Life Lessons 6 Empowering Movies & Shows Every Woman Should Watch 1:36 AM Want to celebrate International Women's Day? Or maybe you just need the inspiration to help you through a tough day. Then you should check these six empowering movies and shows every woman should watch to feel inspired and get her groove back.Hidden Figures (2016)Erin Brockovich (2000)Mulan (1998)Miss Scarlet & the Duke (2020)The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)Funny Woman (2023)Hidden Figures (2016)Hidden Figures tells the story of a team of female African American mathematicians who played a vital role in the early years of the NASA United States space program. Each faced challenges in their department, dealt with condescending superiors and coworkers, worked hard to break the system and change the rules, and proved how they were better than society's perception.It's hard enough to be a woman in a male-dominated environment in the 60s, much more for women of color. But these empowering women didn't surrender, so their names went down in history.Lessons I learned from Hidden Figures Persistence pays.The team is as good as their mentor.If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. Don't settle for a dead end when you can make a detour.Advocate for and support other women.Believe in your abilities even when others don't.Erin Brockovich (2000)Based on the true story of a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and helps to win a landmark case against a major corporation, this film inspires every woman struggling. You may call it the desperation of a single mom who wants to feed her kids that got Erin Brocovich's foot inside the door. But her wit, heart to help the victims, and grit made her the millionaire she is today. Lessons I learned from Erin BrockovichBe unapologetically you.Follow your instincts.Use what you have because what you have is enough.The goodness you give will come back to you a hundredfold.Behind every woman's success is herself - and an understanding partner.Look at everything as an opportunity; to network, learn, and move forward.Let the people in your life know how much they mean to you before it's too late.Mulan (1998) This animated film tells the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army and save China from invaders. Following tradition and family rules is difficult when your heart tells you otherwise. Mulan was only 16 when she left to join the army. You can only imagine her fear, knowing what lies ahead. She could get persecuted by her own people if they found out who - or what - she was and could die in the battle. But that did not deter her from protecting her father and her family.Lessons I learned from MulanWork smarter, not harder.Do it afraid.It's okay even if you don't feel like you belong. You are meant to create your own path.Faith it til you make it.Don't let your gender, age, or present situation define your destiny.Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2020)This series is about Eliza Scarlet, a female detective who wants to keep her father's legacy alive and follow her passion for solving crimes at a time when women who spoke up or had their own careers were still taboo. But, because of her limited resources and polite society's rules, she has to work double, resort to unconventional and sometimes unlawful methods, and seek her childhood friend Detective William Wellington's help to keep her business afloat and help victims find justice. You'll love Eliza's mischief and wit, her love-hate banter with William, the thrill of her next case and career move, or where their complex friendship will lead them.Lessons I learned from Miss Scarlet and the DukeHave gumption even in the face of those who don't believe in you.Don't sacrifice your happiness and passion for following society's standards.Things will not always go as planned...so always have a Plan B.Be humble enough to ask for help.It pays to be observant and patient.If the door closes, climb through the window. (Literally is the case for Eliza in the show)The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)Miriam "Midge" Maisel was accidentally discovered in a comedy bar after her husband left her. A female standup comic was unheard of in the 50s. But she gets sexist comments and unfair treatment because she's not only pretty but also funnier and wittier than the men in the industry. But, of course, that doesn't stop Midge from being the marvelous force that she is.Lessons I learned from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Don't dim your light for others to shine.Embrace who you are and use your strength to your advantage.Don't run after someone who doesn't see your value.Keep the people who believe in you.Know when to prioritize yourself.Be open to change.Break the mold, even when your own family doesn't support you.Funny Woman (2023)Another series about a woman breaking the mold, Funny Woman, is based on Nick Horby's Funny Girl book It is about Barbara Parker, a girl from Blackpool who's got her future lined up for her, a beauty queen working in her father's factory, and a fiance who adores her. But that's not what she wants. Instead, she wants to build a career doing comedy. Fighting sexism and finding her own voice, Funny Woman is a delight to watch. Lessons I learned from Funny WomanDon't settle for the good life when you can have a great one.Don't let rejection discourage you from moving forward.Be tenacious with your dreams.What empowering movies and shows about remarkable women who dare make a difference do you watch to inspire you? This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.Want to earn a commission by promoting books online? Be my sub-affiliate on Blackwell's.
