Yesterday I talked about how putting your best self forward means presenting your mind + spirit to the world in the healthiest form possible. I also talked about being on the BEST path {for yourself}, and how it’s easy to get on the wrong path, because it seems right, because that’s what others are doing, and they seem to be doing it right. So why isn’t it working for me, you ask.
When something appears to be cruising down the right road it’s easy to want to jump on board and follow along, right? Wrong! What works for them may not work for you. There are only two possible endings when you act like that: you either crash right away or you crash later.
The point is, you’re gonna crash! And it can either give you a little bruise or it can do some serious damage.
Yesterday I also talked about how I didn’t want to be on “that path” anymore. And I will elaborate on that soon, but not just yet ;] Right now I want to share a few ways you can be your best self so you don’t feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing.
5 tips on how to put your best self forward:
+ get outside and bask the the sunshine + fresh air
+ get off the internet! …pinterest, twitter, facebook ~ I’m talking about you!
+ start a creative journal and make time throughout the day to add content
+ get inspired in real life: visit local boutiques, bookstores, spas/beauty counters
+ plan time with those you love doing things you truly love {ice-cream, anyone?}
The point is you want to engage your mind in something different that satisfies your creativity and self-esteem. Pinterest is an amazing tool but there’s something to be said about touching that cool product in the boutique.
Some times it’s best to put a little more focus on life’s simplest pleasures. What things are like glitter kisses to your soul? Take a few minutes right now and make a quick list.
In case you’re starting to wonder… Yep, it’s challenging to break your routine. Yep, it’s crazy at times to schedule laughs with busy friends. Yep, it’s going to be the most rewarding decision and you’ll be able to celebrate often because you’re headed in the right direction.
Now, who’s with me?!
I LOVE this, it’s such a perfect reminder. The winter time around here can get pretty tough, but getting out and getting fresh air and breaking from the “normal” routine is the best solution to get you through. Thanks for this!
even a 10 minute walk with a to-go cup of coffee can help, so much! :)
PS. most of my not-so-finer moments have been related to being online too much. xoxo
What things are like glitter kisses to your soul? I love that one simple line. Excellent breath of fresh air this morning! :)
i think that’s my new favorite saying :)
Oh me, me! Pick me! I’m with you getting out and actually seeing/touching my inspiration. What are everyone’s favorite places to go? I’m always looking for something new to inspire me. Right now I like to go to: bookstores, fabric shops, thrift stores, antique stores, state parks (nothing like a walk in the woods to give me a clean slate to work with), and my best friend’s house.
…bring your journal so you can write down your ideas + dreams! xoxo
Perfect, & so true too. I just canceled my evening to spend time with my baby sis having a craft night in front of a chick flick. :-) Makes me happy & in the long run, I know that I’ll be happier doing that then sitting at my desk at home editing a meeeeellion shop pictures that I need to get listed. That can wait til later. :-) Have a great day!
can i come over???????
sounds perfect :)
So LOVE this post and the last! I am struggling with what path I want myself/my business to be on and I think the best thing I can do is what you suggested! I need some fresh air and time getting inspiring by real life things. I can’t remember the last time I went shopping or browsing to simply be inspired. Often I am so focused on working in the cube all day (boo to this) and sewing all night and then feeling guilty when I’m not doing at least something related to my business. That is so frustrating. I need forced relaxation! I tried yoga the other day and while my body felt good my mind was saying, “you should really be sewing” and “that would make a cute bag!” and “I should make yoga bags” and “this studio needs more pink.” Maybe I should schedule myself for a spa day and tell them not to let me leave until I look relaxed! Thanks so much for the tips Gussy!! :)
i’ve heard before that the things we struggle wish and/or feel jealous of are the things we really want for ourselves. and by jealousy i meant that fleeting thought of, ohhhh, i wish i would have thought of that… if that’s true, then listen to your heart + soul during those moments. they can help you figure out what you are trying to do. it’s also easy, i’ve found, to think something is a good idea/easy/____ because it’s working well for others. what i’ve come to learn just these last few months is if i do it i can make it even better!!!!
that has been so amazing for me to learn… i’ll never be able to do something like someone else, but i can make it work so perfectly for me by doing it in a way that’s best for me. it’ll probably look different in the end… but that’s OK :)
like Nester says, “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.”
PS. giggled reading your yoga thoughts… been there… remember it’s OK to give yourself permission to not think about work for an hour. XO
Thank you so much for that, you are so right! I really appreciate your perspective! It’s time I had a hot date with myself for some soul searching and inspiration! :)
A-MEN! It’s important for me to take my dinner hour at work and LEAVE THE BUILDING! As a hairdresser especially you never know when inspiration will strike, or just how energizing the fresh air and a walk can be! Our salon is located on a cute Main Street with lots of shops and cafés. Get out there and see your world!
Good tips my friend! Thanks. Traci
I’m in! Thanks for the tips on how to actually get off “the path”. Today, I’m going for #’s 1, 2, & 5.
p.s.- Don’t you love how I just turned that into a to-do list? Ha!
ok, i want an update — did you get your three things done…?
I did go outside, so therefore I was off of the internet. And I baked, which I love, and spent time with my hubs. So yes, I guess I did! As soon as I make my grocery list, I think I’m going to do it again today!! :) Thanks for the check-up!
For several months I feel like I’ve been on a train that was moving too fast for me and I couldn’t jump off. One of your posts about a week into the new year had a link to a post about carving time for business. The blogger talked about saying no to other things in order to create time. That was exactly what I needed to hear, but not in the way the author intended.
