Hello Happy Mamas!
I'm reading a book right now that focuses on the struggle a lot of women face around ambition and doing what needs to be done to be and feel successful.
I definitely experience it.
For most of my life, from a very early age, I've felt ambitious. I wanted to go out into the world, shake it up, make a ton of money and enjoy all of the amazing things this world has to offer.
At first I wanted to be a Joan Jett-type rock star. I even begged my mom, at the age of 8, to let me dye my short, spikey hair black. That was a no-go. Later I wanted to be a teacher, so I could help shape our future minds, but decided the salary I would make wouldn't allow for the lifestyle I craved. In high school, I took a really interesting Pre-Law class and thought, this is it. I want to become a prosecuting attorney and fight against the evil-doers of the world and bring them to justice. But then I decided that the system was too flawed and I didn't want to dedicate years and years to studying boring and outdated (in my humbly opinionated 15 year old mind) laws.
After high school, I attended a community college in pursuit of a degree in education with a concentration in writing. A year later, I quit, because it wasn't lighting me up.
I spent the next 12 or so years working less than stimulating jobs, earning money to pay the bills, but that's about it. I didn't tap into that inner reservoir of ambition for a couple of reasons. One, because I had no desire whatsoever to become the best at where I was, and I still wasn't completely committed to any one direction for my career. And two-and this is the big one- I now had a family. I was a mom. And, you can't be a kind, nurturing and loving ball of feminine energy and raise your children in a creative and supportive home if you're busting your ass building a successful career, right? Oh and let's not forget-if you're ambitious, then you must be a self-serving bitch. You'll step on whoever you need to to get where you want.
Being a great mom and partner and being successful can't go hand in hand. Or can they? If you subscribe to the old fashioned, women stay home, cook, clean and bear children mentality, then, no. But if you approach this whole debate with a fresh view and a few tools in your back pocket, I think you can do it. Believing that you can make it happen, being open to new opportunities to make it easier and creating boundaries with yourself and everyone else will go a very long way.
You probably won't be able to create a completely perfect balance between everything that's important to you, all of the time. Maybe this week you focus on work a bit more, and next week you'll have more time for your family. I think that overall, it will balance out, you just need to remain aware, be in tune with the needs of yourself and your loved ones, create and enforce those boundaries and you'll be well on your way. Oh yeah, and good, clear communication is a good thing, too.
So now, I'm incredibly grateful that I've found a career that is absolutely perfect for me. What's kind of funny is that I've combined the most interesting parts of the careers I wanted to pursue and I very harmoniously get to use them all. I teach, I speak (on a stage, if I want to, to channel my inner Joan Jett), I'm helping others live better lives, I write, I fight against evil-doers (although not the murderers, thieves, and pedophiles I had initially envisioned-now I educate people of the dangers of big pharma, the monopolization of our food system and GMO's...).
My next big step (or steps, really) will be to continually tap into that ambitious center of myself and make the big stuff happen. I am currently writing my first book, which I will be promoting the heck out of before the end of the year. I will then use that momentum to sell out my online program, Happy Mama 101. Through all of this, I'm going to help moms all over the world appreciate themselves, their passions, their health and their happiness. I'm going to create that massive ripple effect of generosity and joy that will allow the children of today become the amazing and integrity-driven adults of tomorrow.
These are not small goals, these are ambitious goals.
Ambitious goals with ambitious results.
I'm up for it, are you? Do you have any struggles with ambition?
By the way, the book I'm reading is:
am-BITCH-ous
(def.) a woman who: 1.makes more money
2. has more power 3. gets the recognition
she deserves 4. has the determination to go
after her dreams and can do it with integrity
Debra Condren, Ph.D.
Check it out, it's pretty great. :)
Monday, February 24, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Top 4 Foods To Crowd Out of Your Diet...and Why
Hello Hello!!
I know it can be confusing out there, trying to live a healthy and satisfying life. There is just so much conflicting information and it can be a little difficult to navigate through it all. I'm going to go through the top 4 foods that lead to less healthy results.
I just want to give a quick little disclaimer: some people will completely disagree with what I have to say here, and that's a-ok with me. This advice I'm giving you is based on my education, research and personal experience. I feel pretty strongly about what I'm saying, but I am completely comfortable with differing opinions. I don't want anyone to take my word as absolute truth, but I do want you to read this and let it inspire you to do some research and thinking of your own. :)
Top 4 Foods to Avoid:
1) Processed Sugar/White Flour.
