New year. New goals

Hello there and Happy New Year!

 Every year we hear the same "new year, new me" phrase and if your like me the moment the phrase is uttered you'll roll your eyes and think "new year, same bull-crap". Now I don't say this because I do not believe it is possible to make changes and have a better go this year, it is always possible to make changes. I say this because we all have said this before over and over but fail to act on it,myself included. 

  Shoot this past year I told myself  "in 3 months you'll be 15 pounds lighter" and the 3 months would pass and I would again tell myself "in 3 months you'll be 15 pounds lighter". Each time I would re-start this "goal" I was more and more discouraged because it still had not happened. I think it was at the stoke of midnight this year that I decided "no more resolutions". This year I want to follow through and not just hope because it's a new year I will magically change myself.

 I am not saying setting goals for ourselves is wrong or silly but rather pointless if we don't also set up a plan on how we will achieve those goals. This year I really want to test different theories, try new things, make positive changes and just aim to be happier. This year also marks the last year in my twenties as I will be turning 30 so I thought I would leave my 20's with a bang and enter my 30's feeling accomplished, happier and positive.

 I have been reading a lot of different self help books and motivational material (I will write a post later on my reading material) to help me prepare for the changes I want to make this year. One idea stuck out to me and I want to embark on a whole year based on this idea. The idea is that you can change anything by eliminating or practicing it for 21 days. In other words, if you want to quit sugar (like me) try cutting back on certain treats for 21 days and you will more than likely crave those treats less if at all after the 21 days. 

 I will trying different 21 day projects this year and documenting my observations and sharing with you how I feel at the end of every 21 days. Check back throughout this year to read my progress on my 21 day projects. To start I will be eliminating soda for 21 days starting Monday January 5th. The holiday season has me hooked on the soft drink and I need to eliminate it hopefully for good from my diet. So starting tomorrow no soda of any kind for me for 21 days and hopefully permanently.

 Let me know if you have tried any 21 day projects and if they were successful for you.

 Live. Laugh. Love.

Michelle Marie

Learn to Relax

  I typically suffer from migraines every so often and those of you who suffer from migraines may agree that finding comfort is incredibly difficult. I remember one time a few years back I got a migraine that just crept up on me. Nothing was working to alleviate the horrible throbbing pain. I was in so much discomfort I didn't know if to lay down or knock myself out (seriously). Relief finally came when I jumped in the shower with the lights off and let the hot water run over my head, neck and forehead for what seemed like hours.

  Afterwards, I remember laying in bed with the lights off and thinking to myself how I would not want to experience this pain again. Now, I won't say I haven't suffered from migraines or headaches since then but I have not had an episode that severe (knocking on wood) since that time. I realized I could lower my chances of suffering from headaches, migraines and overall body-ache by simply learning to relax. 

  Yes, I could always take pain killers and call it a day but why take unnecessary medicine when there is a natural alternative I could try first? I am not saying that simply relaxing is a cure for headaches and migraines but it sure does help alleviate pain and possibly minimize the duration of the episode. 

Here are some of the relaxation techniques that have helped me:

*A hot shower: This one is perhaps the most obvious and it really does help. The steam and hot water (not too hot) relax the blood vessels and muscles helping alleviate the pain. You should stand directly underneath the streaming water so the water falls right over your head, neck and shoulders. If you are experiencing sinus pressure allow the water to fall on your forehead and breathe in the steam.

 **Tip: Use a eucalyptus shower gel for extra relaxation. Eucalyptus has many health benefits one being a natural pain reliever. 

* Eye Mask: I cannot begin to tell you how great it feels to wear a gel eye mask while laying down. The trick is to place the mask in the freezer prior to wearing for about 15 minutes or until pretty cold but not frozen.

*Head massager: I do not know about you but I could literally fall asleep when I am at the salon. I love having my hair brushed, it's incredibly relaxing. Well a head massager (I use the head massager spider pictured above) has the same effect only better since it was designed for relaxation. I suggest laying down when using a head massager as this will help get you to a deeper relaxation state. If possible have someone else massage your head with the massager.

*Aromatherapy: I absolutely swear by aromatherapy. It works! My favorite form of aromatherapy is lotions. I love Bath and Body Works aromatherapy collection. I particularly enjoy using the stress relief Lotion which contains eucalyptus and spearmint oils. I also use the Sleep lotion from Bath and Body Works as well. I find both these lotions to be incredibly relaxing with soothing aromas. For maximum benefit I recommend rubbing either lotion on your feet and covering them with socks.

*Tea: I am a newbie when it comes to drinking tea. but I quickly became a fan when I realized all the health benefits. Every tea (green, white, black etc) has it's own health benefits so there is no denying it is incredibly good for you. A nice warm cup of tea after a warm shower can really help relax your whole body.

Let me know which techniques are your favorite?

Live. Laugh. Love.
Michelle Marie

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you do your just not as far ahead as you would like?

 This has happened to me many times in my life. I think it's normal for us to have moments where we feel overwhelmed and like we are not accomplishing things the right way. Sometimes when I feel this way it causes me to feel as if I should just try something else, in other words: give up.

 During these moments is when I remember that old saying: "Put your best foot forward". Simply put this saying means to be/do your best during any obstacle or situation you may face. This saying inspires me to do my best and keep moving forward no matter what.

Here are a few of my own tips to help you put your best foot forward: 

*PLAN. Yes, you have to set a plan in order to know the steps you must take to achieve what you want. Success is not achieved in the spur of the moment.

*STICK TO YOUR PLAN. Many times we set a plan for ourselves and shortly afterwards we somehow lose track and are no longer on that plan.

*STOP HAVING FEAR OF FAILURE. If you ask some people why they didn't accomplish some of their goals you may be surprised to hear that they had a strong fear of failure. Remind yourself of your goals and the reasons why you want to accomplish these goals. Do not let fear of failure stop you from achieving what you want. It's normal to have a fear of failure, it has happened to the most successful people. The important thing  is to move forward past the fear. Once you do that your already one step closer to succeeding.

What motivates you?

Live.Laugh.Love.

Michelle Marie