A Small Woman in a Not So Small World

A good read I found

2012-02-23T03:01:00.002-08:00

“Exhausted by perfectionism?”
Why is it that adults feel they must excel at everything they try? Why must we be competent or skillful to experience success and enjoyment? Is perfection that important?
Face facts! No one is born perfect at anything, so, striving for perfection can create frustration and disappointment. Perfectionism is a heavy weight to carry and something we would never require of a child.
Watch children that are learning a new game. They know that doing things imperfectly is part of the learning process, that trying new things leads to new insights, a new way of looking at things and new skills. Instead of being embarrassed by failure, they laugh, jump up and try again.
When we let go of perfection and allow ourselves to do things imperfectly, we come to see how perfect we are, just the way we are! It’s a subtle difference but it’s true. Our lives become more perfect when we let go of perfectionism.

Today’s Affirmation: I have let go of perfectionism.

Unique Combination You Possess

2012-02-22T03:04:00.002-08:00

“Women, with strength to carry the world yet the tenderness to comfort.”
Strength and tenderness make a unique combination! But let’s face it. We are tough yet tender, everyday. We maintain strength in the face of adversity and help carry our loved ones through rough times. And, if they stumble or need support, we’re there with soft, sensitive words and open, comforting arms.
Be proud of your ability to be both strong and gentle. Embrace these different sides of your personality and exercise them in equal measure. Show your strength and determination.
Be wise enough to step up to the mark yet let your gentleness shine through!

Today’s Affirmation: I am proud of my ability to be both strong and gentle.

Are You Waiting for Life’s Dues?

2012-02-21T02:57:00.000-08:00

“Life won’t deliver what we expect.”
There is no silver platter or silver spoon with your name on it. In other words, if you’re sitting around waiting for the dues you expect from life, you may be waiting forever and end up with nothing but disappointment and regret.
Instead, be grateful for the fact that your life is what you make it. Relish and rejoice in the power you hold in your own two hands. You are the one that can go out and make things happen. So why not dare to seize new opportunities and enjoy the satisfaction they bring?
You alone hold the pen that will write your life story. Start a brilliant new chapter, today!

Today’s Affirmation: I am fortunate because my life is what I make of it.

Without Resentment

2012-02-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

“Allow yourself comfort and joy.”
Think about everything you’ve done for other people this week; the ways you brought comfort and joy to partners, children, parents and friends. Now think about the things you did for yourself. Chances are, there’s a big imbalance, right?
As women, we need to remember to nurture our own emotional needs and make our well being a priority. Give yourself permission to feel tired or sad. Comfort yourself with a leisurely bath or an early night with a great book. Stay connected with others and seek joy through a lunch with friends. Why not treat yourself to a bouquet of your favorite flowers? There are so many things you can do.
It’s important that you comfort yourself so you have the energy to take care of others without resentment. Through this you feel comfort and joy!

Today’s Affirmation: My well being is a priority.

Add Self-Confidence to Your List of Attributes

2012-02-16T03:15:00.000-08:00

“Self-confidence is an attitude.”
Got a pear shape instead of an hourglass figure? Born with two left feet? Some things we can’t do much about, but some things we can. Self-confidence is among the latter, thank goodness!
Self-confidence isn’t about becoming something you’re not, but about recognizing what you already are. Every day, think about the things that make you special; celebrate your skills and your personality attributes; feel proud and walk with your head held high. Before you know it, you’ll be able to add self-confidence to your list of the things that make you YOU!

Today’s Affirmation: My attitude radiates self-confidence.This I can relate to.

Challenges

2012-02-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

“Challenges add riches to the journey of life.”
There’s not a single woman in the world that hasn’t had to struggle with something or overcome difficulties. At some point we all face challenges and even discouragement. You may be facing them at this very moment, whether they’re related to money, health, children, lovers, family or careers. It’s all part of life.
Recognize that obstacles are a wonderful part of life’s journey. They can enrich rather than paralyze you. When you see obstacles as milestones, they both measure your progress and increase your strength. Each challenge, successfully overcome, brings you closer your goals and potential.
Remember, with every challenge passed, you’re a little stronger, a little wiser and a whole lot more experienced.

Today’s Affirmation: With every challenge, I’m stronger, wiser, and closer to achieving my goals.

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-14T03:04:00.000-08:00

Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. ~Author Unknown

Transform Your Life

2012-02-13T02:57:00.000-08:00

“It all starts with a vision.”A vision is an inspired idea. It is a concept that motivates you and pushes you into action.You know when a vision hits you, by the energy and excitement you feel. A clear vision gets you charged and keeps you going. The very thought fills you with energy and positive feelings.Your visions inspire a sense of purpose and direction. They give you a target to aim for, an aspiration to live for. With the motivation that comes from visions, you can transform yourself and your life.Once you have a vision in mind, use the energy it inspires to create a plan. Then, imagine the plan in motion and the vision achieved. That’s how visions become realities!

