Seeking Joyful Simplicity

Your best life after 40 - living with purpose and vibrant health. Empowering you with a holistic approach: nourishing foods, herbal remedies, and self-care to reduce overwhelm, manage your weight, and enjoy vibrant health in your 40's, 50's, and beyond.

Seeking Joyful Simplicity

DIY Summer Skin Salve – All Natural Relief for Summer Skin

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Warm breezes and sunny days, summer is the time for outdoor activities. But along with the summer fun comes summer skin irritations like sunburn, blisters, insect bites, and the dreaded poison ivy. You can buy over-the-counter products to treat all of these, but you will also be getting the added chemicals and preservatives. Why not take a little time to make your own highly effective, all-natural DIY skin salve?

Insect bites, bee stings, sunburn relief. Only four ingredients and using easy-to-find herbs like plantain and dandelion, you can make your own highly effective, all-natural DIY skin salve

The content on this site may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. SeekingJoyfulSimplicity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for you for supporting Seeking Joyful Simplicity. ~ Michelle

All Natural Skin Salve – 4 Ingredients

  • Coconut oil
  • Beeswax
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Herb-infused oils

Best Herbs for Summer Skin Irritations

  • Plantain
  • Calendula
  • Dandelion
  • Jewelweed

These four common plants have traditionally been used to treat skin irritations. You can use any combination of these depending on availability and your preference. If you will be collecting wild herbs, be sure they haven’t been treated with chemicals, and if you are unfamiliar with any of the plants, be sure to use a good plant identification resource – I recommend A Peterson Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs (Peterson Field Guides) .

Plantain – Plantain sp. 

Plantain weed, not to be confused with the tropical plantain fruit, is a common weed found throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Insect bites, bee stings, sunburn relief. Only four ingredients and using easy-to-find herbs like plantain and dandelion, you can make your own highly effective, all-natural DIY skin salve

This is my favorite summer plant for skin irritations, and if you can only use one plant for your summer skin salve, this is the one I recommend!

Insect bites, including spider bites and bee stings, can be painful. Plantain is quite effective at treating bites and stings. Herbalists refer to plantain as a powerful “drawing agent”, and it is used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Drawing venom from snake and spider bites
  • Drawing infections from wounds
  • Treating bee stings and mosquito bites

Plantain as a remedy is considered cooling and soothing, making it a perfect ingredient to include in our DIY skin salve. The leaves are collected and used fresh or dried, and plantain makes an excellent addition to your DIY herbal first aid kit.

The primary species are Plantago major, and Plantago lanceolate. Both are found plentifully, often growing in lawns, along sidewalks, and other areas of disturbed soil. Be sure to use a good resource for identifying plants before making remedies. You can also purchase dried plantain leaves here.

Calendula – Calendula officinalis

Insect bites, bee stings, sunburn relief. Only four ingredients and using easy-to-find herbs like plantain and dandelion, you can make your own highly effective, all-natural DIY skin salve

Calendula has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for all kinds of skin inflammation. In addition, calendula has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it valuable for preventing a variety of infections. Studies show calendula helps damaged skin and wounds heal more rapidly. (Reference here.)

 

Calendula is part of the marigold family and is quite attractive in the garden. Flowers are collected and dried and used to make herb-infused oil. Dried calendula flowers can be purchased here.

Dandelion – Taraxacum officinalis

Dandelion is another prolific weed with many healing properties. Traditionally used topically to treat muscle aches and pains, dandelion flowers are infused in oil and make a nice addition to your summer salve.

Jewelweed – Impatiens capensis

Jewelweed is a lovely little plant that prefers growing in moist areas and is frequently found growing in close proximity to poison ivy. Native Americans believe nature provides the cure, and jewelweed is one of the best natural remedies for the rash associated with poison ivy.

Insect bites, bee stings, sunburn relief. Only four ingredients and using easy-to-find herbs like plantain and dandelion, you can make your own highly effective, all-natural DIY skin salve

The golden orange blossoms and leaves are traditionally used to make herbal remedies. Identifying jewelweed is easiest once is starts blooming, typically after the hot days of summer arrive (along with the insects and poison ivy!). Again, be sure you properly identify the jewelweed using a good plant guide. .

Making Herbal-Infused Oils

The first part of making a salve requires infusing your herbs in oil.

Step One – gather your herbs. Allow the fresh plant (leaves and flowers) to wilt for a few hours, this helps remove some of the moisture, which can cause your oil to become moldy.

Step Two – crush or cut the plant material into small pieces, then place your leaves in a clean pint-sized jar.

