A Five Step Exercise for Creating Life Goals... Now, if not sooner

There is a children's show called Peep and the Big Wide World, and that show has a neurotic mouse character named Squeak. During a particularly stressful incident, Squeak insists that her main character friends help her. I love her urgency when she says, "Now! If not SOONER!"

That's really how I want to make my goals. I look long term, of course, for sustainability. BUT, I feel like making those goals and defining my ideal life has to happen NOW! (If not sooner).

Before you can set out to achieve, you need to identify what it is you want to achieve. What's your goal?

Goal Exercise:

1. Get a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. Physically write. (Read Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser for more information).
2. Decide on a simple goal that you can achieve within the next month. Make it something you really want to achieve. You can choose a goal from one of the 7 categories: Health, Mind & Spirit, Relationships, Family, Lifestyle, Career, Financial.
3. Now, find your verb. Underline it. What will you be d o i n g?
4. Remind yourself every day that you want to achieve that goal. Either keep it with you, put it on your calendar, or setup a task reminder on your smart phone. However you remind yourself of important things to do, set this goal up as an important thing for you to do.
5. Share your goal only with people who are committed to positivity and helping you achieve your goal.

Example goals:

I choose to run a 5K on May 5th. HEALTH (Realistic if you are a runner and have been training all along).

I choose to enjoy a weekend with my family at a park. FAMILY

I choose to paint a picture of my favorite flower. LIFESTYLE

I choose to walk outside once a week. HEALTH

I choose to drink coffee with my bff. RELATIONSHIPS

I choose to make three new contacts at work. CAREER

I choose to save $50 toward a new car. FINANCIAL

I choose to learn how to be better at communicating. MIND & SPIRIT

(I have applied the word "choose" because we always have a choice. If you aren't doing this active thing towards your goal, you are choosing to do something else. Some choices have a higher priority and that's ok, but it always a choice.)

Take steps to make your goal happen... NOW! If. Not. Sooner.

Four Ways to Electrify Your Nails

1. Reckless - A sparkly purple
2. Saucy - Shimmering yellow
3. Hottie - A shiny pink with purple undertones
4. Vibe - A shimmery bright blue

 

Limited Edition Electric Shades Collection from AVON. 12 days of lasting color in four electrifying Nailwear Pro + Nail Enamel shades. Only $3.49 in Campaign 8!

Dream It? Do It!

I have had a string of randomly weird things breaking in my life. Over the past year, we have had to (or still need to?!) fix, repair or replace our furnace, hot water heater, dryer, water tank from the well, toilet, stove, multiple lights (bulbs keep burning out… a lot), internet connection and both vehicles have required some significant work. And my husband is seeking a new job.

But I am thankful. I am thankful to have my husband and my daughter. I am thankful to have extended family. I am thankful for our health. I am thankful for our garage (hey… it’s been snowing since November… you’d be thankful for a garage, too!)

 

My point is, some crazy weird stuff has happened TO us (as in, we did not make these things happen), but that crazy weird stuff isn’t all that bad. But for a while, it was really starting to get to me. It felt like every month some major thing happens that we have to deal with. It was stressful, expensive and I was just about done with it. What am I saying? Crazy weird stuff will always happen. There will always be *something*. What I’m trying to do is to make that crazy weird stuff that WILL happen into good stuff!

To manifest means to make clear.

I’m making it clear what I want. I want my family together. I want my house and cars in good shape. I want my husband to have the job he deserves and a creative place to make art. I’ve got goals and I am going for those goals. Just flat out going for them.

If I Dream It, I Do It.

I do want to state that I am not much for spirituality. This isn’t about me finding God or following some path of destiny. I do not have the “chalk of fate” here.  What I am doing is approaching life with the perspective that there are things I want, and I am reaching for those things. Every day, with deliberate, methodical action.

That might just be why I feel better about my stuff breaking. Instead of dreaming and wishing and hoping, I am just DOING. I’m taking action and doing things to work on my dreams.

Find Your Spring Lipstick Color

Mine, I think, just might be Orchid Petal!

To find the perfect lip color for spring, start with your skin tone! Light skin tone? Try Petal Pink or Pink Blossom. Medium skin tone? How about Poppy Pink, Orchid Petal, Red Tulip, or Rose Bouquet. Dark skin tone? Go for Plum Verbana, Honey Flower, Day Lily or Chocolate Rose.

I'm not much of a lipstick wearer... I truly prefer lip gloss because of how lipstick feels to me. But this lipstick feels creamy and not sticky. It isn't heavy feeling and has moisture to keep lips hydrated. This is important for me because I'm the type of woman who reapplies my chapstick like every half hour! Ultra Color Indulgence Lip Color is brand new, comes in 12 lovely floral colors, and is on sale right now for $4.99 or 5 for $20!




I have my list of colors ready to order: Orchid Petal, Peach Petunia, Poppy Pink, Honey Flower and Rose Bouquet.

Let It Go Through Four Steps to Mindfulness

That ice queen might be on to something: we all need to Let It Go. 

We are what we are. Some things we can change and some things we truly cannot. Elsa could not change her “power”. But she could change how she used it, by moving from fear to love. It’s a great story, and an excellent life lesson. AND easier said than done.

• Children want a toy and throw tantrums for it. They can’t just let it go.
• Teens have conflict with a peer and make drama about it. They can’t just let it go.
• Adults can get obsessed with political issues. They can’t just let it go.

So, the million dollar question is: How do you let it go? How do you release the fear, anguish, and hurt that goes along with something you just cannot let go of?

Four Steps to Mindfulness

1. Breathe. Focus on breathing. Don’t try to stop thinking about whatever is flying around in your head, just turn your focus to breathing.
2. Be aware of your body. Whatever position you are in, just become aware of your entire body, your limbs and their location. No need to move or anything, just be aware of them.
3. Relax your body. Stretch your muscles if you want, and position in whatever way is comfortable for you.
4. Now, release whatever emotion you are holding onto: concern, worry, fear, anger, apprehension, frustration, irritation, etc. Seriously. Let it go. Replace that negative feeling with something positive: a smile, a happy memory, a pleasant moment from the day, joy, love.

March Birthstone: Amazing Aquamarine

March, our birthstone is the beautiful aquamarine. This ring has simulated aquamarine with CZ embellishments set in sterling silver. I especially like the infinity twist design. Aquamarine symbolizes beauty, honesty and happiness, and is said to promote youthfulness and good health. My personal favorite because it's my personal birthstone! Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

Rejuvenate Skin During Sleep

Hydration can happen overnight while you slumber. This cutting edge sleep mask uses Hyaluronic Acid and shea butter to rehydrate skin. 

Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the skin, and makes the skin smooth and elastic. Rehydrating the skin with Hyaluronic Acid helps to counter the signs of aging like facial wrinkles.

Shea butter is seen in the micro-beads which add emollient moisturizing.

You don’t have to use an overnight mask every night. Sleep gel masks will transform your skin in a single night, and this soothing moisture can be done a few times a week to improve the effects of dehydration.