Shake It Off!

There are going to be haters.

One of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt that says “Do what you feel in your heart to be right because you’ll be criticized anyway." It’s so true. Whether you are doing something seemingly good or you have made a colossal mistake, chances are someone, somewhere is standing by ready to jab. Why? Because we are all mirrors of each other. Most of the time it has nothing to do with us, and it has everything to do with the other person. Maybe that person is just having a bad day or maybe they are dealing with something they can't handle. Either way, criticism has a negative impact. Your heart rate increases, you start to sweat, and you mind begins the exhausting game of defense.

How do you shake it off?

Here is a list of 20 things to start doing today to shake off negativity in your life & stay committed to your best self:

 1. Take the high road. Conflict cannot continue with only one participant.
 2. Free yourself from negative people.
 3. Stay open to new, positive friendships with like-minded people.
 4. Show everyone kindness and respect. No matter what.
 5. Accept people just the way they are.
 6. Support & encourage others in their greatness.
 7. Accept your imperfections and love yourself anyway.
 8. Don’t dwell. Forgive and move forward.
 9. Be of service to others.
10. Keep in touch with the people who matter.
11. Allow others to make their own decisions.
12. Talk less, listen more.
13. Leave petty arguments alone.
14. Pay more attention to the relationship with yourself than what others are doing.
15. Know who your real friends are.
16. Ignore unconstructive, hurtful commentary on social media.
17. Stop comparing.
18. Take time every day for exercise & self-care.
19. Nourish your body with healthy foods.
20. Keep it light & when all else fails, find the humor and laugh.

How you react & show up in this world is up to you. Stay connected to your best self & shake off the haters. Keep doing what you love with your life and keep being awesome!

Sited from Brene' Brown: The Gifts of Imperfection

Relationships and why they help you THRIVE!

When it comes to genuinely connecting with others, it’s the simple, every day actions that connect us and bring us happiness. Human connection is the driving force in our life, and without it, we feel empty and incomplete. We each have what is called a "dharma": a purpose, something meaningful to contribute to life. Connection is when we recognize that our dharma can infuse joy into our lives AND the lives of others. Haven’t found your dharma? That’s okay. Start by seeing that your intentions & actions make a difference. In this way, you will be able to experience the joy in everyday life, while contributing to the Whole along the way! It's a win-win! Here are a few simple ways to stay connected throughout the day: 

TIME-OUT
Technology, social media, Netflix..all amazing. They connect us to business, history, fiction, future and other people’s lives! But we have to disconnect to reconnect to what is happening NOW. Commit to a regular “time-out” with your children, spouse, friends.. a real person, face to face, no distraction. Spend this time “wasting time” together. Every day. Be present and savor it! 

FREE HUGS 
A twenty-second hug releases oxytocin, otherwise known as “the love hormone” in your body. I’m not talking about a fly-by hug. Make it last. Move past awkward and into connection. Why unleash the love? Because love IS connection in the truest sense. Make sure the hug is reciprocated and hug your lover, your bestie or even your dog! Let the love flow! 

SMILE 
Have you ever smiled at a stranger, only to be given a confused look in return? Exactly. People are so conditioned to deal with negativity that they immediately think “what’s wrong” when you flash them you’re pearly whites. A genuine, heartfelt smile can connect you to a complete stranger, kick off a mind-blowing conversation, and really make someone’s day. Smile, and mean it. You have so much to be happy about, why wouldn’t you smile? 

DROP THE BADITUDE 
You are important. You matter. The world does not revolve around you, rather, the world needs you to put forth your best self. We all want to be first in line and be the exception to the rule, but remember: you have bigger fish to fry. You see the Whole. And you are contributing to something bigger. Be patient, be kind, and remember that life is not happening to you, it’s happening FOR you, and for everyone else, too. Stop. Take the time to authentically connect throughout your day, and watch the joy blossom in you and all around you! 

“Connection is that process of knowing our importance to the Whole, as well as comprehending that others share this importance with us. When we do so, we are less likely to hate or fear. We can rest, secure in the knowledge, that we are all eternal threads in the grand design.” - Judith Lasater, Living Your Yoga