Why? Because it's the ultra concentrated, nutritive stripped version of it's original, more natural self. These highly processed food-like items are the #1 contributor to unwanted weight gain. They cause your blood sugar to spike, resulting in crankiness, fatigue and the desire to eat even more. Why do they make you want to eat even more? Because your body didn't get the nutrients it needs, so your brain will tell you to put something more into your body-you need certain healthy, naturally occurring nutrients to be healthy, so your body is going to be continually hungry until you give it what it needs. This is, in my opinion, the biggest contributor to our country's obesity epidemic. Crowd out the white, processed sugar and other white stuff and you'll more than likely see yourself lose some unwanted weight right away.
Also in this category: (sorry, soda lovers) high fructose corn syrup
2) Alcohol.
Why? It's similar to the white sugar above. It's a whole bunch of empty calories that your body, more than likely, will not need to use, and therefore will store as extra fuel to use later. It also wreaks havoc on your poor liver, which is the organ that filters and cleans your blood. You need this to be working properly-not only does it keep things sparkly and clean, but it metabolizes chemicals and drugs (hello alcohol), and produces bile, which is a pretty big player in the digestive process. Not only for these reasons, but alcohol can also lead to some pretty awful decisions and embarrassing behaviors...right?
3) Artificial Sweeteners.
Why? Oh boy, where do I begin....artificial sweeteners began their infiltrating little journey into our food system as a pesticide to kill ants. Ever spray some Raid on some unwanted little creepy crawly creature? Yeah. That or something very similar is what's in your diet soda, your barbecue sauce, pretend maple syrup, your pink, yellow or blue coffee sweetener, frozen foods, yogurts and even baby foods. Would you like to know about some of the side effects? Here we go....hallucinations, brain seizures, skin rashes, panic, anxiety, headaches, diarrhea, bladder issues, stomach pain, and of course, cancer. Why so many awful side effects? Because our bodies don't want ingredients in them that are so chemically engineered and manipulated, and in at least some cases, designed to kill.
Some alternatives to sweeten your life: stevia in the raw, honey, real maple syrup and agave nectar. It does take a little bit of adjusting for your taste buds, but honestly, after a week or two, you will be just as satisfied, if not more so, than when you were using artificial sweeteners or white sugar.
4) Animal Products.
Why? Well, our bodies aren't actually designed to properly eat and digest meat. Our teeth are meant for chomping plant items. We lack the canines to rip and tear, like our carnivorous friends-tigers, lions, etc. We also lack the digestive enzymes to break down and and absorb the nutrients that animal products contain. We don't NEED to eat animal products to survive and thrive. If people make the choice to do so, because they enjoy the flavor, texture, or the full feeling that meat provides, then that's something else altogether. I also have a hard time with factory farming. Innocent animals that experience a host of emotions such as fear, joy and pain are brutally tortured, forced to live in very unnatural conditions and then killed very inhumanely. I can't support that in any way, shape or form myself. Another awful side effect of factory farming is the immense contribution to global warming that producing the amount of meat our country demands. If you do a little research on this, you'll likely be completely surprised to see that factory farming contributes more greenhouse gases than cars, SUV's, planes and ships together! Pretty crazy.
As another option, you can obtain your animal products from locally raised, humanely treated animals and while that's better, it still isn't necessary. Animal products can cause inflammation, lead to heart disease, cancers, clogged arteries, stroke, heart attack...and the list goes on, but I think you get the point. And, while presenting these ideas that I'm pretty passionate about, I still want you to make up your own mind, so I'll stop here.
I hope this post was helpful to you, and taught you something new.
I want to take a moment and point out that I used the term 'crowd out' rather than eliminate or avoid.
I think it's best to replace these unwanted items with others that are better for you. This way, you feel less restricted and more satisfied. For example, if you're eating more whole grains and leafy greens, you'll be less likely to even notice that you're eating less animal products because your body will be satisfied with the amount of nutrients it's receiving.
Oh, and it's perfectly ok to indulge here and there. Don't completely deprive yourself of the things you enjoy. Want a glass of wine? Have one, just do it mindfully and intentionally. Same goes for chocolate cake. :) You don't have to live a strict, unpleasant life just for the sake of good health. Part of the joy of being alive is to have fun and enjoy the things that taste amazing.
