// Take a Chill Pill //

Stress is caused by an imbalance; a perception that the demands we feel cannot be adequately met with the tools that we have in that moment. Perhaps an assignment was left to the last minute, a relationship is placing unfair expectations upon you, or it is a busy time at work. Stress can hit us quickly and in some instances, can linger for a lot longer than we would like. Either way, we have all felt the effects of stress at one point or another. It is normal, and believe it or not, sometimes necessary to be a bit stressed out. Stress can work to keep us safe and alert by activating our brains for action and reaction to our surroundings. Athletes can be on their “A-game” and students can stay awake long enough to push through and get assignments done all because of the motivation stress can put on us. However, stress felt over a long period of time can have disastrous affect on our bodies. Personally, I have experienced a weakened immune system, inconsistent sleep patterns, and digestive issues due to prolonged periods of stress in my life. This is some serious stuff! I would like to share with you some ways that I personally use in my life to make sure that I am a bit proactive in keeping my levels of stress to a minimum. Please note that this is entirely opinion based. I am not a professional at the moment so these are just the tools I use regularly. These may not work for you, but hopefully, these help a few people out!

5 ways to decrease the effects of stress in our life:

1. [EAT MORE HEALTHY SH*T!!!] The body needs the right kind of fuel to keep it running smoothly. So eating fast food on a regular basis is not the best idea. Keep unhealthy foods to a minimum and increase the intake of healthy foods! There are tons of websites such as buzzfeed that provide simple recipes and ideas for eating a healthy diet.This is not rocket science, and stop thinking that healthy food isn’t delicious. If you think salads are boring – you’re doing it wrong.  

2. [WORK OUT] You don’t need to sign up for a 10k run (just typing that stressed me out – the exact opposite of what we  are trying to do), but you should have something you enjoy that can help you work out your stresses. Consider something like yoga, biking, or actually going to the gym instead of thinking about it. I promise that after a couple weeks of regular exercise, you will feel a lot better, especially if you are also taking my advice to eat healthy! So, lace up those shoes and get out the door! 
3. [WRITE IT DOWN]. It is a good practice to get into the habit of keeping a journal. By keeping a journal, you can allot yourself 15 minutes to write out your thoughts and feelings and try to leave those stressed out feelings on the page. After the 15 minutes is up, try and let go of those thoughts and keep your mind busy with something else – like getting some fresh air or coffee with a good friend!                            
4. [SAY NO] Believe it or not, you can say no to people. Practice it right now – “NO”. See? It is so easy!!! If you already have a lot going on and someone has asked you to do something you do not/ cannot do, SAY NO! There is no rule in life that obligates you to say yes to every request offered to you. If this person is a true friend, they will understand, if they become upset, then ask yourself if the relationship is actually beneficial for you.                                                            
5. [RELATIONSHIPS] Take an honest look at your life and see if there is perhaps someone who is a continuous source of stress in your life. Then ask yourself what you can do about this relationship. Try talking to this individual about the way they have been making you feel. They might not realize they are causing you stress. If this relationship is a toxic one, then let it go. You deserve to be treated like the treasure that you are, so if someone fails to recognize that – then say ADIOS! 

I hope that this gave you a bit of insight into the world of stress. Know that you are not alone in your stress and we have all been there before. If you feel like the stress in your life is too much, please be sure to contact a health professional in your area. If you have a fantastic stress buster, please share it in the comments below! Thanks for reading!

xoxoxo

B. 

//If we went for coffee//

If we went for coffee, I would order a VENTI Iced Coffee. Secretly, I would wish it was a frappuccino with enough sugar to put me in a coma – but we are “sweating for the wedding” so it is necessary to make good choices.

You would see me chug the coffee in about 2 minutes and listen to my monologue about wishing I had ordered 2 coffee’s. You would’t judge me though, because that would be rude. Iced coffee is so good and magical. I don’t know why, but iced coffee is 10000000 times better than hot coffee.

If we went for coffee, you would probably ask me how I am doing.

I am stressed a bit overwhelmed by my current situation.
I might just be feeling the after effects of too much caffeine, but I have a lot going on right now:

1. I start grad school in 2 days and I am in a new city. The city is smaller than what I am used to, but it is not “bum town” at least I don’t think so… ask me in a month.

2. I also just moved into a brand spankin’ new house that I LOVE. However, I realized how much stuff I have that I don’t need. My fiancé and I are getting rid of things as we unpack though. It feels good to get rid of things, but then I just go buy new things … it is a perpetuating cycle. I like to think of myself as a collector of pretty things. My fiancé is a minimalist. We are a good pair.

3. I am also a bit anxious about getting married in 2 months. I need to order flowers still. And we need to secure someone to actually marry us so it is “legal”. I need to order tutu’s for the flower girls. I also need to loose 30 pounds in 2 months, which is unlikely (this conversation just became an oral list of things I need to do – I hope you’re writing this down).

If we went for coffee, you would see my hands are covered in spray paint from painting things gold. My life mantra should be ‘All Gold Everything’. I also found glitter spray paint, so not only is everything gold, but it is covered in glitter for an extra bit of legitimacy.

