Three Ways To Improve Your Life, Starting Tomorrow

What an amazing week, right? Have you taken time to realize the beauty all around us? What a great Fall! If you haven't done so already, enjoy some time outside this weekend!

A world so beautiful deserves to have beautiful people in it. I had the great opportunity to listen to leaders of my church this weekend. From their talks, I picked up on a few areas where I, and many others, could improve. After really thinking if their talks, pondering on life, and reading other books through the week, I thought I would share Three Ways To Improve Your Life Starting Tomorrow ("because today is almost over"-Michael Scott).

1. In each task you do, Prepare-Participate-Remember. When considering your current goals and view on where you want to be, it is important to recognize how your actions are contributing to that end goal.  A simple example- making your bed. Who would have though such a little task could contribute to goals. If you have a goal of being more productive, think of how making your bed could contribute. By waking up to the sound of my alarm and immediately making my bed when I get up, I don't have the opportunity to roll back in bed (and wake up at 7:45 for an 8:00 class like I did last week). And look! You've been awake for literally 5 seconds and you've already accomplished something that day! Even if you come home and the rest of your day was rotten, you have a clean, made bed calling your name. Prepare- recognizing you want to be more productive, and rolling back into bed won't help. Participate- do all tasks with the best of your ability. Work harder at the gym, make your bed as neat as you can. Remember- How does this contribute to your end goal? More productive? More fit (gym)? This can be applied to so many things! Gym, making food at home (rather tan eating out), going to class or work, etc.

2. Be the master of technology; don't let it control you. I've been bad at this. I watch so much Netflix it's probably unhealthy (thank you Criminal Minds). But seriously…. Notice how quickly you reach for your phone when you have a moment to yourself. So many people walk, ride public transportation, drive and even eat staring at their phones. This Ted Talk is worth your time. "Connected, but alone." I agree that we need to talk time in our day to put away technology and be okay with being alone. Ponder. Enjoy things around you. Smile as people walk by. Enjoy real conversations with real people. Do you realize the people you walk past? What if they're supposed to be in your life, and you missed the opportunity. Technology is great, don't get me wrong, but let's take a break everyone now and again. I decided to limit my TV time and read a book (yes, a real paper book). Not a kindle. Not a webpage on my smart phone. There's something about holding a book that provides more power and concentration I think.

3. Be Kind. It seems simple, and it is. Everyone has difficult times and no one is perfect. Cut people slack. Smile. Say hi. Make someone's day! Why not? By thinking and serving others, your own problems seem to go away. Have you ever been so upset or mad? Have you ever thought your life was really hard? Take a moment and serve someone. Let your mind rest, think of someone else and watch… your problems won't seem as big of a deal when you're done. It may take practice, but I have seen it work many times in my own life. And I'm committing to do better at it.

I love what my church leaders teach and I invite you to read/watch/listen to more of the great inspiration they shared. If you apply these principles to your life, you will find more joy and peace in all you do. If you're haven't heard of the Mormon church or do not participate in its practices, start with this talk, its especially for you :)

A Lesson We All Need To Learn

I've been thinking a lot lately (as my brother would say- "Shocker!"). I used to be the Penelope Garcia of Criminal Minds; Always seeking for the good in people and finding happiness in all things. As much as I hate to admit it, I've struggled with that lately. Have you found yourself gossiping with friends about the weird person that just walked past? Or pointing out people that are different? 

Think about it... If everyone looked exactly the same, what would this world be like? We wouldn't have to put effort into that great body we've been hoping for, and you can only express yourself in so many ways without "copying" someone. This world truly is beautiful because of the complete opposites we have here. Think of the Earth. Land to ocean. Mountains to country sides. Cities to farms. Boat houses to cabins in the forest. This whole planet was made to be different and to have opposites. That was in God's plan. Do you really think it would be different with creating people? 

I was watching an episode of Parenthood last night. Sydney, the daughter of a main character that is in elementary school, got in trouble for bullying a girl that was overweight. I don't believe it's something to be blamed on the parents, but I think there is a lesson we all need to learn and teach our children. Everyone is beautiful! And everyone likes different traits about a person. You may like boys/girls that are tall with brown hair and a pretty smile, or shorter with blonde hair and blue eyes. Just because you don't think someone is attractive or cute, doesn't mean they're not beautiful. 