Step Three – cover the leaves with oil – olive or jojoba work nicely. Be sure you have completely covered the leaves with oil to prevent mold from forming. Place the lid.

Step Four – Fill a saucepan ¼ full of water and bring to a gentle boil. Carefully place your jar of herbs in the water and allow to simmer for 2 hours. Allow the oil to cool before straining off the herbs.

Step Five – After the oil has cooled, strain off the herbs and save your oil.

Making Your Skin Salve

Insect bites, bee stings, sunburn relief. Only four ingredients and using easy-to-find herbs like plantain and dandelion, you can make your own highly effective, all-natural DIY skin salve

Now that you have your herb infused oil, you can make your salve. The addition of beeswax will help protect, soothe, and nourish your skin, and helps keep the salve solid even in the heat of summer. Lavender essential oil has properties that reduce pain and inflammation, as well as promote healing (source here). Coconut oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and helps keep the salve from spoiling.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup herb-infused oil – use one or several herbal oils, depending on preference and availability
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup beeswax (I prefer the pastilles, they melt easier)
  • 10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

Directions

  1. Using a double boiler set-up, melt the beeswax.
  2. Add the herb-infused oil and coconut oil and warm gently until everything is melted.
  3. Remove from heat and add the lavender essential oil.
  4. Pour into small jars with lids. Don’t forget to label your jars with the ingredients and date!

How to Use Your DIY Summer Skin Salve

Simply apply a small amount as frequently as needed to treat cuts, scrapes, bites, stings, bruises, aches, and pains.

If you enjoy creating your own herbal remedies, I recommend making this delightful Rose Aloe Cooling Lotion and Spray. It’s super easy and wonderfully effective!

Wishing you much health and happiness,
~ Michelle


How to Stop Stress Eating Breaking the Pattern

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How to Stop Comfort Eating and Stress Eating

The Shame. Guilt. Disappointment.

Stress eating. Comfort eating.

I know what emotional eating is like – coming home, feeling stressed and anxious and having an overwhelming urge to eat. Heading straight to the kitchen and reaching for the familiar favorite comfort foods. 

It felt like I was eating on autopilot, barely pausing between mouth-fulls. There was no sense of fullness or satisfaction, although the eating did make me feel better in the moment. 

Knowing I should stop, but not wanting to. The thoughts of, “Well, I blew it, so I might as well just keep on eating.” Planning to do better tomorrow, there was always tomorrow. But knowing in the back of my mind I’d probably fail again. I knew I didn’t want to feel this way about myself, but I also didn’t know how to stop stress eating.

Then, after, feeling a little sick at how much junk I had eaten. The shame and sense of disappointment. Emotional eating caused more of the negative feelings I was trying to deal with.

It was a vicious cycle.

But I broke free, and if you struggle, I know you can too.

How to stop comfort and stress eating

So how do we change this destructive pattern? How do we stop stress eating?

It starts with self-compassion. Understanding that there are things we are struggling with, and we are doing the best we can. 

We also need awareness – awareness to understand our triggers, and an open willingness and curiosity to experiment to find healthy alternatives. 

If we want to break the pattern of stress eating, comfort eating, instead of just trying to stop, we need strategies – some will work better than others, depending on the day, the circumstances, and our mood.

The first thing I want you to do is to think about your triggers – the where and the when.

Second, make a list of possible alternative actions that will deliver a reward, without sabotaging your health and well-being. Being mindful, having a plan, and then taking new action. 

Third – be compassionate when you find yourself struggling. And remind yourself that it will pass – I think, for many of us, there is the fear that we won’t be able to feel centered and in control again, that the cravings will just go on and on, and we will end up returning to poor eating patterns.

Pay attention to your triggers – and have a plan for alternative ways you can cope. 

  • If you are depressed or lonely, call, text, or make plans with someone.
  • If you’re anxious, expend your nervous energy by dancing to your favorite song, squeezing a stress ball, or taking a brisk walk.
  • If you’re exhausted, treat yourself with a hot cup of tea, take a bath, light some scented candles, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket.
  • Take a brief walk
  • Read something inspiring (you could write your own positive mantra or affirmation and store it on your phone or keep it in your wallet, or wherever you can have access when you need it.
  • Watch a funny video or read some silly jokes online – laughter is a great stress-reliever.
  • Practice deep breathing. Inhale slowly to the count of four – pause – then exhale slowly to the count of four. Repeat four times.

