The Resilience Mindset

In life we can’t control all the things that happen to us. But we can learn from them. Even if the lessons learned produce moments of isolation or appear on the surface to be regressive, we must hear beyond words and look for the obvious not so subtle indications that change is a natural and organic process that exists and can often supersede our own desires. Life is a cycle of interwoven cycles. One could arguably suggest it’s not our life goals that define us but more so our interactions. At some point we must create peace with ourselves and our human experience even if it seems unfamiliar.

At every intersecting point, our choices have led us to various realizations. But the most freeing experience is remembering our ability to adapt and change. Pushing beyond the self-doubt and overwhelming expectations of past echoing’s create character. Brace yourself for the chance to be more, to do more, to see more, to think more, to ask more of the world around you. We should get to the point where we enjoy every moment. Every win is more desirable when you can honestly look back and say you enjoyed the journey.

Master Your Schedule

We’re all busy and sometimes finding time to unwind with friends and family can be a struggle even though it’s an essential part of weekend activities. Regardless of the task, it takes real mindfulness to meet deadlines and off the clock events. Like the song goes, if i could turn back time…but, we can’t. So, like so many of the high-performance multitaskers around us we must focus on the core of what matters in our individual lives and be intentional with our time in a way that allows us to enjoy the things that matter most. As you become more comfortable with your decision making you may discover that some might be taken back. However, the overall idea is to communicate and reinforce your own needs first. Here are a few basic reminders to help you relax when considering how to best utilize your time.

How to manage your schedule:

1. Master your own schedule. Review your own schedule before committing to engagements.

2. Try using the phrase, “Thank you for thinking of me, I’ll get back to you. Give yourself a moment to reflect on any conflicting appointments.

3. Avoid the unexpected no show. If you were able to confirm (but something changed) reach out and let someone know to avoid severing a great relationship.

4. Be realistic with your time. Just because you’re available doesn't mean you should give up your time. You may want to use that open slot to schedule a private dinner and a nap.

5. Never over book yourself based on someone else's schedule.

There’s no shame in politely declining any social, work, or family engagements. Navigating availability can become a full time job. Yet, when done the right way you reap all the benefits and rewards. Try setting some clear boundaries and structure your week accordingly.

Live. Post. Repeat.

Friendships can be tricky to navigate. People are complex and yet so predictable. Either way, that’s no excuse for you to miss out on the chance to meet new faces in new or familiar settings. Let’s face it, if your still quoting, ‘no new friends’ chances are it’s time to make some new friends. Form some new harmonious bonds with people that wish you well with the best of intentions. Although it’s an easy concept to follow, it’s going to take effort.

Taking time daily to re-center your thoughts takes focus and intention. However, make time for new experiences. Fight the feeling of mental fatigue. If you need more rest, it’s okay. Allow your soul to rejuvenate. Regardless of your daily routine, be more intentional with your time. The responsibilities of work and life present continuous cycles of how to juggle the unknown, foreseen, and items of overwhelm. So, it’s probable that after a long work week, the thought of taking on a new experience can feel crushing. Take it slow.

Stray away from obsessive ideas and exhausting self-talk regarding your ever growing to-do-list of milestone achievements (stemming from your career motivations, family obligations, and lifestyle goals). Take the edge off of life. Give yourself a break and relax with your contacts. Being available for the right opportunities requires patience and an open mind. Allow yourself to network in social settings. Give people a chance to surprise and inspire your senses with their unique energy. Sometimes, it’s not about who you know or what you know. It’s about showing up, being present in the moment, and having authentic conversations. Be seen and be heard by taking a deep breath and engaging with the space filled with people around you. Finding the right community of supportive collogues and friends takes time.

In an era of me first, I’m next, and other narcistic antidots it’s important to realize that life is more enjoyable when shared with others. Interactions with others should relieve anxiety and stress. People are not perfect so allow grace for all the cringe worthy social chats that maybe unintentionally awkward. It will pass. Just don’t abandon the process. Remember to make eye contact and listen with intent. Create a rolodex of thought provoking, smile worthy moments with as many people as possible.

Don’t Wait for Spring to Start Cleaning

Do you enjoy shopping? Most people do. Staying on top of product trends can be costly. Whether you’re searching for custom specialty items, home decor, or seasonal clothing ask yourself one question. Do I have space to store this stuff? It’s a rhetorical question. Over the years we collect certain things we no longer have use for. Truth is most of us like the idea of having easy and accessible options at our fingertips available at any time of day. We’ve become the concierge to our own VIP experience. And, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Perhaps, many people would agree that enjoying the fruits of our labor in some respects has become more challenging. The cost of living mixed with the demands of work can often create an environment with overwhelm and mental exhaustion. So, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to create an ambiance through some form of internal or external adornment. If you choose to embark upon that journey, proceed with caution.

Try to be conscious of the things you buy. Afterall, big retail chains aren’t the only ones providing great deals. Shop intentionally to avoid missed opportunities on essential items. Plan your purchases for seasonal big-ticket spending. It may also be beneficial to diversify your items whenever possible to support artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses within your local community or points of interest.

As you continue to rotate, update, or modernize your functional style determine your capacity to let things go along the way. Create a versatile theme with a multipurpose function when introducing new pieces across categories. Construct a useful living space to hold and preserve old items in order to make space for new purchases.

Separating from the things in life we manage to collect over time is not an easy task and for some may cause anxiety. Take your time. The objective is not to remove a lifetime of keepsakes and memories. Unclutter your domain by taking inventory. Some items can be repurposed, sold, donated, or placed in storage. Organize your approach.

Tips on Building a Budget

As we work our way through the year we encounter numerous opportunities to spend money and charge experiences without fully counting the costs. With inflation on the raise and some of our most basic necessities like food, water, and gas increasingly becoming more expensive it makes sense to have a game plan during economic uncertainty. No one knows your spending habits more than you. You’re in control. Saving money is a great game plan. So, decide to look at it from every angle.

Building a small savings account may seem like a large task. Start with small sacrifices, purchasing adjustments, and delayed rewards. Cutting back on spending doesn’t make your personal brand less authentic as a person. Depending on your daily routine and monthly expenses, you may consider reduce your venti latte to a sophisticated small coffee. Or, possibly consider making your own meals during the week. Creating your own rewards program, based on the money you save is a great way to personalize your incentives and hold yourself accountable.

The best tip for creating your own budget is to be honest about your cash goals. Be reasonable regarding the process. Reward yourself for being disciplined and take advantage of great deals.

Set a weekly amount to allocate for miscellaneous purchases. Cash over credit. Although both are beneficial, paying debts can arguably be considered the new sexy. Why? It implies organization and a level of self-imposed accountability. And, if you leverage your iphone or android to create a pay schedule financing that next getaway will become more enjoyable.