You are the best You that you can be! You ARE beautiful. Yes, some people have to work harder than others to reach their goals, but no one is telling you that you have to be a 5'9" model that's a size double zero. In my opinion, the world would be a pretty crappy place if that's what everyone thought...

Be happy. Be healthy. Remember that you're the only person that can really be in your head. Be positive! 

You're Failing Yourself

You have so much POWER! Often times we do not realize how powerful we really are.

How many opportunities have you turned down just because you were a little nervous of the outcome? That guy or girl you couldn't bring yourself to talk to or maybe even a missed job opportunity?! It has probably happened more than you realize. I bet you didn't know that it's probably hurting you more than you think...

I had an experience this week that may seem small, but has made me want to change so much about myself! You probably have seen the same thing.... A really nice girl complimented my outfit as we crossed the street on our way home from school. I had never met her before and maybe she could even tell I wasn't feeling well that day. The compliment led to a conversation that lasted our whole walk home. Again, it was small and may not seem like a big experience, but it made me want to be more like her. I want to be able to feel comfortable enough to see someone and pay them a simple compliment and have confidence in myself to get out of my comfort zone! After all, you're the one that controls it.

Take some time this week and do something daring. Try something different and if you need some help, try a few of these helpful hints!!

Make a fool of yourself! Let loose, girlfriend! It's okay to be silly and crazy sometimes!!! Who cares what people think? If they don't like you for who you are, it's their loss. You don't need to be perfect all the time, so enjoy life... Have some fun :)

Failure is a scary though. No one enjoys it and yes, it can suck. But WHO CARES? Everyone fails. 

Take a look at these famous quotes... enough said?!

                     

Face your fears! I am an advocate for being safe, but why should you live your life in fear of things that have a low chance of actually happening? Breaking bones, fear of heights, spiders? If you think about it, it really is silly!! Don't sweat it. You're brave!!!

Give it a shot. You're wonderful. Show the world how great you are!!! It's time to finally be who you want to be.

No Funny Business

I've been researching different qualities men look for in a woman. I was very pleased to see that most every site focused on the many attractive attributes they seek in a woman's personality. Humor, wisdom,  kindness, independence, loyalty, a little mysterious, are a few on the short list. No, not all readers are seeking a man, but we want those same qualities in girl friends too, don't we? Maybe minus the "a little mysterious" part... :)

Of course you need to be physically attracted to a person, but there are so many people in the world and many have different tastes in women. Everyone has there "type." I mean.. you do, right?! So, don't fret. You're beautiful, and yes, there are men that DO see your outer beauty just as much as your inner beauty. Now for this weeks inner beauty insight...

I have a problem though, and so many people can agree that I'm really not a funny person. I make awful jokes and when I do come up with a good joke, it's hours later and way too late to crack it. I actually remember for the FIRST TIME I CAN REMEMBER my brother told me I made a funny joke a year ago... How could I have been alive for 21 years and I was only funny once? That's pathetic, huh? I've added to my research this past week for ways to be funnier. I really want to learn to be witty and think quicker on my feet. Is that possible though? Can you really just learn how to be funny or learn how to be witty? Or  are you born that way? I sure know my sister was born with it. She's quiet, but makes the most hysterical remarks. I envy her.

Simple steps to be funnier and more entertaining in conversations:

1. LISTEN- If you make a joke at the wrong time or in the wrong context, it could turn out.. pretty bad.
2. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX- Witty remarks comes from outside the box. If they don't come to you naturally, try thinking outside the box on projects and other tasks through the day to help you get in the habit. When it comes time, you'll be ready!
3. LEARN FROM OTHERS- Recognize what and when it's appropriate to make witty remarks. You can learn from others! Pay attention to their delivery and make sure you take notes. Timing is key!
4. BE CONFIDENT- It takes practice, so try jokes out around close friends and family.
5. DON'T STRESS YOURSELF- It takes time, but when you feel under pressure, your jokes may not come out as naturally or you may be too stressed to even think of anything to say! Just relax! Have fun!!

Get some inspiration from great actors and funny TV shows. Here are two to get your started.

You're Worthless, Ugly, and Slutty...

