Steph's Ripples

I notice that I spend too much time being reactive to life events. By this, I mean things that occur on a daily basis, distractions, unexpected events. Instead of working on your dreams or goals, you get carried away by mundane tasks, daily occurrences. For example, it could be checking emails every now and then, checking social media or watching the news. These will be present all the time. What you should not do though is lose precious time doing those trivial things, tasks that do not move you towards your dreams.  Think about it. It's not easy to get rid of bad habits. However, it is essential to acknowledge the fact that time is limited. Make good use of it. Stop being reactive and start doing things that truly matter.

In life, there will be doubters. There will be challenges. There will be errors. However, we all have the ability to accept all these. Make them inclusive and not mutually exclusive. Acceptance is an option available to all of us. Take it. Grab it. Seize it.

I don't really believe in luck. It's just a mere illusion. If you didn't put any work in your job and expect to pass with flying colours with luck, you are fooling yourself. Luck is a wishy-washy thought. It just doesn't happen, unless there's a reason. However, I do believe that everything that comes in your way is not mere coincidence. They are meant to happen and they happen for a reason. I take everything that occurs in my life as blessings. They are invaluable lessons, important learning experiences preparing me for the future. 

In life, we have to take all kind of decisions, some harder than others. It is especially the case for life-changing moments. It is a question of what your life will be in the near distant future.  When the time comes and you have to make a tough decision, follow your heart. Trust your intuition because it means well. Trust life, trust yourself. There's nothing life doesn't put you through that you do not need. 

Perfection doesn't exist. Perfection is a waste of all that you can do and be. Perfection is like an oasis in the desert. You keep looking for it,  you are thirsty for it but it's only a mirage. Do the work. Stop making excuses. Start where you are and you are already a step ahead. Aim for progress, little steps. These are what bring you closer to your dreams.

It's perfectly fine to take time off to refresh and reset. There's a time for work and a time to switch off. Give yourself time when you need it. There's no point in doing something if your heart doesn't feel like it, if it doesn't feel right, if your soul isn't in it.

We all have this ingrained need to matter, to be significant, meaningful. We have a tendency to find for meaning in everything we do. Because we need that assurance that we're doing something right. One of the first questions we ask when we're growing up is 'why'? If there's no reason, then we won't be taking any action. To make a difference, all we have to do is to grow ourselves, improve ourselves every day. It begins with our daily actions, daily attitude and mindset. 

Perfection is so overrated. Striving for perfection is almost like taking a route with no destination. Aiming for progress is the road towards improvement. With progress, there is room for all kind of experiences. We start where we are instead of waiting for the right time.  Life is short. It is worth spending by becoming better every day- learning something new, making this world a better place, discovering new things. I believe all we have to do is taking actions that will benefit us in the long term. Do those actions consistently, the best you can. For example if you want to write a book, aim to write everyday. The daily actions that we do repeatedly ultimately determine who we are and become. 

Sometimes all it takes is a simple breath. It is soothing, healing and strengthening. I am so grateful to be able to breathe in fresh air. It is such a blessing.

Let's be honest. I had a pretty late start to liking reading- any kind of readings. I decided this wasn't going to be a hobby of mine. I especially found it hard when I couldn't understand half of what was written. A real deep struggle to keep going. However,  I manage to survive through my lack of reading. I think after I had a better grasp of the language, I finally was able to enjoy reading for entertainment. Before,  it was more of a pain. Anyway, what I want to advocate is the amazing rewards of reading. It is a therapy on its own. Reading broadens your horizons and stretches yourself. Take the time to read daily and it will change your life for the better.

Dealing with consistency is pretty hard. It's not pretty for sure. It's always easier to fall behind than to progress. One of my goals is to become more consistent with consistency. There are so many things I want to be constantly doing on a regular basis. However, I tend to forget and then it's hard to go back. Let's take for example, I want to post daily but sometimes I get too tired, I can't bother to switch on my pc or mostly, I get caught up in other daily matters. One way to deal with consistency problem is planning. Plan the tasks into your schedule and stick to it. The problem is that I tend to be a flexible person. I always allow myself a buffer and don't like to put too much pressure on myself. I want life to run smoothly, organically and freely. I don't like imposing myself because I believe that we all have negative reactions to pressure, or applied force.  Now it sounds so paradoxical. I think the best way to deal with consistency is to...

With the new year comes new resolutions and projects. I always like the idea of new beginnings, new opportunities, starting afresh. It's almost like an upgrade from the previous year. It's time to reflect and consider where you are and make positive changes for the year ahead. Nothing's changed from last year, but the new calendar year brings a new perspective. We are so often caught in the rush. It's time to pause, stop and then start again with a fresh mind.  About resolutions, I do have a few. I consider them as daily habits I want to incorporate into my daily life. I want them to become part of my day-to-day because I know they are going to benefit me in the long run.  Alright, cheers for the new year. Many things await.

I have to admit I don't find it easy to deal with the unexpected. I spend far too much time worrying about what not and this prevent me from enjoying the present moment. My mind tend to deeply focus on the unknown future 'what might happen' and even though I know it's wrong, I can't let go of that 'knot'  feeling against my chest. It's almost impossible to get rid of that uneasiness. It especially occurs when I'm going to do something new, life is dependent on factors I can't control and I feel scared. My mind feels like it is in danger and I'm on full alert. I haven't yet found a solution but all I can do is continue be present and know firmly that I can handle anything and that everything happens for a reason.

I always like the idea of new beginnings. It's like the opportunity to do more, become a better version of yourself, to create a more amazing life. It's so easy to fall into everyday routine and forget what's most important to us. I like the idea of change- to remind us, to guide us back on track, to carry on living with purpose. New year resolutions,  whether you have one or not, it's the symbolic meaning that matters.

We made it to 2018. Time for resolutions and what not. I wish you all a bright and prosperous new year. Make it the best so far.