This is a list I put together for myself. Like you, I get my inspiration from all over the place and lots of different sources - people, blogs, stories, movies etc . A lot of my inspiration and motivation has been instilled in me by my mother without me even realising. And I am sure a lot of her wise words came from the wisdom of her mother and her grandmother before that. Never underestimate the power of the collective soul and spirit. So please share your own wisdom and experience with as many as you can. We should never be fearful of offering our own strategies to others. Some of my favourite sayings are ones my Mum told me when I was little, and she never told me where the quotes came from - it wasn't important - but the message in the quote was. One of my favourite sayings throughout my life, a little bit like a personal mantra to help me overcome the fear of trying new things was "Aim for the moon and if you miss, you will always land amongst the stars." Often an idea or concept can swirl around in your subconscious for days, weeks, months, or even years without you ever realising how or when it came to be in your mind or where from. When I am absolutely certain I can remember the source I acknowledge it. Otherwise know that I am just wishing to share the strategies, ideas and concepts that I have found successful for me, in the hope that others will be inspired to adopt and adapt strategies to help them to enjoy THEIR life. So share this list or write your own, it doesn't matter which.
1. Relax. Simple as that.
2. Soak up the sun - Not TOO much that you burn, smshrivel like a dried prune and blister, but feel free to tilt your head back, close your eyes and bask in the suns warmth, energy and rays. It’ll give your body and mind a healthy, fresh glow :)
3. Go earthing (barefoot) every now and then - I do it all the time! Sure, it’s not very stylish or convenient for long distances or dark coloured surfaces in summer, but it does connect you with the earth.. Your energy is shared and replaced by that of the earth's. Feel it and embrace it. Be one with your world!
4. Swim and play, daily! Get in touch with your inner child. Feel free to muck around and be goofy, it won’t hurt you :)
5. Be happy. Just be, and you will be happy.
6. Listen to the waves. “There is nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shore no matter how many times it is pushed away”. Close your eyes, let the repetition fill you with a soft and soothing essence.
7. Enjoy the day. All of it! Morning, midday, afternoon, night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper. Rain, hail or shine. Love your day and it will love you right back.
8. Immerse yourself in salt water. It’s not only incredible for your skin, but your soul too. I find inner peace when i’m under the sea, gliding along a wave or tracing my fingers lightly through the top layer of sand on the ocean floor.
9. Build a sandcastle with a friend.. Its a good way to get some vitamin D whilst having a nice chat!
10. Collect shells, make a collage with them, hang them on strings and make a mobile or wind chime. Get creative!
11. “Hang up your towel” Even if its been a long day, still do the things you know you should. The essentials.
12. “Take off your dark eyeliner and nailpolish once in a while, you’ll feel lighter”- unknown
13. “Chop off your hair if you want - it’ll grow back eventually. ” - unknown. Change can be good and dearly welcomed
14. “Count the freckles on your arm and draw lines between them - your skin is like the night sky” - unknown
15. “Tell that boy to stop touching your thigh, even if it is flattering.” - unknown. Standing up for yourself and your beliefs can be hard or intimidating - especially to your peers! But it is a vital part of beingtrue to yourself, and self growth/development
16. Say thank you and flash a big smile the next time someone criticises you. Your kindness will confuse them
17. Ask questions when you’re unsure of something.. Even if it does sound silly
18. “Read that book again. You’ll notice something you missed the first time” - unknown
19. Don’t drink too much caffeine. You won't sleep well and you’ll get all jumpy, jittery and flunk that test you’ve been studying for.
20. Wake up early; you’ll never regret seeing a sunrise. I pinky promise
21. Move your body. I don’t care if you choose to go running, surfing, do army rolls across your couch or dance like your bones are made from seaweed! If you’re moving, your body is bound to thank you for it!
22. Try to start a conversation with a stranger; it won’t kill you. And it will probably make their day! Today i admired the coastal view from a high lookout point with an older, random gentleman. We ended up talking about his life in the mines and how hard it is for him with all the travel and missing his family. But he said seeing their smiling faces upon return always keeps him going. Afterwards he thanked me for listening. It made me feel nice
23. It’s okay to feel happy. Don’t let other peoples sadness make you feel bad. Instead, make your positivity contagious; infect others with your happiness
24. Laugh until your cheeks are numb and your tummy hurts!
25. Give love. Tell your family and friends you love them. Remind them how grateful and blessed you are to have them in your life. Take the time to listen to them and be there for them - you are valuable to them also.
Love and light,
Sjana x