Life Lessons How Would You Rate Yourself 3:54 PM No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. -Eleanor Roosevelt How would you rate yourself?This is a common question when applying for a job. From 1-10, how would you rate yourself as a candidate or employee?Should you be humble and give a low number? Or would you be bold enough to sell yourself, your skills, your assets, and what-have-yous?Never say 1.It means that you don't know anything, have self-esteem issues, or are pretending to be humble. Don't say 10 either.Because that's a perfect score, meaning there's no room for improvement. For job interviews, the safe and recommended answer to the question "How would you rate yourself?" is...An 8 or a 9. Why would you give yourself this rating?It means you have a solid understanding of the industry and your role, and you're aware of your strengths. Plus, you're humble and wise enough to know that you can still improve.It shows you're willing to grow and learn.No company would want to hire someone hard to train and a know-it-all.Go Social"How would you rate yourself?" is one of the most common questions that most people find hard to answer during an interview.Here are other common job interview questions and how to answer them.How would you rate your life?How about in life? How would you rate yourself?Where are you now vs. where you thought you'd be?Are you living your dream life, or have you been delayed by a detour?How are you doing? If you're still standing after the storm...If you're still fighting despite the failures...If you still believe everything will work out despite the messy situation you're currently in...Give yourself a pat on the back and cut yourself some slack.You won't always get what you want, but God will provide what you need.Sometimes on your way to your dreams, you'd get lost. But you'll find yourself. And you'll realize there's something better.You may not be a 10 according to society, but as long as you're doing your best, who cares?Celebrate small victories.Say this with me: I'm nowhere near perfect. I'm a work in progress. But I'm also far from the person I used to be. You are improving. You are better than the person you were yesterday.Isn't that more important than what society thinks?Be humble enough to know you're no better than anybody and wise enough to know you're unique.We have different paths to take. Your vision and dreams may not make sense to others because they weren't given that vision.I saw this funny meme on Instagram that says, "No one else is supposed to understand your calling. It wasn't a conference call."Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle or your middle to someone else's end. Don't compare the start of your second quarter of life to someone else's third quarter. (Jon Acuff)Quit overthinking. This book can help you:And when you rate yourself, remember to extend yourself a little kindness. You are a work in progress, but you are enough.This post contains affiliate links, so I'd get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!
Holiday 7 Simple Steps To Save Money During The Holidays 1:45 PM 7 Simple Steps To Save Money During The Holidays It's the most wonderful...and most expensive time of the year. Gathering with your loved ones to celebrate the holidays is nice, but gift-giving could hurt your budget if you're not careful. You can stay frugal without becoming the Grinch. Here are seven simple steps to save money during the holidays.1. Make a list and check it twiceBe like Santa. Make a list and check it not to find out who's naughty or nice but to see how much you'll spend on presents.Write the name of the recipients in one column, the gift options you're getting them in another, and the price. Having more than one gift option is good, so you have a backup in case one item is unavailable or more expensive than expected. 2. Start early When is the best time to start your Christmas shopping? As early as you can. Luckily for most of us, some online stores have a monthly sale. No need to wait for significant holiday sales to start buying Christmas presents. This helps you avoid the Christmas rush. If you are in a hurry, chances are you will be unable to think clearly and spend more than you planned.I usually start in August. How about you? 3. Recycle giftsIt's not as bad as you think. Recycling gifts is a practical and sustainable way to celebrate the holiday.For example, my friend gave me a coin purse on my birthday. After a year of sitting in my closet and accumulating dust, I gave it to my other friend, who's not connected with her.Rather than hoard items you don't use, give them away. Be bold and recycle gifts. It is yours to give anyway. 4. Use coupons or vouchers Make use of coupons, gift checks, certificates, or vouchers. They're there to make your shopping life better. You can use them to buy gifts or give them as gifts. It is a practical and thoughtful present, especially for those with everything they need. Or for moms who'd love to buy some groceries or items for the house instead. 5. Shop online Online shopping helps you avoid long lines at stores. You save time and effort going outside to buy, and the options are endless. The items get delivered to your doorsteps. You practically don't have to leave the house. Buy gifts that give back to the community, the environment, and yourself from Human Nature Lucky Shop. 6. Volunteer Give your time, talent, and treasure to those who can't repay you. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. -Luke 14:13-14Many charity works are being done in the communities during the holiday. Lend a helping hand.7. Give a DIY giftA gift that's not only picked out at the store but was given a lot of time planning and creating is the best! Make your own Christmas card.Create a photo album or scrapbook of memories you have with the recipient.Give them a DIY sugar scrub, bath bomb, or body butter.Cook something. Christmas is the season of giving and giving is rewarding. Whatever happens, know that God can never be outdone in generosity.Remember that you can enjoy and show your love this Christmas without overspending. Do you have money-saving tips for the holidays? Hero image