There are lots of ways to ease the transition to a healthier life, and I can help you. Contact me to schedule a free session to find out how.
Until then, enjoy your day and be proud of the healthy choices you're making for yourself!
~Cozetta
I know it can be confusing out there, trying to live a healthy and satisfying life. There is just so much conflicting information and it can be a little difficult to navigate through it all. I'm going to go through the top 4 foods that lead to less healthy results.
I just want to give a quick little disclaimer: some people will completely disagree with what I have to say here, and that's a-ok with me. This advice I'm giving you is based on my education, research and personal experience. I feel pretty strongly about what I'm saying, but I am completely comfortable with differing opinions. I don't want anyone to take my word as absolute truth, but I do want you to read this and let it inspire you to do some research and thinking of your own. :)
Top 4 Foods to Avoid:
1) Processed Sugar/White Flour.
Why? Because it's the ultra concentrated, nutritive stripped version of it's original, more natural self. These highly processed food-like items are the #1 contributor to unwanted weight gain. They cause your blood sugar to spike, resulting in crankiness, fatigue and the desire to eat even more. Why do they make you want to eat even more? Because your body didn't get the nutrients it needs, so your brain will tell you to put something more into your body-you need certain healthy, naturally occurring nutrients to be healthy, so your body is going to be continually hungry until you give it what it needs. This is, in my opinion, the biggest contributor to our country's obesity epidemic. Crowd out the white, processed sugar and other white stuff and you'll more than likely see yourself lose some unwanted weight right away.
Also in this category: (sorry, soda lovers) high fructose corn syrup
2) Alcohol.
Why? It's similar to the white sugar above. It's a whole bunch of empty calories that your body, more than likely, will not need to use, and therefore will store as extra fuel to use later. It also wreaks havoc on your poor liver, which is the organ that filters and cleans your blood. You need this to be working properly-not only does it keep things sparkly and clean, but it metabolizes chemicals and drugs (hello alcohol), and produces bile, which is a pretty big player in the digestive process. Not only for these reasons, but alcohol can also lead to some pretty awful decisions and embarrassing behaviors...right?
3) Artificial Sweeteners.
Why? Oh boy, where do I begin....artificial sweeteners began their infiltrating little journey into our food system as a pesticide to kill ants. Ever spray some Raid on some unwanted little creepy crawly creature? Yeah. That or something very similar is what's in your diet soda, your barbecue sauce, pretend maple syrup, your pink, yellow or blue coffee sweetener, frozen foods, yogurts and even baby foods. Would you like to know about some of the side effects? Here we go....hallucinations, brain seizures, skin rashes, panic, anxiety, headaches, diarrhea, bladder issues, stomach pain, and of course, cancer. Why so many awful side effects? Because our bodies don't want ingredients in them that are so chemically engineered and manipulated, and in at least some cases, designed to kill.
Some alternatives to sweeten your life: stevia in the raw, honey, real maple syrup and agave nectar. It does take a little bit of adjusting for your taste buds, but honestly, after a week or two, you will be just as satisfied, if not more so, than when you were using artificial sweeteners or white sugar.
4) Animal Products.
Why? Well, our bodies aren't actually designed to properly eat and digest meat. Our teeth are meant for chomping plant items. We lack the canines to rip and tear, like our carnivorous friends-tigers, lions, etc. We also lack the digestive enzymes to break down and and absorb the nutrients that animal products contain. We don't NEED to eat animal products to survive and thrive. If people make the choice to do so, because they enjoy the flavor, texture, or the full feeling that meat provides, then that's something else altogether. I also have a hard time with factory farming. Innocent animals that experience a host of emotions such as fear, joy and pain are brutally tortured, forced to live in very unnatural conditions and then killed very inhumanely. I can't support that in any way, shape or form myself. Another awful side effect of factory farming is the immense contribution to global warming that producing the amount of meat our country demands. If you do a little research on this, you'll likely be completely surprised to see that factory farming contributes more greenhouse gases than cars, SUV's, planes and ships together! Pretty crazy.
As another option, you can obtain your animal products from locally raised, humanely treated animals and while that's better, it still isn't necessary. Animal products can cause inflammation, lead to heart disease, cancers, clogged arteries, stroke, heart attack...and the list goes on, but I think you get the point. And, while presenting these ideas that I'm pretty passionate about, I still want you to make up your own mind, so I'll stop here.