If we went for coffee, I would now ask, “what’s new with you?”

// 5 Reasons Change is Good //

Currently, I am sitting in the middle of a near empty living room. I am sitting on a pillow because the couch is in another city, in a new house. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the whole situation. On one hand, I am excited for what this move means. This move means that I am privileged to continue my education as I move onto graduate studies in counselling psychology. ONE STEP CLOSER TO MY END GOAL. I feel proud of myself for being accepted into a competitive program. On the other hand, I am apprehensive to move to a city that is currently already smaller than the one I currently live in (which I already feel is small and limiting), and is not familiar. I take comfort in the fact that I know it will not take long to get to know the city though. I am also a little nervous to leave the comfort zone of my family and friends that I have come to rely and depend on over the years.

In light of this new season of change, I have compiled a short list of why change is a good thing.

1. Self-Reflection: Seasons of change are a great time for self-reflection. Change allows us to really look at our current situation and the journey that brought us to where we are. Change encourages us to look at our goals and see how our lives do or do not align with them, and to adjust accordingly. Perhaps this encourages the development of new goals and aspirations. Self-reflection can also provide the opportunity to check in with ourselves to make sure we are making a positive impact on our surrounding environment. If the situation that instigated this season of change was not positive, this is the time to reflect and realize that being positive is a choice and we cannot control situations, but only how we react; I learn this on a daily basis.

2. Growth: Whether we encouraged the change we face, or were dragged in to it kicking and screaming, change brings the opportunity for growth. New jobs, new cities, and new experiences open us up to a world of possibilities and the opportunity to master a new concept. Some of the most difficult things we face in life teach us the most valuable lessons and equip us with the tools to face challenges later on in life. It all comes back to RESILIENCY.

3. Vulnerability: Some people scoff at the idea of vulnerability and see it as weakness. Vulnerability is not weakness. Vulnerability leaves us a little bit more open to the positive and negative. Our humanity is exposed and we reveal we might not be as in control as we might have thought. In new situations and seasons of change, we sometimes have to rely on others and allow them to take the lead. This may mean asking someone for help, or walking into a room full of people alone and not knowing anyone. Vulnerability is not always comfortable, but the end results can be beautiful and there is no telling what kinds of friendships or experiences can be formed by opening up a little bit more. Check out the work of Brene Brown for more on this topic.

4. Escape from the Comfort Zone: It has been said that magic happens somewhere outside of our comfort zones. When we step outside of our comfort zones it can be scary as hell; hearts race, palms sweat, and voices shake. The unknown can be scary – but also beautiful – the possibilities are endless. Being uncomfortable is good, so lean in and learn the dance. Join that exercise class you have been thinking about, have that conversation that keeps you up at night, get your ass on the dance floor and have some fun.

5. Can Initiate the Creative Process: I thought about leaving this one out as it might not apply to every situation. I believe that change is the perfect time to allow creativity to flow. In these moments of change, when situations are new and a bit uncomfortable, we let our most raw and beautiful selves come out a bit more than we normally might. This is where magic happens. I am not saying we all become award winning artists, but maybe a season of change encourages us to tackle some sort of cleaning/ organization project, delve into an art piece, or pick up an old instrument and get lost in the music.

I hope by now you are encouraged by change and it seems a little less daunting. Perhaps the situation that brought about the change is negative and all you want is for the world to go back to where it was. However, no one can change the past and what is done is done. Embrace this season and go confidently in the new direction. We cannot control the future, but we can control how we react to it. You will not only survive seasons of change, but you will thrive.

// Summer Vibes //

It is safe to say that summer is on its way.

How do I know this?

{EASY}

First of all, it’s almost the end of May… that’s an obvious one. My next tell-tale signs are when the city crews have cleaned the streets, Little Ice Cream and Soda Shop opens, and outside smells like how I imagine Heaven to smell. My walks take me twice as long because I am bit more eager to walk up to trees and smell them… if you see a girl with her head emerged in the lilac bush… it could quite possibly be me.

Last night, my best friend and I changed our plans a bunch of times because we faced the dilemma of wanting to work out… but wanting to stay home and relax after long days at work. We compromised, instead of going to the gym, we would go for our quick routine walk that we take.

I dragged her off the couch and ate all her crackers while I waited for her to change and off we went! We did a quick circuit of step ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, and planks when we thought we were about half way home –> GO US!

Then… I had this idea.

I had noticed this little trail a few times when I did the walk and always wondered where it went. I suggested we check it out since we had soooooo much energy and were fueled by the power of sunshine and happiness. It was a beautiful trail right in the heart of Red Deer. However, what we quickly realized was that we had just embarked on a much longer walk than we had originally planned. It turned into a hike – a very beautiful hike.

10 km later, we arrived home with tired feet and full hearts. This city is so beautiful and has so much to offer. As much as I despise Canadian winters, I do love this wonderful country and I can’t imagine calling any other place home. I love Red Deer and enjoy exploring it at deeper levels. I particularly enjoy Red Deer when I have my trusty side kick by my side!

I encourage you today to go out and explore the city you call home on a deeper level today. Grab a friend and get some nature all over you!