Life Lessons Top 10 Favorite Life Quotes 11:35 AM Every day we encounter famous quotes about life from people we talk with, videos we watch, or posts we see on social media. Some resonate, some make us smile, and others still make us think. What is your favorite quote or life motto?Here are my top 10 favorite inspirational quotes about life. I hope you’ll find them helpful too.Top 10 Favorite Life Quotes1. We don’t see the world as it is; we see it as we are. - Anaïs Nin Really handy to remember when you encounter someone with a negative point of view about everything. It’s not your fault. And you can’t change them unless they change their mindset.2. You will never speak to anyone more than you think to yourself.Do you have a toxic person in your life that spews nothing but poisonous words toward you or others? Or perhaps encountered a stranger with such hostility that left you befuddled? I pity them. For by the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks. -Mt. 12:34Imagine what’s going on in their heads. Imagine what they might have gone through to be the bitter person they are now.Like you, I love hanging out with people whose words are like honey. Genuine, wonderful people who inspire and encourage by their mere presence.Which one are you?3. Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life; you didn’t settle for it. - Mandy HaleI look back ten years ago when everyone I met would pressure me into “settling down before it’s too late.” Whatever that means.Some of these people are well-meaning. But I’m glad I didn’t give in to that pressure. Truth be told, I wasn’t pressured at all. I’ve had this scary kind of calmness in me, knowing that I am living the life I chose and not what others impose on me.I am confident that ten years from now, my future self will be smiling while looking back because my present self is making conscious decisions that I believe are best for her.I know I would still make mistakes along the way. But...I am doing the best I can with what I have with where I am right now.My life may not be perfect, but it’s a life well-lived.4. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed or both will be good. -Ecclesiastes 11:6Sometimes I get demotivated and think about slacking off even when I know I’ve got a lot of tasks to accomplish. I’d remember this passage. I wrote it down on a post-it and put it beside my mirror so I could see it while preparing for the day.The Bible really is like a life manual. A complete guide. It even teaches us about hard work and mindfulness in sowing for our future.5. Do more of what brings you joy.Life’s too short to live miserably. Live with a purpose. Choose to be happy. Don’t take life for granted.What brings you joy?Walking in nature? Or going to the beach?Watching KDramas, happy dog videos, or ASMR of people cleaning and organizing? (Mine’s the last one).Taking long showers?Drinking tea?Or writing?Do more of it.And avoid things that only bring you anxiety and stress.6. You must get good at one of two things. Planting in the spring or begging in the fall. - Jim RohnI may be too prideful to beg, so I choose to always plant in the spring.I make sure I won’t be a burden to my family. And that I can be generous to them in sharing things I know they’d love.To be financially secure, you don’t have to be a wiz in investing. Instead, some simple budgeting tips and basic investing knowledge are all you need.Read here and learn how to be truly rich.7. Choose someone you enjoy talking with. Because a day will come when that beautiful body will shift. A day will come, there will be one thing left — conversations. - Bo SanchezConversations are priceless. Especially when you and your partner are apart. Physical attraction is a plus, but if you can’t have a heart-to-heart talk with your significant other, life could get complicated.8. Eat the damn cake.A “life is short” quote, if you please. I love desserts - especially cakes. It’s okay to indulge once in a while.From a more figurative view, eating the cake could mean going for something you want or risking trying.9. The grass is always greener where you water it.I used to think my life would improve if I went somewhere where opportunities were more promising. I thought I’d be happier if I did what society said I should.But now I know that life is better and happier when you learn to bloom where you’re planted.You’re more at peace when you follow your heart and ignore the shiny object syndrome.10. Don’t apologize for keeping your circle small and exclusive.Not everyone will celebrate you. Cut off people who are not contributing to your well-being...even if they’re family. If they’re too toxic to be around...If they stunt your growth...If they just keep hurting you...You need to let them go.When God takes someone out of your life, it’s because they’ve already served their purpose. And your next chapter does not require them to play their roles anymore.Protect your inner peace. You owe it to yourself.How about you? What great quotes about life are your favorites? Share them in the comments! 😀