Pause and check in with yourself when you feel the urge to comfort eat. Can you put off eating for 5 minutes?

While you are waiting, check in with yourself – how are you feeling? What do you really need right now? What would truly feel nourishing – mentally, physically, emotionally?

If you find yourself comfort eating, slow down and really pay attention to your food – the taste, texture, colors. Put the fork down between bites, and aim to chew food at least 15-30 times. Bringing more mindfulness to eating helps us receive more pleasure, feel more satisfied, and feel fuller sooner.

And finally, I want you to know you are definitely not alone in this. So, so many people struggle with this. Instead of hiding in shame, let’s talk about it and support each other.

What’s your biggest trigger for stress eating?

What are some ideas you have to change this pattern?
Let me know in the comments, or join the Seeking Joyful Simplicity Facebook Group for more ideas and support for living with Vibrant Health.
~ Michelle

Make Your Own Rose and Aloe Cooling Lotion and Spray

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All-Natural Rose and Aloe Cooling Lotion and Spray

Roses are alluring and beautiful, and despite their delicate appearance, they offer some pretty amazing health benefits. Combining the anti-inflammatory and cooling property of rose petals with soothing aloe, we can create a simple, all-natural rose and aloe cooling lotion.

Roses excel at cooling and soothing hot inflamed skin, and a homemade rose and aloe cooling lotion is a wonderful way to treat skin irritations like acne, rashes, eczema, sunburn, and insect bites.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I receive a commission at no cost to you. Seeking Joyful Simplicity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for you for supporting Seeking Joyful Simplicity. ~ Michelle

Healing Qualities of Roses

Roses have a long history of use in cosmetics, but did you know roses have many benefits as food and medicine? Roses provide healthy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids, and roses, especially the rose hip are exceptionally high in vitamin C.

Roses excel at cooling and soothing hot inflamed skin, and a homemade rose and aloe cooling lotion is a wonderful way to treat skin irritations like acne, rashes, eczema, sunburn, and insect bites.

In addition, roses have astringent properties and are often used in skin care products to tighten skin and connective tissue.

This is a simple recipe combining the healing and soothing properties of aloe vera with roses. This makes a simple lotion that can be applied to irritated skin, or better yet, you can add a small amount of distilled water to make this a spray. It’s also a great addition to your herbal first aid kit.

Making Your Rose and Aloe Cooling Lotion

To make your own rose and aloe cooling lotion, you will need:

  • Rose petals – fresh or dried, although fresh is best. If you are harvesting, be sure the roses are grown organically.
  • Aloe Vera gel liquid – I prefer a food-grade quality brand like this one.
  • Lavender essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Place your rose petals in a blender. Use just enough aloe gel to cover all the rose petals. Blend on high until creamy.

2. After blending, strain the mixture with a fine mesh strainer.

3. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and stir.

4. Place in a glass jar, bottle, or fine mist spray bottle. If you want to use as a spray, dilute the mixture with a small amount of distilled water.

5. Store in the refrigerator.

Use a small amount as needed to relieve irritated skin, sunburn, and insect bites.

Roses excel at cooling and soothing hot inflamed skin, and a homemade rose and aloe cooling lotion is a wonderful way to treat skin irritations like acne, rashes, eczema, sunburn, and insect bites.

The antioxidant properties of the rose and lavender essential oil help preserve your rose aloe lotion, as well as prevent skin infections. Storing in the refrigerator both prolongs the life of your lotion, and adds to the delightful cooling effect.

For more information on the benefits of roses, here are a few resources:

Mountain Rose Blog – Rose and Lavender Facial Toner Recipe

Seeking Joyful Simplicity – Roses as Food and Medicine and 6 Rose Recipes

National Institute of Health Paper on the Pharmacological Benefits of Rosa damascena

If you enjoy learning about herbal remedies and making your own, follow me on Pinterest!

Seeking Joyful Simplicity on Pinterest

Michelle

7 Things to Do With Basil Beyond Pesto

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Every year I tell myself – plant less basil. But then spring rolls around and I think I can’t possibly have too much fresh basil, can I? And so the seeds get planted and my excitement rises as I pinch my first fresh leaves. Oh, the aroma of fresh basil! The plants start slow, but by July I just can’t keep up. What to do with all the basil?!

Whether you buy basil at the grocery store, farmer’s market, grow it in pots or in a garden, fresh basil is a culinary delight and so very versatile. Not just for pesto and pasta, there are an amazing variety of basil recipes to explore. Let’s talk about how to use fresh basil.