// A Lesson in Cleanliness //

I can barely remember what I did yesterday.

It’s the truth. Well, a slight exaggeration.

I have sat through entire movies only to figure out somewhere near the end that I had seen it before though.

However, I distinctly remember something fantastic from my elementary years. My teachers would play a little game with us at the end of the day called ‘Mystery Garbage’. Here is the low-down of the game I fell in love with:

The teacher would do some little signal that it was ‘Mystery Garbage’ time.

Then we would all freeze where we were and start watching with such intensity exactly where the teachers eyes would go as they scanned the classroom for a special piece of garbage.

She would send us on our way in a cleaning frenzy as we raced around the class room to pick up as many pieces of garbage as we could.

If you happened to pick up the special mystery piece of garbage that she had previously chosen. You would get to pick a prize from the prize box!

WINNERS!

This game has followed me for some reason and I find myself picking up pieces of garbage around my work – and even the apartment I live in – with hopes that someone is watching me and is going to give me a prize. I have been conditioned to clean… funny how things work.

It is spring time in Red Deer. The snow has melted and revealed just how messy and careless we get with our garbage. Tim Horton’s cups flow through the streets like tumbleweed on a desert road. Not as picturesque though. Quite gross actually. There is a tampon applicator by the entrance to my apartment… I sure hope that is not the grand mystery garbage piece…. I did pick up the 2 empty bottles of Canadian Reserve… those are worth 10 cents each!

But there is a solution, Red Deer has this awesome program called ‘GREEN DEER’ the idea is for groups to band together and adopt areas of our BEAUTIFUL city to do some much needed spring clean up. Perhaps you or I are not the littering type, but other people sadly are. It is a lovely idea to take care of our city and our planet, by taking a bit of time to gather together and clean up the place we call home. Especially with tomorrow being Earth Day.

So, if you live in Red Deer, I encourage you to find your way to one of the recreation centres around town (Collicutt, Dawe, Recreation Centre) to register your name and get some fancy ‘Green Deer’ garbage bags, disposable gloves, and information on who to call if you happen upon some needles… There are other people trained to do that, so leave it to the professionals!

Make it fun! Gather some friends, fill some garbage bags, and throw a BBQ/ pot luck to give yourself a pat on the back for being a great member of society and all around exceptional human being.

I will do the same!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=yqINT0PN250frameborder%3D0allowfullscreen

// I stopped participating in Mondays //

I need to admit – I am not a morning person. I don’t like mornings and probably never will. That being said, I don’t use my distaste for mornings define how my day is going to go. Sure the first few minutes can be a bit rough and sometimes I spend too much time scrolling through facebook, instagram, and pinterest just to put off having to actually vacate the warmth and comfort of my beloved bed. But the point I am trying to get at is that it doesn’t define my day.

This morning at work was a bit tough on everyone. I work at a year round school that just came back from a 2-week spring break. My coworkers went on awesome vacations and spent some quality time with their families and friends.

GREAT THINGS!

Right??

I guess not, because there was an abundance of negativity towards having to be back at work and the phrase ‘this is such a Monday’ was being thrown around like free money.

SAD DAY!

Mondays aren’t always easy – especially if you had a really great weekend. I totally get that. But why not carry that excitement into the rest of your week? Why let one day become such a difficult task? Don’t even get me started on Wednesdays….

So, in light of the difficulties people face with having to participate in Mondays, here are 3 easy ways to make Mondays AWESOME:

 1.Make your lunch the night before.

This has got to be the easiest way to save time in the morning. This additional time will allow you to spend a couple extra moments cuddling with your pillow. Make your favorite meal on a Sunday evening and make sure you have leftovers that you can look forward to on Monday at lunch.

 2. Plan something fun for the evening.

Have some friends over for a game of cards, plan a walk with some neighbors or friends, or schedule a date with yourself to do something you love.

3. Wear a kick ass outfit

Wow the crowds and yourself with an outfit that you feel great in. Throw in some extra color, add a cute scarf, or even just take that extra time you saved by packing your lunch the night before to style your hair. If you look good, you will feel good.

BONUS!

Practice Gratitude

Perhaps you feel a bit stressed about some of the tasks that the week ahead will bring. Take a few minutes before you leave bed, during your morning coffee, or even in the shower to bring to mind the things you feel grateful for in your life. Sure things get hard, but focusing on the good things will inevitably increase engagement and positive affect.

//Cultivating Happiness//

A few weeks ago, I was cleaning the spare bedroom as it had become a dumping ground for everything that I did not want to deal with. As I was cleaning, I found a quote that my fiance had printed out and posted above his desk. The quote really struck me as profound and has been with me ever since.

 

I am by no means a writer, but I do recognize that I am capable of encouraging others and have special gifts that God has entrusted to me. How selfish it would be for a person who is blessed with so much to not share any of it. So here I am, being vulnerable and willing to share my gifts. I am challenged to cultivate happiness and gratitude in my own life, and I extend that challenge to you. Together, lets create a movement of love, happiness, and gratitude.

Think happy. Be happy.

Be. love.