I hope this post was helpful to you, and taught you something new.
I want to take a moment and point out that I used the term 'crowd out' rather than eliminate or avoid.
I think it's best to replace these unwanted items with others that are better for you. This way, you feel less restricted and more satisfied. For example, if you're eating more whole grains and leafy greens, you'll be less likely to even notice that you're eating less animal products because your body will be satisfied with the amount of nutrients it's receiving.
Oh, and it's perfectly ok to indulge here and there. Don't completely deprive yourself of the things you enjoy. Want a glass of wine? Have one, just do it mindfully and intentionally. Same goes for chocolate cake. :) You don't have to live a strict, unpleasant life just for the sake of good health. Part of the joy of being alive is to have fun and enjoy the things that taste amazing.
There are lots of ways to ease the transition to a healthier life, and I can help you. Contact me to schedule a free session to find out how.
Until then, enjoy your day and be proud of the healthy choices you're making for yourself!
~Cozetta
Friday, February 7, 2014
What Exactly Do I Do?
So, I've had a number of conversations lately that go something like:
Awesome Person: Oh, you're a Wellness Counselor. That's sounds interesting....but what exactly do you do?
Me: What, you don't already know?
I guess it's not as self explanatory as I've been thinking, lol.
So I've decided to sum it up right here, so that anyone who has a question or is curious, will know exactly what I do.
I attended and graduated from a really fantastic Nutrition school that bases it's curriculum on holistic health.
holistic: adj. considering all factors when treating illness: taking into account all of somebody's physical, mental, and social conditions in the treatment of illness
Now, for me and what I do, 'illness' doesn't just include physical ailments. I look at the word illness as anything that's out of whack in your life.
Example:
If you're eating really unhealthy foods, habitually, let's figure out why. Unless you're completely overjoyed doing so, and if that's the case, then rock on. But, if you're overweight or have a negative self image, there's probably something causing you to overeat. Maybe you're in an unhappy marriage, or you hate your job and the way your boss talks to you. Maybe you're sad that you never pursued a childhood dream, maybe you were mistreated and have built up exterior walls to protect yourself.
You feel icky, pretty much all the time. You get headaches, you're tired a lot. Cranky. Unable to sleep well. You have a general unhappiness or frustration with your life. You never have enough money, you have a really hard time digesting your food. You have aches and pains and have a really hard time handling stressful situations.
The programs that I offer help you to bust through all of that so you can be happy and healthy. And yes, you can be happy and healthy. In fact, you're supposed to be!
Some of them take place in a group setting, some of them are much more intimate and consist of you and I talking one on one.
The sessions where it's just you and me are similar to counseling sessions, but more fun and proactive. It's like getting together with a good friend for a nice chat, who completely supports you and your journey and offers a whole bunch of really helpful knowledge, too.
My work does get a bit more specific in terms of nutrition, as well. I was trained in over 100 dietary theories, so I'm able to help you eat exactly what your body should be eating. I can help you get over your fears around food, and educate and empower you.
Some clients come to me just for the nutrition aspect. They want to lose extra weight, get rid of migraines, learn how to cook healthier foods for their family, eat less processed foods, find out the truth about eating organic foods etc.
But what you'll find is that your nutrition is actually secondary to the more important things in life.
If you're not happy with your career, or have a cluttered, messy house or have a nasty relationship with someone you live with, all of the most excellent nutrition in the world won't help you.
It's about doing your best to find balance. Some say balance doesn't exist. Perfectly, without flaw? Of course not. But you can spend your time actively working on the areas of your life that need some tweaking, so you feel more satisfied overall.
I help women (and men, too) find their version of peace, happiness and balance. I counsel, educate and guide them to their goals and personal joy. I don't tell you what to do, and I certainly don't do the work for you, but I teach you what I know and make gentle suggestions along the way.
So, what are the benefits of working with me?
Here are some actual results of my friends, family & clients:
*lost weight, in a healthy, sustainable way
*learned how to fit in more exercise, that was fun, too
*got their family on board with eating healthier
*improved their personal relationships
*overcame limiting beliefs and fears
*learned how to shop for the best, most nutrient dense ingredients
*stopped taking certain medications-blood pressure & anti-anxiety (with the approval of their doctors)--this is one of my favorites :)
*felt empowered to take direction in their life
*figured out what career would bring them the most joy, and pursued it
*learned how to stand up for themselves and created healthy boundaries
*learned how to go through a healthy cleanse
*learned why diets are a complete waste of time, how they harm your body, and what to do instead
*became a more present, patient and loving parent (another favorite!)