Life Lessons 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For 5:12 AM 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For Here are 13 things you should never apologize for, ever again. Because...There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you. -Steve Maraboli 13 Things You Should Never Apologize For1. You should never apologize for your beliefs. I avoid using the term 'religion' because many people say "my religion" this and "my religion" that. Why should it be "my" religion? I just believe what's in the Bible about which religion is involved. I simply believe... I believe in it, and I get down on my knees every night, thank God, and ask Him to lead the way. -Michael JacksonDon't apologize for your beliefs and for being passionate about them.We were raised in different homes and have different cultures. It's okay if you don't share the same faith with the people around you. Respecting others' beliefs and having an open mind signify spiritual maturity. 2. You should never apologize for the way you look. You're fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)You are beautiful just the way you are, and no one can argue with that. Who says you need to have perfectly straight hair to be beautiful? Those curls are enviable.Who says you need to be voluptuous or slim? A person who is confident in her own skin is sexy.If someone only loves you because you have the perfect curves in the right places...you should be worried. You don't have to buy designer clothes to be accepted. It's not about the clothes you wear. It's about who's wearing them.There's beauty in diversity. 3. You should never apologize for being honest.The truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever.Expect to be attacked when you speak the truth. Because the fact makes people uncomfortable. It's not your fault if they choose to live a life of pretense. So don't apologize for it.Just remember to still be respectful and tactful when telling the truth. Don't use honesty as an excuse to be mean.4. You should never apologize for your relationship status.Embrace this season of life, for it is just that. A season.As long as you're not wrecking lives or destroying relationships...You're not offending anyone...You're not wasting people's time...You're not causing harm to yourself or to another person...Don't apologize wherever you are in your life right now. Whether you're still figuring out what you want in life, happily single, or in a relationship, you do you. 5. You should never apologize for sleeping in or taking a break. Breaks can lead to breakthroughs.Sleep in on the weekend. Book a vacation. Go out and see new places. Or stay at home and watch your favorite movie or show. Read a good book. Do nothing. If you've been working like crazy and giving your best, you deserve to have a break. Don't apologize for not being productive for a day or two. Save yourself from breaking down and burning out. Take a break. 6. You should never apologize for your standards.Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is raise your standards. -Tony RobbinsDo you want a raise or see an increase in your profit? You've worked hard for it. You deserve to receive more. You also need to choose the people you allow in your life. Remember: You become the average of the five people you spend most of your time with. (Jim Rohn)Who are the people in your circle? Set your standards, and don't apologize for it. It's the same as setting boundaries. They're there to protect you from abusive people or distractions, direct your path, and remind you of what you really want. 7. You should never apologize for making wrong choices in the past.Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default. -J.K. RowlingIf you haven't made bad decisions, you wouldn't realize what's best for you. Don't let your past prevent you from moving forward, define who you are, and shape your future.Own up to your mistakes. 8. You should never apologize for asking for help. Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either falls down, one can help the other up. -Ecclesiastes 4:9You can't do everything on your own. No matter how smart and great you think you are, there's always something someone knows that you don't. Or something you haven't discovered yet that someone is already an expert in. Don't apologize for asking questions. It's better to admit that you don't know something than pretend to know it all.All the experts were once newbies too. 9. You should never apologize for your quirks. I think everybody's weird. We should all celebrate our individuality and not be embarrassed or ashamed of it. -Johnny DeppSo what if you still read fairy tales or young adult fiction before going to bed even when you're...not young anymore? So what if you dress like a lady but love heavy metal music? So what if you're the odd one out? Start loving and appreciating yourself more. How? There are several ways to stop hating yourself and help you achieve healthy self-love. Start with accepting yourself for who you are. Embrace your quirks. You're unique, and you've got something only you can offer.Celebrate your weirdness. Don't apologize for it. 10. You should never apologize for your dreams. Don't let small minds convince you that your dreams are too big.Don't let people who lack imagination look down on your creativity. Sometimes critics discourage you from reaching your goals, not because they don't believe you can do it. But because they know you can, they don't want you to. They're afraid of your success because you remind them of their mediocrity and failure.Sometimes it's not because you shine too bright. It's just because they choose to live in the shadows. 