At some point in your life the world has convinced you of something you're not. You're worthless, ugly, slutty, weird, stupid, a dead-beat, unsuccessful, powerless, a nobody, and a waste are just a few of the lies we've heard at some point, or at least that have been portrayed. Right? Did you ever feel so unloved or unwanted that you would do just about anything to feel wanted, or happy, or accepted, or loved for just a few moments? You changed yourself to become something others wanted- something "acceptable" so you didn't feel so lonely or excluded. Well, that's not fair! You're so much better than that... Ladies, I mainly mean you.

"Inner beauty, too, needs occasionally to be told it is beautiful." 

-Robert Brault

You are so much better than you think. You're smart (book smart, street smart, magazine smart, tech smart, or combinations of many). You're talented- and don't say you're not because you're definitely good at something. I had a really hard time figuring out what my talents were and these types of exercises helped a lot!! You're loved dearly, so don't sell yourself short. You're worth more than you'll ever know- so don't give yourself away; be sure your love is earned and never taken for granted.

Did you know statistics show that every seven years half of your friends get replaced? I personally have seen it more than that. I'd say probably every three or four, mainly those between 17-26. Are you really going to try to fit in with people that don't really like you for who you are? If you're changing something about yourself just to feel included, you're not with the right people. 

Be brave. Be kind. Be friendly. Be open. Be happy, Be true to yourself. Be YOU. 

I'm in a time of my life that I want to be the best person I can be. I want to bring joy to those around me and feel happiness everyday too. Join me in finding ourselves again. I've set goals to be cheerful, share kindness, and always be willing to help those in need. I know I have work to do to get to that point, but I am so excited to feel better about myself. And, by feeling better about yourself, you gain confidence which comes off so beautifully on the outside :). 

Remember to keep sharing your ideas! I've loved the few that have come in so far, so please, keep sharing! It only takes 10 seconds!! Share your topic ideas!!!

A New Season, A New Subject: What Really Matters

You may have not noticed, but I changed the title of my blog a little, as well as the description. Why? Because it's a new season which allows for a new focus of my mission for this blog: Learning to Love You.

This summer I focused on health, fitness, and ways to feel confident in your own skin. As the weather begins to get cooler, and our time gets focused on more important things (such as family, work, school, etc.) we should start focusing on different aspects of our beauty as well. This fall I would love to research and share topics based on beauty you don't often find while looking in the mirror; Your personality, successes, positive journey through life, career and future goals, and so much more. I hope as you do recognize all you have going for you, you might just feel more beautiful and confident on the outside too.

If you didn't reach your fitness and physical body goals this summer, let's make a new set of goals for something I think is even more important. You don't have to be skinny to be beautiful. And let's be honest, we're all going to get old one day and our bodies will... "not be what they used to be". Why not focus on the part of us that can stay the same (or at least can consistently get better)!!!!

First topic on the new subject and a very important lesson to begin with: You are perfect at being YOU. You will not be comparing yourself to anyone in the next few weeks. Base your progress off of yourself, not others! Set goals and notice when you've reached them. Write down the things you accomplished! I have some ideas of topics to help, but I would love to know other areas you wish to improve on. You can even send it anonymously here ---> Topic Suggestions . A few ideas I had were strengthening relationships, charity, and wisdom, but please provide the topics you would like read more of too! Please feel free to comment with your goals and accomplishments so others can get ideas!!  We can do this together!!!

Finishing off Summer and last season's topic-
The end of the summer was so great and so crazy, all at the same time. My wonderful siblings came home for a week, so we got to play a lot! We went to the beach, mini golf, tried some shuffleboard, standup paddle boarding, outdoor movies, and more! When it was time to go back to Utah for school, we flew into DFW and ended up sitting on the plane for three additional hours. We had two flights get cancelled, and lost our luggage when we finally did land 16 hours after we took off from VA. When we got to Logan, none of our furniture fit down the stairs/into the door of our new apartment. We had already packed our belongings into our vehicle, so we had to find a new apartment the same day. Luckily, we did! Everything works out as it supposed to. I'm grateful for a loving and patient husband that helped the craziness seem bearable. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

A fun way to bring the family together
while also getting off our butts.