I also give my clients a list of additional resources such as books, documentaries, articles and websites. Resources that I use, to continue my education in health & wellness.
In all of my programs you receive really helpful handouts and in one of my programs you also receive health and wellness related gifts from me. It might be a candle, a journal, some organic tea, a book, gift certificate for a massage.....I like to have fun and get pretty creative with these :)
One of my favorite parts of what I do is that I'm able to work with anyone, anywhere. I'm not limited by geographic location, so that's really fantastic for me. I can work in my office with someone that lives locally, or we can work together over the phone or through Skype. Pretty cool (and I mail the gifts for those who aren't local, in case you're wondering).
I also get so incredibly jazzed up when I see someone achieve their goals, feel better about themselves and their life. I have a very strong desire to help the world become a better place. I'm using all of my gifts, skills and education to encourage those I work with, helping them to smile and enjoy their life, so that they in turn, can affect someone else in a positive way. It's all about the ripple affect. :)
And because I want to help everyone that has the desire to improve their life, I offer different options for payment. You can pay in full and receive a discount, you can make monthly payments, I offer a set number of my programs for free and I also trade for other services. Curious about how we could work something out? Just ask. I need to support myself and my family financially, but I also want to use my time to help others as well.
So, I hope this helped answer some questions. If you have any more-please contact me. My website details my programs a lot more. I'll be presenting a new, really fun group program very soon, and I really can't wait to launch that and get going with it. It's unlike anything I've done yet, so it's going to be a lot of fun for me, too.
Until next time, have an awesome day and be well!!
~Cozetta
www.ifmamaainthappy.net
Awesome Person: Oh, you're a Wellness Counselor. That's sounds interesting....but what exactly do you do?
Me: What, you don't already know?
I guess it's not as self explanatory as I've been thinking, lol.
So I've decided to sum it up right here, so that anyone who has a question or is curious, will know exactly what I do.
I attended and graduated from a really fantastic Nutrition school that bases it's curriculum on holistic health.
holistic: adj. considering all factors when treating illness: taking into account all of somebody's physical, mental, and social conditions in the treatment of illness
Now, for me and what I do, 'illness' doesn't just include physical ailments. I look at the word illness as anything that's out of whack in your life.
Example:
If you're eating really unhealthy foods, habitually, let's figure out why. Unless you're completely overjoyed doing so, and if that's the case, then rock on. But, if you're overweight or have a negative self image, there's probably something causing you to overeat. Maybe you're in an unhappy marriage, or you hate your job and the way your boss talks to you. Maybe you're sad that you never pursued a childhood dream, maybe you were mistreated and have built up exterior walls to protect yourself.
or
You feel icky, pretty much all the time. You get headaches, you're tired a lot. Cranky. Unable to sleep well. You have a general unhappiness or frustration with your life. You never have enough money, you have a really hard time digesting your food. You have aches and pains and have a really hard time handling stressful situations.
The programs that I offer help you to bust through all of that so you can be happy and healthy. And yes, you can be happy and healthy. In fact, you're supposed to be!
Some of them take place in a group setting, some of them are much more intimate and consist of you and I talking one on one.
The sessions where it's just you and me are similar to counseling sessions, but more fun and proactive. It's like getting together with a good friend for a nice chat, who completely supports you and your journey and offers a whole bunch of really helpful knowledge, too.
My work does get a bit more specific in terms of nutrition, as well. I was trained in over 100 dietary theories, so I'm able to help you eat exactly what your body should be eating. I can help you get over your fears around food, and educate and empower you.
Some clients come to me just for the nutrition aspect. They want to lose extra weight, get rid of migraines, learn how to cook healthier foods for their family, eat less processed foods, find out the truth about eating organic foods etc.
But what you'll find is that your nutrition is actually secondary to the more important things in life.
If you're not happy with your career, or have a cluttered, messy house or have a nasty relationship with someone you live with, all of the most excellent nutrition in the world won't help you.
It's about doing your best to find balance. Some say balance doesn't exist. Perfectly, without flaw? Of course not. But you can spend your time actively working on the areas of your life that need some tweaking, so you feel more satisfied overall.