11. You should never apologize for choosing to be healthy. The food you eat can be the safest and most powerful medicine or the slowest form of poison. -Ann WigmoreYou don't have to eat less. Just eat right. Choose foods that are packed with nutrients and are healing. Try a vegan or plant-based diet.Some websites and vlogs provide easy-to-make plant-based recipes. Going vegan will not only make you healthy, but it's also kinder to the animals and better for the planet.You'll be more sorry if you keep choosing food that risks your health and slowly kills the Earth. 12. You should never apologize for walking out of a relationship. Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is brave. -Mandy HaleMaybe you stopped being friends because they seemed to be holding you back. Or you feel like you're going in different directions after reaching a certain point. Maybe your relationship was draining you because it was demanding too much of your time.Maybe you're the only one who's trying to work things out.Don't apologize for putting yourself first and walking away from a toxic relationship.You deserve better. 13. You should never apologize for saying 'no.'Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough. -Josh BillingsIf you're uncomfortable with the idea or think it's too much for you...If you don't feel like doing it for no selfish reason...Say 'no.'Don't be guilty of turning down an invitation, a job offer, a proposal, or even what appears to be an opportunity. If your gut feeling tells you to say 'no,' listen to it. Over apologizing makes it easier for people to treat you like a doormat. It invites abusive people to come into your life. It will not correct anything. Don't apologize for not being sorry for certain things. You don't owe it to anyone.
Faith Balance 6:31 PM Anything in excess is not good. For example, too little or too much sleep can be harmful to your health. Balance is key. Balance I always try to keep an optimistic disposition. But the older I get, I realized it's better to also be a little pessimistic. The sweet spot between optimism and pessimism is where we should be. I've learned that those who did not survive the holocaust were mostly the optimists in the group.Because when what they expected did not happen, it hit them really hard. They lost their hope. And I've shared this quote by Hal Lindsay before but I'll share it again: Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air...but only for one second without hope. From experience, I know optimism has an ugly down side. Indeed when you keep your hopes up, it hurts terribly when what you hoped for did not come to pass. The higher the expectation, the bigger the disappointment. So, I like to keep a balance between being optimistic and pessimistic. We need to be realistic. We need to keep our balance. Dream big but also keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Love others but also give yourself the right amount of self-love. Work hard but rest well. Keep yourself in check. I believe keeping a balance between positive thinking and negative thinking is better for our mental health. That way when things don't go our way, we don't get too beaten down. When things turn out better than we expected, we celebrate. I love the verse about the balance of everything in life. There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. -Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 I hope we learn to find this healthy balance in our lives. Your turn Are you an optimistic or pessimistic person? What do you do when things don't go as expected?
Life Lessons Don't Dull Your Sparkle 9:14 AM Don't Dull Your Sparkle Don't dull your sparkle for people who choose to be in the dark. Some people would be bothered by how bright you shine. You remind them how dark their life is. Don't adjust for them. They've made their choice. It's time to make yours. You'll hear a lot of criticisms. You will be judged. They will try to dampen your spirit. They will laugh at your dreams. That's because they see you as the odd one. It may be because they envy you without understanding how they're feeling. They may be just confused admirers. As long as you're not hurting a soul, don't be bothered. Don't dull your sparkle for those who think your brightness is a nuisance. You are born to do great things. Don't delay your destiny just to please them. Some people are going to reject you just because you shine too brightly for them.That's okay! Keep shining. -Mandy Hale Want more quotes? Follow About Life and Love on Instagram
Life Lessons The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It 6:26 AM The grass isn't always greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it. Don't be deceived by envy. Sometimes the grass on the other side seem greener only because it's fake. Nourish what you have. Cherish who you have in your life. Never compare your beginning to somebody else's ending. We all have our own timing. We all have our fair share of blessings. Instead of wanting what others have that you don't, be happy for them and be grateful for what you have. Someone's praying for the kind of life you have. You are blessed more than you think. Quit looking over your shoulder and comparing your life with the next person. Comparison is the thief of joy. - Theodore Roosevelt Want more quotes? Follow About Life and Love on Instagram
