Monday Mantra: A Work in Progress

Everythings been so hectic lately!  You'd think that being on break from school would give me a lot more down time, but I literally have not been home besides to sleep now that I've picked up a ton of extra hours at work.  Plus I'm so used to school taking up all of my free time that I'm trying to make the most out of my social life while I can.  I know it seems like I'm not paying much attention to my blog but I promise I am!  Big changes are coming this summer..so excited!

As for my Monday Mantra, today it's about self improvement.  I'm really trying to take this summer and improve myself, not for anyone else, but for me.  Obviously it goes without saying that nobody's perfect and there's always something that you can do to improve your outlook and quality of life.  So just like I'm trying to do, be the best version of you. There's nobody else exactly like you, so why not be the best you that you can be?  Even the littlest changes can make a huge difference.  Try it out!

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Monday Mantra: Make Time For Yourself

It's the home stretch of the school year, and you might be getting bogged down with finals.  And if you're not in school, you might just have a crazy schedule or a hectic life.  Being in any of these situations, it's so easy to get caught up in the commotion and stress of crazy days.  But an important thing to remember is to take time for yourself!  Set some time aside to take little breaks in between whatever you're doing; watch an episode of your favorite show, go outside on a little walk, or just lounge around and relax for a bit..anything just to take your mind away from whatever craziness is going on.  Treat yourself, you deserve it!

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Monday Mantra: Love Your Imperfections

I had some time to kill before work yesterday so I stopped into Barnes & Noble and found myself wandering towards the self help section.  Among the many "how to quit smoking" and "why you are the way you are" books, I noticed one called "Beautiful You".  I didn't read any of it but it did catch my attention, as I never would have even thought that people would consult a book to cope with self-esteem issues.

It's really disheartening how so many people have such a negative self image these days.  It reminds me of a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that my friend Michelle once told me and has always stuck:

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent".  

Why should anyone's perception of you be any reason to feel pity on yourself?  It shouldn't.  Everyone  has something about themselves they wish they could change.  But the truth is, these little imperfections are what make you different.  From the big ears that your mom promised you'd grow into, to the freckles on your cheeks that your grandma proclaimed "give you character". I know it's cliché and it's not what you want to hear, but I'm not going to tell you that you can somehow magically change the way you look.  The only thing to do is to love your imperfections & embrace your flaws. Because what may seem like the worst quality to you, just might be what will make somebody fall head over heels. Happy Monday :)

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Monday Mantra: Have Gratitude

Anyone hanging around the New York area last week knows that we got a blast of hot weather.  After a few weeks of miserable cold and drastic wind, it was definitely a luxury to be experiencing a preview of what's to come for Summer 2012.  It was only when I stepped into the shower that I got to thinking.

For me, being cold is literally the worst feeling I can ever experience.  I hate cold weather, I hate cold shower, I just hate being cold.  Naturally, I turn the water up in the shower to warm my skin as steam rises around me.  Anyway, on this particular day, I couldn't help finding myself hating this warm water coming down on me and instinctively turned the water to cold.  It was then that I realized, we are never satisfied.

It was so refreshing last week being able to throw on a dress and sandals, seeing everyone wear shorts and eating lunch outside.  It didn't take long though until the complaints started rising.  Almost everyone around me, myself included, was complaining about how hot it was, when only days before we were wishing for this warmth and shining sun, complaining how cold it was and how we couldn't wait for summer.  And now that we have it, what are we doing?  Complaining about it.

The weather is just a metaphor though.  All I'm saying is we need to take a minute and realize what we have.  To stop focusing on what we don't have and start realizing everything we do have. Think about it.

Happy Monday :)

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Woeful Monday

If only this were true!  Coming off of Spring Break is rough.  After a full week of hanging around it really is the worst to get back into a schedule of waking up to an alarm for school.  I just keep reminding myself that there's only six more weeks until summer vacation :)  Happy Monday! 

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Monday Mantra: Open Your Mind

At the risk of sounding like a fortune cookie, here's my Monday Mantra for this week.

Be open to whatever comes next.  

In this crazy world, it's impossible to ever know what'll come our way. Don't be fearful of the future though, just keep an open mind and be ready to face whatever is thrown at you, good or bad.  You'll be surprised at how positivity can really change your outlook :)

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Monday Mantra: Radiate Positivity

As far back as I can remember, I've always had a problem with negativity.  But I'm trying to turn that around and have a more optimistic mindset.  It's so true that if you surround yourself with positive energy, you'll be happier, and your positive vibes will rub off on others around you. So lately I've been trying my best to not let my negative thoughts consume me.  I have to say that it's definitely easier said than done, but it's a work in progress.

As for today, it's another Monday morning.  But on the upside, the sun is shining, the weather is amazing, and it's the start of a new week.  Maybe this'll be the week that you accomplish a goal you've been wanting to reach.  Who knows, it's only what you make of it.  So be happy, and radiate positivity :)

Oh, Monday

Ugh.  It's Monday morning.  So begins another long week.  Mine started out terrible!  Completely forgot I don't have class until later on, so I got up super early and came all the way to school way before I had to be here.  Total bummer..could've slept two extra hours!  But on the bright side, the weather is fantastic today in NYC. 

On that note, I hope everyone has a lovely week!  Leaving now with this message, let's see if I can help inspire at least one person today :)