I help women (and men, too) find their version of peace, happiness and balance. I counsel, educate and guide them to their goals and personal joy. I don't tell you what to do, and I certainly don't do the work for you, but I teach you what I know and make gentle suggestions along the way.
So, what are the benefits of working with me?
Here are some actual results of my friends, family & clients:
*lost weight, in a healthy, sustainable way
*learned how to fit in more exercise, that was fun, too
*got their family on board with eating healthier
*improved their personal relationships
*overcame limiting beliefs and fears
*learned how to shop for the best, most nutrient dense ingredients
*stopped taking certain medications-blood pressure & anti-anxiety (with the approval of their doctors)--this is one of my favorites :)
*felt empowered to take direction in their life
*figured out what career would bring them the most joy, and pursued it
*learned how to stand up for themselves and created healthy boundaries
*learned how to go through a healthy cleanse
*learned why diets are a complete waste of time, how they harm your body, and what to do instead
*became a more present, patient and loving parent (another favorite!)
I also give my clients a list of additional resources such as books, documentaries, articles and websites. Resources that I use, to continue my education in health & wellness.
In all of my programs you receive really helpful handouts and in one of my programs you also receive health and wellness related gifts from me. It might be a candle, a journal, some organic tea, a book, gift certificate for a massage.....I like to have fun and get pretty creative with these :)
One of my favorite parts of what I do is that I'm able to work with anyone, anywhere. I'm not limited by geographic location, so that's really fantastic for me. I can work in my office with someone that lives locally, or we can work together over the phone or through Skype. Pretty cool (and I mail the gifts for those who aren't local, in case you're wondering).
I also get so incredibly jazzed up when I see someone achieve their goals, feel better about themselves and their life. I have a very strong desire to help the world become a better place. I'm using all of my gifts, skills and education to encourage those I work with, helping them to smile and enjoy their life, so that they in turn, can affect someone else in a positive way. It's all about the ripple affect. :)
And because I want to help everyone that has the desire to improve their life, I offer different options for payment. You can pay in full and receive a discount, you can make monthly payments, I offer a set number of my programs for free and I also trade for other services. Curious about how we could work something out? Just ask. I need to support myself and my family financially, but I also want to use my time to help others as well.
So, I hope this helped answer some questions. If you have any more-please contact me. My website details my programs a lot more. I'll be presenting a new, really fun group program very soon, and I really can't wait to launch that and get going with it. It's unlike anything I've done yet, so it's going to be a lot of fun for me, too.
Until next time, have an awesome day and be well!!
~Cozetta
www.ifmamaainthappy.net
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Winter
So, we made it past Groundhog's Day....unfortunately the furry little guy saw his shadow, so for us in the north, that's a whole lotta winter to still (joyfully?) experience. I do my best to be positive in most situations....but winter....it's hard for me, lol.
I do enjoy snuggling up and sipping some tea while watching the snow fall. And that'll carry me right through December-haha. I'm done, let's move on and get some flowers and trees sprouting. Oh, and going away to a gorgeous tropical locale does wonders for me-while I'm there. Once I get back to the snow and ice and cold, I'm all cranky again.
Now, knowing that I have an area of my life that doesn't bring me joy isn't cool, so I've been brainstorming some ideas on how to fix it. I don't want to be unhappy, I strive to be proactive in my life, in all areas.
I've been researching some ideas-I googled 'how to take the suck out of winter'. Something about shop vacs showed up, lol. Not exactly what I had in mind.
Really though, there are a ton of ideas on how you can enjoy this season. I mean, it's going to be around for another 2-3 months, so you might as well, right? Here are my top five:
1) Take advantage of the time spent indoors and work on a big project you have on your bucket list. Write that book, make a crafty gift (quilt, scrapbook...?), learn how to speak Italian, research flights and hotels for a big family vacation. Do it now, when you're not tempted by the abundance of summer activities...and you know that as soon as the snow starts melting, and it's nice and sunny out, you are not going to want to hole up in your home working on it then.
2) Bundle up and go outside. Enjoy the beauty and peace of a calmer time of year. There are plenty of nature trails and parks that you can take advantage of. Bring a thermos of tea or hot cocoa and ask a friend to join you. You're connecting with someone you care about, getting some exercise and finding the joy in winter.