 

Varieties

There are over 60 varieties of basil plants. The world of basils offers a great diversity of flavors, aromas, and uses. Here are just a few examples.

Sweet Basils:

  • Genovese – large leaf type, typical that most people use
  • Medinette – great for pots and slow to bolt
  • Pistou – small bush type with uniform leaves and a sweet flavor

Purple Basils:

  • Dark Opal Basil – excellent seasoning and makes a lovely pink vinegar
  • Rubin Basil – purple with good flavor
  • Purple Ruffles Basil – like its name, this purple basil has ruffled leaves

Flavored Basils:

  • Lime Basil – lime scented
  • Lemon Basil – lemon fragrance makes a lovely tea
  • Cinnamon Basil – hint of cinnamon and good insect deterrent
  • Thai Basil – slight anise flavor
  • Blue Spice Basil – has a vanilla overtone

Holy Basil – Ocimum sanctum is a sacred basil of India and is associated with the goddess Tulasi. The aroma and flavor of Holy Basil is complex and has elements of cinnamon and clove as well as an underlying sweet aroma/flavor. Medicinally, Holy Basil is an adaptogen and is healing for those suffering from chronic, debilitating stress. It makes a wonderfully soothing tea and is part of my nourishing herbal infusion.

Growing Basil

Not just for pesto and pasta, let’s talk about how to use fresh basil to make lime basil fizz, basil herb butter, basil vinegar, and more.

 

Basil is native to tropical and subtropical areas and loves sun and heat. While it requires a lot of water, it does best with well-drained soil. Basil is great started from seeds and cuttings. Frequent pruning will keep basil from flowering and losing its flavor. The more you harvest, the bushier you plant will become.

Tips on Growing and Harvesting:

  • Keep your basil productive and avoid flowering by taking frequent cuttings
  • When your plant is about 6 inches tall, cut off the top cluster of leaves
  • Pinch or take cuttings at a leaf node (joint in the stem)
  • New branches will grow from the node
  • Once the plant reaches 18 inches tall, cut the entire plant back by two-thirds

Preserving Basil

There are many ways to preserve your basil for year-round enjoyment.

Drying

  • Hang drying – bundle 3-5 cut stems with a rubber band and hang in a well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight
  • Screen drying – leaves can be stripped from the stems and laid on a screen to dry
  • Drying takes about 5-10 days. Store the crisp leaves in an air-tight container. It’s best to store whole leaves to keep the flavor.
  • Shelf-life of dried leaves is about one year (loses flavor over time)

Freezing

Basil leaves will turn black when frozen, but do retain their flavor and aroma. This method is best for storing basil to be cooked in soups and sauces.

Basil can be frozen in olive oil to preserve its color, and one great idea is to freeze basil and olive oil in ice-cube trays for recipe-sized portions.

 

Not just for pesto and pasta, let’s talk about how to use fresh basil to make lime basil fizz, basil herb butter, basil vinegar, and more.

 

How to Use Fresh Basil – Seven Basil Recipes

Basil is commonly used in pesto, combined with tomatoes, and included in sauce and soup recipes. But what else can you do with the amazing basil? Here are seven unique ways to enjoy the flavor of fresh basil this summer:

  1. Basil Vinegar
  2. Basil Butter
  3. Basil Mayonnaise
  4. Creamy Basil Dressing
  5. Basil Syrup
  6. Basil Lime Fizz
  7. Basil and Herb Seasoned Salt

Basil Vinegar

Adding fresh basil to vinegar is a great way to enjoy your summer basil year-round. The basil vinegar is delicious added to salads, salad dressings, and marinades.

Fill a sterilized jar ¾ full with basil and cover with your choice of vinegar. Cap and let the flavor infuse for 3-4 weeks. Strain the vinegar and use as needed. The flavor will last for over a year. If you want an attractive pink vinegar, combine a white vinegar with the Opal Basil. Makes a nice gift!

Basil Butter

This is a great savory butter to use on breads, potatoes, fish, or pasta. The butter will last for weeks in the refrigerator, or months in the freezer.

4 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
2 cloves of minced garlic
½ cup of softened butter
ground pepper to taste
drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients by hand or in food processor and store chilled until ready to use.

Basil Mayonnaise

Basil mayonnaise is great on sandwiches or anywhere you would flavor with mayonnaise. Simply combine ½ cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of fresh basil chopped fine, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper would make a nice spicy mayonnaise.

Creamy Basil Dressing

Not just for pesto and pasta, let’s talk about how to use fresh basil to make lime basil fizz, basil herb butter, basil vinegar, and more.

