​Hello Beautiful Souls!

Happy Fourth of July to all!

Today's blog post will be a short one. My husband I and celebrate the 4th of July with a group of friends we met 20 years ago.  It was a great time. Lots of food and drink. Something for everyone. Our hosts were amazing. At night the neighborhood sky was lit with brilliant and exciting fireworks. The music played the conversations flowed. From time to time I reflected on how fortunate I was to have these people in my life. What a great group of people. 

What is particularly significant is I was able to sit with my friends and talk about some trails I was experiencing. We all shared our stories. I was touched by the fact I had a circle of friends who understood what I was going through because they were going through almost similar issues. 

Friendship is essential to me. Not superficial friendship but deep, long-lasting friendships that are encouraging, supportive and loving. I know I have many blessing and tonight reminded me that I have more than I realized. 

May you have the blessing of good friends. Sometimes it only takes accepting an invitation. 

I'm going to rest, feed my cats, and reflect on my blessing of good friends. 

Best, 
Emily

Hello Beautiful Souls!

Here are some questions I'd like you to think about because they are questions I ask myself often.

1. Are you living the life you want?
2. Have you brainwashed or allow someone to brainwash you into thinking the way you are living is healthy?
3. Do you want to make a change?
4. What would the change look like?
5. How soon could you activate the change?
6. Do you need help getting started?
7. What stops you from living your best life?
8. Is fear at the core?
9. What if you knew you had nothing to fear would you make the change?
10. Are you paralyzed by "comfortable"?

I know that change is inevitable. I have learned that most changes work out for me even if I absolutely despise the idea of change. Remember what you resist persists. Sometimes change helps us move forward in life. So try to see the good in a changing situation. You'll be okay.

Inbox me and let's talk about a change or improvement you'd like to make. I'd be happy to help.

Love,
Emily
xo

​Hi Beautiful Souls!

Very often I'm asked about work-life balance. No matter what the profession working people are always looking for better and healthier ways of living. People are juggling education, work, marriages, raising families, caring for their elderly parents. I for one can attest to the fact that there is never enough time to get things done, or we don't have the energy to get it all done. 

So how do we find work-life balance? Let's explore some ideas that might help us all find a little more balance in our hectic lives. 

1. Define what work-life balance means to you. What does it look like to you? Write down your ideas of a perfect work-life balance. I firmly believe if you write it you will achieve. Be clear. How many hours would you work a week? How many time can you take off for vacation or staycations? 

2.  Shut off the work cell phone after sundown. Many of us are so conditioned to answer the notifications on our phones. Often those messages can be answered the following morning. Remember you teach people how to treat you. Explain to bosses, if you can, that you will not be available on the phone after 6 or 7 pm and that you will answer any emails first thing in the morning. 

3. Consider the areas of your life where you may overextend yourself and ask for help. Seems like such an easy solution but the truth is busy people rarely like to ask for assistance. Remember asking for help doesn't mean you can't handle the job. I think it shows that you are fully aware of what is required to get a job done correctly. 

4. Schedule breaks. These breaks can come in the form of lunch away from your desk, computer, or cell phone. 

5. Take a mental health day. If you are lucky enough to have vacation days, personal days, and sick days at your job then take one. In many cases, you will lose the time if you don't. So don't be a martyr. Take a day or two away from the office to rest and regroup. 

6. Learn how to say "no."  You do not have to take on every responsibility thrown your way. Taking on more than you can chew will only hurt you in the long run. You don't have to be a superhero. 

7. Flex time. Some companies offer flex time, 4-day work weeks, or working from home. Finding time off is an excellent way to get time to relax and regroup.

8. Take care of yourself. Eat clean and stay away from processed foods. Get enough sleep. Sleep helps you recharge. Exercise. Move your body. Exercise can boost endorphins relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. 

9. Meditate! Meditation helps you get clear. It enables you to prioritize and may help you see your situation from another perspective.

Now go get some rest!

Love, 
Emily

​Hello Beautiful Souls!

Today my husband and I have had the day to ourselves after a Saturday with family obligations, some fun, some not. Tomorrow promises to be a fun day as I welcome 12 new creative students to the corporate office (my day gig). 

I'm excited about meeting these young aspiring advertising professionals. They usually come in all bright-eyed and eager, and their enthusiasm will make me forget (temporarily) the office politics and nonsense I run into every now and then. 

Despite my excitement at meeting these new students, I am feeling a bit nervous. Yes, it is beginning to set-in, The Sunday Night Blues! You know when you start to think about everything you have to do on Monday and all the other mishegoss the week will hold for you. Ugh! What to do about it? Here are some suggestions.

Meditation can help. 

There she goes again, Meditation. Well, today during my meditation thoughts of things that bothered or concerned me kept coming up insisting I take notice. In TM (Transcendental Meditation) you are to notice them and then let them go by reintroducing your mantra.  Every time you do this you delve deeper into your subconscious mind. It is truly like scrubbing the problems away...or at least getting some of the goop off. In so doing the situation or problem, is easier to deal with and if you're really lucky, you can resolve your issues. But I digress. 

A spot of tea anyone?

Chamomile Tea
Try drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime.  When I've tried chamomile tea to induce sleep I've made a very strong large cup of tea. This is not scientific by any means so do your research. I use four tea bags in a 10 oz cup of hot water. I steep it for a long time until it's dark then I drink it about 15 minutes before bedtime. This trick helps me once or twice a week, but if I use it more often my body gets accustomed to it, and it won't work for me. 

Hops tea
Hops another tea you can drink to help you sleep. Hops is calming, relaxing, has anti-aging properties, and is good for cholesterol. And yes, it is the same stuff that is used in beer. 

Valerian root tea
Valerian root tea may also help you with insomnia. Valerian root can reduce stress, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, decrease menopausal symptoms, and improve heart rate. Valerian root gives me weird dreams, but it may work for you. :)

Catnip tea 
That's right! The stuff that makes your kitties frisky can calm your insomnia. It can also, relieve stress, ease menstrual pain, and can give you beautiful hair or at least clear up your dandruff. 

Lavender tea. 
Who knew? Lavender tea can be used to reduce anxiety, soothe nerves, and can improve sleep quality. So brew up a cup and put some lavender oil in the diffuser and get your zzz's. 

I've offered you a short list of teas that may help you find relief from Sunday Night Blues. Do your own research. Everything ain't for everybody, but I hope to steer you in a helpful direction.  If you try any of the teas let me know how they worked. And remember meditation is always helpful. 

Love and lullabies
Emily 
xo