Life Lessons This Is The Word I Choose For 2020 5:45 AM If you don't do resolutions like me, how do you gear up for the new year? It's more powerful to choose a word and let it guide you. I have proven this through the years. This 2020, the start of a new decade, I have chosen the word to define my year. A quick throwback! But before that, a quick look back at the words I chose for the past years. Last 2014, I picked the word "more" to define my year and it ultimately changed my life. I'm happy to report that it was indeed the year I did more, became more, achieved more, traveled more, read more books, had more fun. I discovered more things about myself. Words are powerful. Since then, I would choose a word to be my theme or compass. A guiding principle of how I would live that year. Giphy My 2015 was all about getting better. I did things differently last 2016. It was unorthodox. I was winning last 2017. Winning over my doubts and fears. Winning over uncertainties. Winning over my critics. Winning over that inner voice that keeps on telling me I can't. Well, I can and I did. 2018 was a spontaneous year. I am such a control freak and I overthink a lot. But last 2018, I learned to let things be. It was a year of total and complete surrender. It was a year of leaping in faith. More than anything, it was a year when my heart was overflowing with gratitude for God's faithfulness in my life. It was when I have proven yet again that God will deliver His promise. We only have to wait in faith because His timetable is different from ours. It was when I was glad that I didn't listen to what others say and calmly trusted the process. I didn't listen to the facts people threw at me. Hey, I worship a God who can do the impossible after all. Last 2019 was a year of milestones. I did a lot of firsts. Isn't it amazing that year after year life has an incredible way of surprising us, shaping us and giving us opportunities that bring us from glory to glory? And now for this year... This Is The Word I Choose For 2020: Premium Merriam-Webster dictionary defines premium as of exceptional quality or amount. Or higher priced. According to Cambridge Dictionary, premium is something extra given or an extra amount charged, a great amount of importance, of higher than usual quality or value. Why am I choosing Premium as my word for 2020? Out of mediocrity and into a premium life Let's just say that being a middle child, I grew up receiving hand-me-downs. I was conditioned to always give way and I've learned to be content of what's being given to me. I was never a demanding child. Or adult. It's good that I find joy in the simplest things. I am fine with having my needs met and I don't have excessive wants. Thus, I never envy others. The downside of being content to what is good is missing out on what is great. I know I can do more and be more but I don't see the urgency when I'm already happy in my little corner. Ah, let them clamor for attention and promotion. As long as I get paid enough to buy my basic needs and have some extra left for a little self-indulgence, I'm good. That's how I used to think. But I fell in love with traveling and I know I want more of it. I desire a premium life that will enable me to travel more and conveniently at that, thanks to my husband who made me see the difference between sleeping inside a tent and on a soft comfortable mattress. Yes, I've traveled in a shoestring budget and it was fun when done with friends. But it's a whole new different experience to spend the night in a luxurious hotel and be chauffeured around. Giphy Premium health If you don't care about your health, the planet and the life of animals, your food option seems endless. But if you want food that nourishes your body, good for the planet and does not involve killing animals, you need premium food. It takes a lot of research, reading of labels and expanding your network to find these kinds of food. That's why a lot of people prefer to buy what is easy to prepare and cheap. But if you're not careful, you'll pay for it soon enough. Why be careless now and regret it later? Have you heard of a person who got sick because he's eating fruits and vegetables? Broccoli doesn't catch a flu. Kale doesn't have foot and mouth disease. Duh. The food you eat can either nourish you or make your sick. The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. -Ann Wigmore Other things I've started doing for my health late last year which I plan to continue are stretching and meditating first thing in the morning. A healthy body starts with a healthy mind. My husband and I also goes to a weekly spa date. You can be healthy without depriving yourself of good food. There are a lot of healthy options out there. With the help of the internet especially YouTube cooking shows, what you need to know is just one click away. Giphy Peace of mind What could be a more premium gift you can give yourself than the gift of peace of mind? I've always been talking about getting rid of toxic people in your life. Don't be sorry about cutting off people who don't contribute to your well-being. I've burned bridges that lead to nowhere. Last year, I've made the mistake of checking the comment section on socials. Gosh it's like seeing a speeding bus and jumping in front of it anyway. It's bad for the mental health. I also tolerated who have been abusing working with me since I was a newbie writer and made me believe that I'm getting a just rate. These are the kinds of clients that will make you feel bad for charging them higher than usual and call you selfish or greedy. For 2020, I'm staying out of the comment section and will be hitting that 'block sender' button as often as needed. Giphy How about you? Have you chosen a word for 2020 yet? Let me know in the comments below.