 

This dressing is delicious! Goes well on tomatoes, salads, and as a snack dip for vegetables and crackers. All the ingredients are combined in the food processor until smooth – quick and easy!

Makes 2 cups
½ cup firmly packed basil leaves
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
3 green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 tbsp. chopped tarragon
2 tbsp. chopped chives
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp. dry mustard
freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and keep chilled until ready to serve.

Basil Syrup

This syrup, especially if made with lemon basil, can be used to add a unique flavor to desserts and beverages. Although it seems like a lot of sugar, the syrup is only used in very small amounts to add flavoring to recipes and beverages, so the overall sugar consumed is actually very small. This is the first ingredient for the refreshing Basil Lime Fizz recipe. Store the syrup refrigerated for two weeks and in the freezer for months.

1 – 1 ½ cup basil leaves
½ cup white sugar
½ cup water
1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Blanch the basil leaves by dipping them into a small pot of boiling water for 10 seconds, followed by dropping them into ice water. Drain and gently squeeze out the excess water from the leaves.

Puree the blanched basil in a blender with the sugar, water, and baking soda until you have a dark green liquid (about 30 seconds). Pour the syrup through a fine strainer.

Basil Lime Fizz

Not just for pesto and pasta, let’s talk about how to use fresh basil to make lime basil fizz, basil herb butter, basil vinegar, and more.

 

2 tablespoons of basil syrup (recipe above)
2 tablespoons of lime juice
Chilled sparkling water or club soda

Pour the 2 tablespoons of basil syrup and lime juice into a glass, and fill about 2/3 full with ice. Add sparkling water and stir.

Basil Salt

Not just for pesto and pasta, let’s talk about how to use fresh basil to make lime basil fizz, basil herb butter, basil vinegar, and more.

 

Making basil salt is both useful for adding flavor to recipes, and is an effective way to dry the leaves for later use.

In a wide-mouth glass jar, alternate layers of sea salt and whole basil leaves. Cover and store in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks. When ready to use, break up any lumps in the salt (from the absorbed moisture) and carefully remove the basil leaves.

Do you grow basil? 
What are your favorite ways of using fresh basil?

~ In Health,
Michelle

 

Carole at Garden Up Green has great information on growing Basil and Saving Seeds.

 

Letter to Myself – Stop Putting Off Happiness

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Stop Putting Off Happiness

 “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Why is happiness and contentment so elusive? Why, even when we accomplish our goals, or get what we want, do we so quickly find ourselves feeling unhappy, restless, and discontented? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

Are you guilty of waiting to be happy?

Maybe you will find happiness when you get a new job, lose some weight, or have more self-confidence. Whatever it is, if you always look toward tomorrow for happiness, chances are you will do the same when you attain what you’ve been dreaming of.

I know, because this is exactly what I do – whenever I achieve something important, I start looking for the next thing to make me happy. And I’m not just talking about stuff.

I am finally realizing this is not a healthy way to live, and honestly, I am sick and tired of chasing happiness.

Enough is enough. I am giving myself a good firm talking to, and here is my letter to myself. If you are in the habit of putting off happiness, maybe this will help you too.

Stop Seeking and Start Being Happy Now

Dear Michelle,

There comes a time when you have to stop seeking and just be. The joy and contentment you seek is already available to you. Instead of seeking joyful simplicity, learn to discover the joy already present in your life. 

You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect. YOU don’t have to be perfect.

Life is messy, complicated, and sometimes really, really hard. Sometimes you screw up. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve happiness.

And you know from experience, even in the worst of times, there is beauty, grace, laughter, and joy to be found.

So why can’t you find the beauty and joy every day?

Michelle, let me gently remind you how to stop putting off happiness so you can enjoy being happy now.

Pay Attention

Pay attention. When you pay attention, you notice the simple, wonderful, incredible things in your life. And trust me, they are there.

It’s the ordinary moments – your children sharing patience and kindness with each other; the gentle hum of summer crickets; the way your coworker went out of her way to help someone; the late afternoon light shining across the table; the simple meal shared at the family table. These are the simple moments that make up a beautiful, joyful life.

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” – William Morris

 

Why are we so quick to feel restless and unhappy, even when we get what we want? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

 

Let Go

Let go. Take a deep breath Michelle, and relax. Everything does not have to be perfect. You do not have to be perfect. You will always make mistakes, feel vulnerable, and sometimes life will be hard and painful, and things will definitely not go your way. But that’s okay, because you can handle it. You know you can. So just let go – of your fear, your disappointment, and your worry.