3) Throw an awesome indoor party for you, your family, your friends, whoever. Pick a theme and run with it. Have a Mexican Fiesta, a Game Night, a Movie Night, a Tropical Rainforest/Beach Party...have everyone chip in with food & drinks, wear costumes, smack a pinata, whatever you want to do. Go crazy and have as much fun with this as you want.
4) Organize an event that raises money or items for charity. This can be pretty low key and easy to do. Pick an organization and figure out a way that you can help them. Contact all of your friends, family, neighbors and ask them to contribute. Maybe you ask everyone to donate gently used books for your local library or a reading program at a hospital. Benefit your local SPCA and ask everyone to bring a bag of dog or cat food. You could gather extra clothes or household items that are no longer needed and donate them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. You can branch way out from there and help lots of other people, too. Just look online and find a cause that feels right for you.
5) Go back to school. Check out your local community college or find an interesting online course that does nothing more than teaches you about a topic that you're interested in (unless you want to pursue a degree, then-go for it!). Some ideas: Creative Writing, Basket Weaving, Oil Painting, Nutrition, History of Rock Music, Photography....the list goes on and covers pretty much any area of interest.
I hope this list inspires you to enjoy winter even more now.
I'm starting a new business course in April and I'm creating a pretty cool new group program (more details coming soon...). A Mexican fiesta sounds pretty fun....and I want to gather some items to benefit the SPCA. What cool things are you up to?
Until next time, have fun and stay warm!
~Cozetta
I do enjoy snuggling up and sipping some tea while watching the snow fall. And that'll carry me right through December-haha. I'm done, let's move on and get some flowers and trees sprouting. Oh, and going away to a gorgeous tropical locale does wonders for me-while I'm there. Once I get back to the snow and ice and cold, I'm all cranky again.
Now, knowing that I have an area of my life that doesn't bring me joy isn't cool, so I've been brainstorming some ideas on how to fix it. I don't want to be unhappy, I strive to be proactive in my life, in all areas.
I've been researching some ideas-I googled 'how to take the suck out of winter'. Something about shop vacs showed up, lol. Not exactly what I had in mind.
Really though, there are a ton of ideas on how you can enjoy this season. I mean, it's going to be around for another 2-3 months, so you might as well, right? Here are my top five:
1) Take advantage of the time spent indoors and work on a big project you have on your bucket list. Write that book, make a crafty gift (quilt, scrapbook...?), learn how to speak Italian, research flights and hotels for a big family vacation. Do it now, when you're not tempted by the abundance of summer activities...and you know that as soon as the snow starts melting, and it's nice and sunny out, you are not going to want to hole up in your home working on it then.
2) Bundle up and go outside. Enjoy the beauty and peace of a calmer time of year. There are plenty of nature trails and parks that you can take advantage of. Bring a thermos of tea or hot cocoa and ask a friend to join you. You're connecting with someone you care about, getting some exercise and finding the joy in winter.
3) Throw an awesome indoor party for you, your family, your friends, whoever. Pick a theme and run with it. Have a Mexican Fiesta, a Game Night, a Movie Night, a Tropical Rainforest/Beach Party...have everyone chip in with food & drinks, wear costumes, smack a pinata, whatever you want to do. Go crazy and have as much fun with this as you want.
4) Organize an event that raises money or items for charity. This can be pretty low key and easy to do. Pick an organization and figure out a way that you can help them. Contact all of your friends, family, neighbors and ask them to contribute. Maybe you ask everyone to donate gently used books for your local library or a reading program at a hospital. Benefit your local SPCA and ask everyone to bring a bag of dog or cat food. You could gather extra clothes or household items that are no longer needed and donate them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. You can branch way out from there and help lots of other people, too. Just look online and find a cause that feels right for you.
5) Go back to school. Check out your local community college or find an interesting online course that does nothing more than teaches you about a topic that you're interested in (unless you want to pursue a degree, then-go for it!). Some ideas: Creative Writing, Basket Weaving, Oil Painting, Nutrition, History of Rock Music, Photography....the list goes on and covers pretty much any area of interest.
I hope this list inspires you to enjoy winter even more now.
I'm starting a new business course in April and I'm creating a pretty cool new group program (more details coming soon...). A Mexican fiesta sounds pretty fun....and I want to gather some items to benefit the SPCA. What cool things are you up to?
Until next time, have fun and stay warm!
~Cozetta
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