by Heather | Mar 19, 2020 | challenges, general health, self help, Uncategorized
I love this week’s challenge because it puts everything into perspective … and I think you’ll love it for that reason, too.
Each night before bed – or each morning when you wake up – take a few minutes and write down 5 things you’re grateful for.
It doesn’t have to be a fancy or “profound” list. Just the simple act of thinking about the people, events, and things that you appreciate in your life can be a very powerful exercise.
Love your Egyptian cotton sheets because they make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud? Write that down. Love the way your dog looks at you when he gets up from a nap? Journal it! Had a great conversation with a family member today? You know the drill….
Gratitude brings a LOT of benefits into your life, including improved mental and physical health, self-esteem, better sleep, and mental strength.
A while back, I went to an amazing restaurant in San Diego called the Cafe Gratitude (100% vegan & organic) If you find yourself in California, look them up ~ I so wish we had one near here!! The picture above is my breakfast burrito ~ don’t you just love the plate!! All of the menu items are given a name (ex. coffee is referred to as “couragous”, the burrito I had was called “nurtured”). When ordering, they prefer that you say “I Am” followed by the name ~ what a great concept, instead of “I want”, my order was “I Am Nurtured”. My clients will tell you that at the begining of any program they come up with an “I Am” statement for themselves. This is specific to each person, so it can be whatever they like ~ my suggestions are to keep it relatively short and to the point and of course POSITIVE.
Do you regularly keep a gratitude journal? Are you on board with this gratitude practice this week? Let me know in a comment below! 🙂
by Heather | Apr 16, 2018 | challenges, general health, Tips
DAILY JOURNAL WRITING
When you think of writing in a journal, do you think of old-fashioned “Dear Diary” entries, where you record boring details of your daily life?
We’ll, it’s not about that. For some people, journaling can be life-changing. In fact, here are a few reasons you should consider it:
1. Journaling creates mindfulness. Writing for 15-20 minutes each day can be like meditation for many people.
2. Journaling helps us to gain perspective. Writing about ideas we have or emotions we’re feeling really helps us take a step back and see them as part of the bigger picture. Journaling helps us reflect on our lives and experiences that we have to gain insight, perspective, and grow.
3. Journaling can help connect you with your “inner self.” When you journal on a consistent basis, many people notice how much more connected they feel… not only to themselves, but to the world around them.
4. Journaling can help build self-discipline and, as a result, your self-confidence. Staying consistent by writing daily is not only training you to keep your word, but also every small achievement is fuel to accomplishing others.
5. Sometimes you just need to GET IT OUT! Writing can be a great way to do this!
6. When you’re a little older, it brings back great memories for you to skim through your old journals and see the younger version of yourself and how far you’ve come.
Those are just a few of the benefits, and you’ll likely find out many more yourself.
TIP: Sometimes people will sit down and have no idea what to write about! Start by keeping it simple and light if you want to. No reason to share your whole life story all at once! Even just writing for 5 minutes a day is a great place to start 🙂
One place I really like to start is talking about what I’m grateful for that day. This really helps to start off with a positive perspective. Also- I’m a big fan of putting pen to paper- but if you’re not, there are a few great apps out there to check out.
Who here ALREADY journals!?!? If you don’t, are you up for this challenge!? Let me know below!
by Heather | Nov 12, 2017 | challenges, general health, holiday, thanksgiving
Community Give-Back Challenge
It’s November, a time where we like to focus on gratitude and being truly appreciative for what we have.
There’s no better way to show that, then by helping other people in need.
Your challenge this week is to sign up to volunteer, donate, or in some way give back to our local community.
There are people right here in our town that could use our help!
Here are a few ideas to get you started: 
• Serve food at our local homeless shelter or food bank
• Volunteer to clean up the side of a busy road where you live
• Volunteer or donate money to a local animal shelter
• Visit a local senior home and teach a free “Sit & Be Fit” workout
• Donate clothes or furniture to Salvation Army or Goodwill
And you know what could be really great?! Get a few of your friends together for a “give-back” afternoon!
If you all contribute a little money, you can afford to buy a few blankets, hats, and gloves (and maybe even a sandwich also!). Then, you can all go and hand them out to people in need during the cold weather.
You don’t need to join any organization to be able to do that- and I guarantee you will make an impact on their lives and in your own.
Are you in for this challenge!? Let us know in a comment below!
If you’d like to share what you’ll be doing, maybe someone else in here would be able to join you!