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – Allen Saunders

 

Remember Gratitude

Feel gratitude. Remember to pause and consider all that is right in life. The good health, the good people, and the beauty in your life. Don’t forget these things Michelle! They are a part of you, and the only way not to take them for granted is to remember. Feel gratitude every day.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”  – Oprah Winfrey

 

Slow Down

Stop hurrying and decide to enjoy the process. There will always be more meals to cook, dishes to wash, weeds to pull, and laundry to clean. Joyful living doesn’t just happen in the in-between moments. So you might as well learn to enjoy the process. Slowing down and living joyfully is easier than you think.

 “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius

 

Stop Being So Hard on Yourself

It’s time to stop being so hard on yourself. You are good enough, just as you are. You can be both amazing and a work in progress all at once. Don’t be afraid to live vulnerable, forgive yourself for your mistakes, and celebrate your strengths.

“We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies.” – Roderick Thorp, Rainbow Drive

Why are we so quick to feel restless and unhappy, even when we get what we want? How do we stop putting off happiness for later, and what is the secret to being happy now?

 

The Trap of Putting Off Happiness

This is it, Michelle. Time to stop falling into the trap of putting off happiness.

Happiness isn’t about having all the pieces in just the right place. It isn’t about living a simple, problem-free life, or reaching a certain goal.

Being happy is not a selfish or naive way to move through life – being happy makes you more resilient in the inevitable tough times, and helps you help others.

Happiness is available in so many ways, and it starts with changing your mindset.

So do it. Change your mindset.

 

Wishing you peace and happiness,
~ Michelle

 

A Better Way to Start Your Day – How to Start Your Day with a Positive Attitude

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 How do you start your day? 

Are you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, feeling excited and optimistic?
Or do you drag yourself from bed with weariness and dread?

Despite our personal challenges, we can choose how we start our days.

I say “choose”, because we can be intentional in how we begin each day. Although I have children and a job with long hours and a long commute, I can choose to get up early or later, rush or take my time, make time for exercise or lie in bed, eat a good breakfast or hurry out the door. 

After a while it becomes a habit. And like anything else, we can either have good habits or bad habits. And how we start our mornings can have a huge impact on the rest of our day.

A Better Way to Start Your Day – How to Start Your Day with a Positive Attitude

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” ~ Aristotle 

You can, with some thought and planning, reset your habits for waking up each day.

But it’s not just what we do in the mornings, it’s the thoughts and emotions we experience that will produce profound changes in our day. Especially when life is challenging, changing what we choose to think about as we get started each day can help us find more optimism and resilience.

 

Are your first thoughts of the day consumed with worry, stress, complaining, or other negative emotions? Try these simple ways to start your day with a positive attitude

 

Changing your morning mindset – Starting your day with more positive emotions and energy

Even before you get out of bed, start with noticing your thoughts – are they positive or negative? Are your first thoughts of the day consumed with worry, stress, complaining, or other negative emotions?

Start getting into the habit of asking yourself these questions when you wake up:

  • What can I be excited about today? (If you are unable to find excitement, how about something to feel grateful for?)
  • What, or who might cause me stress today? How can I respond in a positive way, from my higher self? (Visualize yourself responding to stress in a calm, positive way)
  • Who can I surprise today with a thank you or a moment of appreciation?
  • What emotions do I want to feel today? (Joyful, focused, carefree, determined, compassionate, happy, peaceful…)

Instead of jumping out of bed the second the alarm goes off (and turning to the outside world), or hitting snooze 5 times so that you have no time for yourself in the morning, build in some quiet time before starting your day.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time or energy, there are a few simple things you can use to create a positive morning routine. Just 5 minutes of one or more of these activities can change your entire day.

To create a more positive morning routine, try some of these:

  • Light stretching (even in bed!)
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Journalling
  • Affirmations

It’s amazing how changing just the first few minutes can impact your whole day.

My challenge for you – Pay attention to how you start your day – your thoughts and your actions. Can you make it better? Make your plan to change and Get Started!

I would love to hear from you – What is your favorite way to start the day? 

With affection,~ Michelle

Start Your Day with Joy – Morning Affirmations

Join the Seeking Joyful Simplicity Community and receive 20 morning affirmations to help you start your day with joy.
When you join, you’ll be added to my email newsletter. You can unsubscribe anytime, no hard feelings. 🙂

 

 

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The Most Important Thing – Having the Courage to Live with Authenticity