Even though we didn't surf, it's a great new
sport to give a try!

Trying a new game/sport is a great way to
stay active!!

Cheering on your favorite team can help
lose more calories than you think :)

Find a local town that has fun
activities. We walked over a
mile here and it was a blast!

Paradise can be filled with great ways
to try new foods, activities, and exercises.

Take a nice break after a beach run to
enjoy the view!!

Our first time trying this new sports and we
LOVED it!!! So much fun :)

Kick Your Own Butt

You would think sitting in front of a computer all day would mean I had time to write a blog post! Summer has been crazy. I hope everyone is getting out to enjoy the sun, beach, lake, vacations, or whatever else you may be doing. You deserve it :) I'll share my Summer adventures a little later!

It's been too long since I last posted. I've had a few topics I wanted to cover, but I'll split them up since they're pretty different and I'll bring a guest interview on by the end of the week too! It'll be a great, exciting week!!

Summer is my favorite season because I am obsessed with the beach and pool. It can be a little intimidating to put on a little bathing suit when you see so many beautiful around you. Guess what? You're beautiful too!! It would be so boring if everyone looked the same, and just because some people are born with fast metabolisms, doesn't mean yours can't be too!

Now, I must start with a disclaimer. Your metabolism isn't really to blame if you have a little extra weight. It usually always comes down to diet exercise, but your metabolism plays a big role in your energy level. If you're eating unhealthy foods, youre lowering your energy level and probably are not getting a very good exercise in because of it, right? I can tell you this weekend at the beach, I stopped and got a cheese danish on the way (I have really bad cravings.. It's a problem haha). All I wanted to do is sit and do nothing all day, when our original plan was to go for a run on the sand, play in the water, and be pretty active! 

What you put in your mouth could really determine how the rest of your day goes. So, here are some foods to add to your diet to give you the energy you need to be/stay active! (Brought to you by my sweet husband)

Fruit/ Vegetables          Healthy Fats           Protein                             Spices

Blueberries                   Coconut Oil            Almonds/tree nuts            Garlic

Strawberries                 Flax Seeds             Salmon/healthy fish         Ginger

Raspberries                  Chia Seeds            Whey Protein                   Cinnamon

Avocado                       Hemp Seeds          Eggs/egg whites               Hot Peppers

Spinach                        Olive Oil                 Chicken breast

Broccoli                        Almonds                 Turkey

                                                                    Lean Beef

                                                                    Cottage Cheese

Other                            Grains

water                            Whole Grains

yogurt                           Psudograins: quinoa, buckwheat

                                     Brown Rice

                                     Red beans/ black beans/ edamame/ legumes

                                     Psyllium husk (fiber, in metamucil)

I've been taking a Tabata class at work, and it's been unbelievably awesome. Here are a few Tabata work outs that will let you Kick Your Own Butt 

What kind of day would it be if you didn't have a delicious, healthy treat to go along during your healthy day?

Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

3.75 oz 93% fat free lean ground beef, cooked (3/4 Lean)

1 oz 2% reduced fat Mexican Cheese (1/4 Lean)

1/2 cup or 90 grams cooked from frozen cauliflower, grated (1 or 2 peppers to cook the meat in)  (1 Green)

1/2 cup Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 Green)

1/2 cup or 68 grams green pepper, cooked (1 Green)

2 tsp low sodium taco seasoning mix (3 Condiments)

Skinny No-bake Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy; if using natural style peanut butter make sure it is not oily)
• 1 small very ripe banana, mashed (about 1/3 cup) (we used 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce because our bananas we're ripe)
• 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup or agave)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk (coy, almond, soy)
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats*
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, optional

Coconut Bread

Ingredients:
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (we used 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla)
2 1/2 cups flour (we used whole wheat flour)
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon oil
1 cup superfine sugar (we used 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup sugar)
5 ounces flaked coconut (about 1 1/2 cups)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (we used coconut oil)

Thanks for visiting :). Don't forget to find happiness in all that you do. If you need some help, here are a few pictures to give you ideas.

Visit a pet store or animal shelter

Take a tour of a local hot spot or news room

Find free food and enjoy the summer weather

Admire peoples' creativity

Take a trip to the beach or lake

Visit local architecture or learn about religions

Get active- play some ball