have imagined and to do that, I've got to get rid of the mess that congested the old one.  To start, I put aside my things in individual bags so that my room looks  clean.  Then, I rearranged the furniture in the entire apartment.  Now, I've got to pull them out of their hiding places, sit down, sort through them, and devise a better system to organize my belongings, so that I am more inclined to put things away next time.

Have a Great Day!

March 20, 2015

I'm sure that you've had your fair share of bad days.  So, when I read in an interview, that Ms. Noel stated that she's never had one, I was skeptical.  What she did since she was a child, was to stop and close her eyes to "start over" after a difficult situation.

Why have I never heard of this technique before?  Sometimes, a comment or a task that I didn't complete dashes my confidence and derails me.  But considering her approach, it's true, you can have bad moments, but why should you let that negativity linger and define the whole day?  Don't let one instance ruin the remainder of the 24 hours in your day.

25 Reasons Why You are Great

Positive Intention = Positive Impression

I'm sure you've already heard that 90% of communication is nonverbal.  That means that even a glance or smile has impact.  Ms. Noel says, "When you aren't acting with positive intention, you leave room for negative interpretation."

Purpose Before Problems

February was not good to me.  It's March already and I have yet to get closer to the goals I set out earlier this year.  One good thing that I am patting myself on the back for is at least posting regularly on this blog.  I keep saying that this blog is about positivity, but I have yet to adopt positivity as a way of living.  I feel so behind, but I'm fighting my natural tendencies and striving towards a better me.  Cathy Rudder, a fellow good morning reader, reminded me to, "Fill each day with purpose--not problems."

On Overcoming Overwhelmedness

Lately, I realize that I am frozen.  Do you ever have that?  So many things to do that you shut down and just freeze?  Brook Noel states 4 sources behind why you might be feeling overwhelmed and how to overcome it.

A visual representation of my mind right now

Riddle Me This

I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.

Half the things you do, you might just as well turn over to me,
and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed; you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done,
and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great individuals.
And, alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine,
though I work with all the precision of a machine
plus the intelligence of a human being.
You may run me for profit, or run me for ruin;
it makes no difference to me.
 
Take me, train me, be firm with me,
and I will put the world at your feet.
Be easy with me, and I will destroy you.
Who am I?

You Can Make it Through the Rain

February 10, 2015

Let's be honest.  Sometimes things don't go your way.  Even when you try to take steps in the right direction, it rains on your parade.  And it forces you to take two steps back.  Or five.  Or 10.

But change requires that you push past your comfort zone.  What feels like a downpour could be the water needed to fertilize the soil for your new dream.  If you look at it from a different perspective.  Next time, stop.  Breath.  Thank God for the rain and keep on hustling like a champion.  Click here if you wanna listen to a little Mariah singing about the rain.

January's Over. Look Back

January always holds so much pressure and promise.  But we're all aware that motivation doesn't stick forever.

February 02, 2015

Reflect on the progress you've made so far towards your goals.  Maybe you've been doing fantastically.  Or maybe you said a lot of things and there hasn't been any follow through.

Don't worry though.  It's only been a month.  Look over your resolutions and write down 5 things you will do this  month to make it happen.  Don't give up so soon!  Let's make this year count.  May your 2015 be fabulous.

3 Rules of Work

1.   out of c lu tt er, find simplicity

2.   from dIscOrd, find harmony

3.   in the middle of difficulty, find the opportunity

Positive Thinking

Have you read The Secret?  It's about positive thinking.

Research shows that there is an actual connection between your mind and body.  If you continue to reaffirm your goals, you have the capacity to rewire your brain into achieving what you actually desire.  Maybe it works.  Maybe it doesn't, but it doesn't hurt to think positively.  Look forward to this year.  Do you remember what goals you set?

Become Your Own Role Model

I've always wanted a mentor or role model but I've never acted like one for anyone.  All right, maybe once I was but besides the age thing, I saw her as a peer.  I never felt like I was imparting great wisdom onto her. 

How to Set SMART Goals

Currently, I am reading good morning: 365 Positive Ways to Start Your Day by Brook Noel.

I started it January 1st and I've been consistently reading it, following the prompts, and answering questions. It has helped me start the day on the right foot by being more mindful.  I'll pick out the most enlightening or helpful post and share here on (Thoughtful) Thursday.  Positive vibes for one and all!