My youngest child, whom I home school, is almost seventeen. I know how quickly the last years of high school fly since my other two children are out of the nest. I realized through that post that my business has to be low priority right now or I will have regrets about how I used my time with my son. There will come a day all too soon where I’ll have all sorts of time to create a full-time business, but today my priorities need to be focused on finishing well what I’ve already begun in training my son to be a responsible man. I cannot afford to be distracted.
Grabbing today’s opportunities are so different for each one of us. Thanks for the reminder to follow our own path, to not look at what everyone else is doing, and inspiring us to be the best we can be.
ohhhhh i just love that, “i cannot afford to be distracted.”
i’m already thinking of all the ways that applies to every single one of us… so glad you shared that perspective :)
I know that I need to set aside more time for my friends. It’s so easy now that we’re scattered across the country to lose touch, but I really need that connection in my life, and it’s up to me to foster it. Thanks for that reminder!
yeah. i hear ya!
i didn’t try hard enough to make new friends when we moved here to minneapolis about 2.5 years ago, and now that quite some times has passed i wish i would have. it’s a terrible feeling to think some of your closest friends live far, far away.
and also? a little secret… most of the time i feel really out of place here because of my age, we don’t have kids, and i am self-employed via handmade.
so, still working on that one :)
…tell me you live in minneapolis and we can be friends? :)
oh yes!!! I am SO on that train with you. I spoke at ALT on just that: Balance…but how that really means finding the way to do it YOUR way. Not anyone else’s. So perfectly said!! I’ve been thinking about this very thing for a long time, and still have more to figure out…so thank you for this post!! xoxo
you should call me and read your session notes to me ;D
i’m serious!!!!
Thank you for this! I just found your blog yesterday through the TomKat Studio, and this is perfect for where I am in my life right now. Where to go… what to do… how to make myself and our family happy… Thank you!
so glad you’ve stopped by! xoxo
Amen! Preach it sista!!!!
I needed that kick in the seat :D
I love this! I have been so far behind on social media & blogs lately, but it’s refreshing. Thank you for the inspiration today! :)
*hand raised, smiling :D
Love this!! This totally applies to more than your own business. I can take this advice and apply it to nearly any part of my life. What a great reminder!
YES!!! yes yes :)
Your writing is always beautiful, simple and true. Let’s get off our computers/phones and get out there more and actually experience life!
I’m with you, friend!
Gosh I love these posts. I love the comment by Michelle and I couldn’t have written it any better. I feel EXACTLY the same way. I still work a full-time job and balancing everything is really tough. I always feel like I should be doing something with my business and when I’m not – oh the guilt. I love the journal idea – I’m going to give that a shot. Such good advice today. :-)
yes ♥
did you see this post? this sums it up :: http://www.gussysews.com/2011/10/7-pretty-things-on-sunday-a-dash-of-self-confidence/
I went back and read it – LOVE! You’re just the best. :-)
You know I’m in!!!!!:)
Love this :). It’s so important to recharge and take time away from our online activites. There are many amazing people and things online, but it’s important to take breaks too. Life is short and I don’t think I’ll get to the end of my life and wish I’d spent more time online. I love your idea of keeping a creative journal. I never thought to do that before but I think I need to start one, today!
bahaha, you don’t think so?! ;D
ok, so i’m checking in… you wrote this comment yesterday (wednesday), did you start your journal yet?
love this! I recently had to make a decision between continuing to work in an area where others have been VERY successful and that I know I could be good at if I work hard, and doing something I am truly passionate about….whether or not I am ever successful in it or not. Thanks for sharing!
I did! I pulled out a journal that I had purchased already but not used yet and actually wrote in it yesterday! I left it on my desk and plan on writing in it again today. Even if it’s only a couple lines or a small sketch. Thanks for checking in!
Some mornings I just love to sit out on my back porch with a cup of coffee and watch the dogs run around! Maggie inspired me a few weeks ago to get out of my normal spot in order to let my mind wander and it has been working! I am able to think clearly and I don’t get muddled by what is around me in my house (current projects, dirty laundry, dog hair-bunnies on the floor… you know – normal!) or I am able to not think at all. Sometimes that is a welcome relief! :)
Great tips! The internet definitely can be inspiring, but it can also be a huge time waster. I like your idea of having a creative journal for inspiration!
Hey girl….loving this post. I almost missed it, because………..I QUIT FACEBOOK. It was quite a big deal for me because I keep connected to my other busy mom friends through that since we can’t easily have phone conversations or meet ups that often without extreme chaos. I’m trying so hard to take a break from what everyone else is doing and focus on what feels right to me and my family. It’s hard when there are so many distractions. One thing that I’ve found is that my very truest friends have come out of the woodwork in this slight experiment. The ones who actually picked up the phone to call me made me feel thought of and the ones who didn’t….well, i’m pretty sure that they only keep up with me through the availableness (is that a word?!?!) of Facebook. The majority of the “friends” who I keep up with daily are just noise. And I don’t mean that in a bad way….I’m sure you know what I mean. Acquaintances from my past, etc. Where am I going with this? I don’t know, but I think my point is this: simplify. relax. figure out who I am and not who I want to be if it doesn’t fit. enjoy this time in my life because it is so fleeting. stop feeling the need to post everything that I’m doing. THAT in itself has been truly liberating.
Whew. I hope that made sense because I’m tired. :) Thanks for the great posts always.
Love it! Creative people need to feed their souls. I am a hands on person, so it is hard for me to totally love something I have seen online. I need to touch and see things in person…thanks for the reminder!
Hello there! This post could not be written any betetr! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!