Self-improvement is at the top of many women’s to-do lists, and doing so can take many forms. According to a recent survey by Post Great Grains Cereal, 73 percent of women said they’d reinvented themselves since they turned 40 by improving their health, finding a new passion or changing their career.
Eighty-three percent of survey participants (women, ages 40-plus) think the greatest obstacle to reaching their full potential is what they think of themselves, rather than what others think of them. Follow these tips to become your own best friend and take steps toward creating a happier, healthier you.
Give proper attention to your diet. A common form of reinvention is improving your eating habits. A balanced diet that promotes a healthy digestive system is an important step in creating a healthier you. Starting each day with a nutritious breakfast is one easy change. Fill your menu with nutrition you can see and wholesome ingredients, such as those in Great Grains Digestive Blend cereals, which have active cultures in addition to whole grains and natural fiber.
Take time to understand yourself. Digging deep to understand your true passions may help reveal a new, more fulfilling path in life, whether it be in the form of new hobbies or even a new career. If you’re not sure where to start, begin by making a running list of situations, which capture your attention, such as news articles or engaging conversations. Over time, look for patterns to emerge. Topics or themes rising to the top could signal a special interest you may have overlooked in the past.
Nurture valuable relationships. Knowing (and loving) yourself comes first, but having a strong support system is also important for overall wellbeing. While it’s important for women to surround themselves with people who will boost them up, that boost doesn’t always have to come from another woman. When they need a good laugh, 59 percent of women in the Great Grains survey said they turn to their significant other. Investing time to strengthen your personal connections improves not only the health of those relationships, but the effects of those relationships on your physical health, as well.
While charting a new path may seem daunting, focusing on your physical and mental health as you work to introduce change into your life can smooth the way to reinventing a better and brighter you.
Life Lessons
Procrastination is a temporary solution to cover or push away intense feelings during the creative process. Some creatives feel anxiety before starting a project. Others feel depressed in the middle of creating a project. Still others struggle being unable to finish a project, especially one that comes closest to the realization of part of their artistic vision. They don’t want to face the unknowns of exploring a new project.
Procrastination is a form of self-sabotage. I call it a short-term last resort. If you let procrastination go, it can take over your life. In the following exercises, I can increase your awareness of how procrastination may be interfering with your work. Remember to choose to work one exercise at time. Take your time when you write. Be patient as you start to react to these two exercises. Let your mind and heart gently guide you toward deeper awareness and desire to change.
TO-DO LISTS:
Lists are easy to write in your journal. If you can write a laundry list, then you can write a journal list. Feel free to choose organization tools that work best for you. My preference is to use a combination of my calendar, some goal files (pc), index cards and my memory. When I’m creating lists, I like having access to both flexible tools(cards and memory) and a workable structure ( past lists and some goal files). Remember to write a clear, easy to read, and detailed to-do list.
CHOOSE ONE AREA: Choose one urgent “procrastination” area.
To help your focus answer the following questions about your situation:
Purpose: Increasing your awareness of your resistance:
What part of this activity, that I don’t want to do? (answer in specifics)
What am I feeling about working on this activity? (There may be more than one feeling)
What would I rather be doing?
What is so attractive about resisting this activity?
Purpose: Increasing your awareness of your motivation:
What part of doing this creative project do you like?
What are your feeling about this creative project? (any feelings)
Summarize your resistance statements and your motivated statements
Look for any similarities and differences (use this information to answer the next question)
Look for ways to increase your motivational actions and decrease your procrastination actions.
Congratulations! You’ve chosen your new goal.
Start working on it now!!
No more procrastination!
When adversity strikes, the last thing most people think to do is push the envelope. But living life to its fullest makes life exciting and meaningful. Would a double amputee aspire to run with the president of the United States? Would a mom who had just nurtured her son through a bone marrow transplant for a rare form of leukemia decide to start a nonprofit organization?Living Life Above and Beyond
This is exactly what some of the many extraordinary people recognized by the Energizer ® Keep Going Hall of Fame have done. Now receiving nominations for its third annual Hall of Fame inductee, Energizer established the contest to showcase the inspirational stories of remarkable individuals across America who have overcome the odds, gone beyond the call of duty, made a difference in the lives of others … or all of the above.