Today’s Affirmation: I use the energy from my visions to inspire and motivate me into action.

Get the Respect You Deserve

2012-02-10T04:10:00.001-08:00

“When was the last time you stood up for yourself?”
Think about it. When was the last time you set your foot down in an “I’m important and I value myself” kind of way?
We all have a lot going on. Issues at work can seem hopeless; family and household demands zap your energy; hopes and dreams are on your to do list…
But, the truth is, if YOU don’t speak up for yourself, who will?
You have as much a right to things like health, happiness and respect as anyone else. Stand up for what you need; exercise your boundaries.
You owe it to yourself to speak up. It’s all part of becoming your best, and working your way toward a fulfilled, happier you.

Today’s Affirmation: I speak up for my needs.

Let Go of Resentment, Anger & Bitterness

2012-02-09T03:12:00.001-08:00

“When you let go of things, they let go of you.”
When you harbor resentment, anger or bitterness, the person you end up harming the most is yourself. Negative emotions have a way of creating negative energy that destroys positive emotions, like generosity, love and joy. Although the unhappy situation may be long gone, you may be allowing it to hold you back by holding onto the feelings it evoked.
Today, vow to start “cleaning out” that inner vault of negativism. Try to forgive those who’ve caused you previous pain, and if you can’t forgive, at least learn to forget.
Break free! Let go! Move forward with optimism. It’s the best way to find happiness.

Today’s Affirmation: I am trying to forgive those that caused me pain

Bust Out of Your Rut

2012-02-08T03:11:00.000-08:00

“Change is a good thing- really.”
It’s easy to get into ruts, and some of them are so deep rooted we don’t give them a second thought. If we’re honest though, we’ll realize that much of what we routinely do works against our goals.
You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge, so today, try to examine of some of your routines that might be sabotaging your ambitions. Do you have any?
Over the next week, pay attention to things you do automatically. Then, in each situation, figure out ways you can fine-tune your routines to make them a little more goal oriented.
For example, if you have been trying to fit exercise into your day, instead of hanging out in the lunch room, use your break to walk with a friend. If you’re trying to save money and you have a habit of stopping at Starbucks, why not bring a thermos of coffee to work instead?
Sure, it won’t be easy at first, but with a little tweaking here and there, you really can find ways to change your routine to help you meet your goals. And that’s a good thing!

Today’s Affirmation: I have changed my routine and I’m achieving my goals.

Bullet Proof Your Inner Strength

2012-02-07T03:09:00.000-08:00

“Inner strength is just a decision away.”
You probably can think of someone whom you admire and respect. Perhaps you admire her ambition to learn new skills. Maybe it is her perseverance to overcome difficulties and hardships. Why can’t that person be you?
It can and the key is willpower and self-discipline. You have it in you even if you refuse to believe it.
Each one of us is confronted and tempted by an endless stream of temptations; many of which aren’t that important. When you learn to refuse to satisfy all of them, and choose only to satisfy those that are in line with your priorities and values, your willpower and self-discipline become impenetrable.
Try it, you’ll quickly become the woman to admire!

Today’s Affirmation: My willpower and self-discipline are as strong as ever.

How nice are you?

2012-02-06T03:01:00.000-08:00

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
We’ve all heard this saying. It’s something our parents reminded us of constantly. In fact, you my very well be cautioning your own children.
Now that you realize how hurtful words can be to others, have you every thought about the effects your own comments have on your self-esteem? Do you ever hear yourself saying nasty things about someone – that someone being you?
No one likes to be called “lazy,” “stupid,” or “fat,” and calling ourselves these names has a damaging effect on our self-worth. So today, take your own advice and the next time you begin to say something bad about yourself, try to stop. Instead of pointing out how little you have accomplished, why not acknowledge what you have achieved? And try replacing words like “I can’t” and “I won’t” with “I can” and “I will.”
Being churlish never served us when we were young, and that is still true. Be kind to yourself.

Today’s Affirmation: I speak kindly to myself.

Put an End to the Thinking Sabotaging Your Goals

2012-02-03T03:08:00.000-08:00

“It’s never too late.”
No matter what is cycling through your head at this very moment, it’s never too late to set goals, to change your life. (Really, it’s not.) Often the hardest part to getting started is overcoming that overwhelmed feeling – the one that occupies your mind when you contemplate all that you have to do at once.
You think about how long it will take; what sacrifices you have to make. You become bewildered by the endless details and fall back to the comfortable feeling of saying you’ll start next Monday or at the beginning of next month.
Today is the day you put that kind of thinking behind you. Today, focus on taking the first step toward your most cherished goal. Take care of the first detail right now, whatever it may be. Start exercising, dieting or looking for a new job. You know what you need to do.
It’s not too late to get started.

Today’s Affirmation: I have put negative thinking behind me and I’m working toward my goals.