In 2006, Energizer inducted its first winner, John O’Leary of St. Louis, Mo., into its Hall of Fame. O’Leary conquered overwhelming odds: When he was just nine years old, he was burned on 98 percent of his body in a fire accident. He had less than half a percent chance of surviving. But, survive he did, and today he operates his own rehab business, is a husband and proud father, and is active as a Big Brother and a chaplain at a local hospital.
Melanie Goldish of Hoffman Estates, Ill., took the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame honors as the 2007 inductee. Goldish was inspired to found SuperSibs! after she saw how hard it was not only for her son who was diagnosed with leukemia, but also for his brother. Her organization reaches out to the brothers and sisters of more than 10,000 children in U.S. and Canada who are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Energizer is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Hall of Fame. “We’re looking for people who never quit,” says Betsy Laakko, Director of Marketing for Energizer. “Almost all of us know someone who is determined and has a can-do attitude. We’re asking everyone to help us identify and honor those very energetic and inspirational people.”
Tips for a “Can-Do” Lifestyle. Keep Going
While it might be daunting to imagine achieving the same kinds of results as Energizer®Keep Going® Hall of Fame finalists, it’s within anyone’s reach to make a difference.
Start Small. While many Americans might like to get more involved, it can sometimes be intimidating when you don’t know where to start. Don’t feel like you need to start your own nonprofit group to make a difference; realize that even if you pledge to volunteer one afternoon a week, your contributions count.
Keep It Local. Another great way to get involved is to look around your own community. Read your church newsletter, pay attention at school meetings, browse the local newspaper – chances are, there are multiple organizations that would not only love to have volunteers, but are in real need of help.
Follow Your Interests. Think of your passions and hobbies, as well as your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if cats make you nervous, it’s probably safe to say you wouldn’t make a great animal shelter volunteer. But, on the other hand, if you’re good with finances, you’d probably be a natural to keep your preschool’s accounts in order. Chances are, no matter what your skills or interests, there’s a place where they can be utilized – and valued.
Research Online. In today’s ultra-connected world, it’s easier than ever to find the information you need. Volunteering is no exception. With a little research, you can find a wealth of information specific to your needs, interests and location. Volunteermatch.org, volunteer.gov, servenet.org, volunteersolutions.org and 1-800-volunteer.org are just a few of the many sites expressly designed to get people matched up with the causes and organizations that need them most.
Living Life Above and Beyond
From choosing a card or stationery that reflects a personal style to accenting the letter with the right seal or stamp, every detail matters to underscore a thoughtful message. Stamps are often one of the first details noted by a letter recipient, so choosing a stamp such as the love-letter themed Sealed with Love Forever stamp from usps.com/stamps or your local post office is perfect for the occasion.
Not sure what sentiment to write for the occasion? Here are a few ideas:
Notes of appreciation: Whether the recipient gave you a gift, hosted you for dinner or did a special favor, keep the message brief and sincere. Don’t ever hesitate to send a note of appreciation just to let someone know how truly special they are. Unexpected notes are always wonderful to receive.
Birthday cards: Celebrate one’s personal accomplishments in the past year and any special events planned in the next year ahead. End by telling your friend or loved one why he or she is so important to you. That message may just be the best gift you can give.
Celebratory cards: When acknowledging the birth of a baby or the recent wedding of a friend or relative, pick a card they will want to save and treasure for years to come. When writing your sentiment inside, keep congratulations simple and let them know you share in their joy.
New job: Starting a job at a new company or changing one’s career path can be a time for renewal and exciting beginnings. A sincere message wishing a friend or loved one luck and adding advice that he or she might find helpful is often a welcome message to show someone you care.
Condolence cards: If a friend is going through a difficult time, share special memories you have of the person who passed away and why you will miss having that person in your life. End by offering to call or visit in the near future. These gestures, plus the card itself, will remind the recipient they aren’t alone in their grief.
Remember, cards and notes are about letting another person know how much their friendship, gifts or presence means to you. Follow a simple formula, add a few personal touches and you will soon be writing cards with ease.