Are you Taking Care of Yourself? day 12 UBC

 Why People Fail So Badly at Taking Care of Themselves

Even when you know how important self-care is to your well-being, it isn’t always easy to incorporate it into your daily routine. In fact, do you know many people fail when it comes to taking care of themselves?

Here, we’ll look at why people generally fail when it comes to self-care and the main things holding them back.

It is often perceived as selfish

One of the main reasons people fail to take care of themselves is because they feel it is selfish. It could be that you feel guilty when you take time to focus on yourself. Or, you may worry about what other people think, or that you are a terrible parent for not focusing solely on your children’s needs.

It is a total myth that self-care is selfish. In fact, it can help you to be a better parent, friend, spouse, and relative. The more you take care of yourself, the easier you’ll find it to take care of others. You’ll also show your children the importance of self-care. Teaching them to take care of their own needs is a crucial life skill that’s going to help them to grow up to be happier adults.

It requires effort

There is no getting away from the fact that self-care does take some level of effort in the beginning. When you aren’t used to making self-care a priority, you’re going to need to make quite a few changes to your routine.

Coming up with a self-care plan can feel like a chore, making it easy to put it off. However, there are ways to reduce the effort. For example, focusing on one thing you want to improve at a time can really help. Perhaps you’d like to start working out more? Scheduling time to exercise as soon as you wake up, for example, can be a great start. Or, if you’re looking to drink more water, focus on that goal first.

If you break down your self-care tasks, it makes them much easier, reducing a lot of the effort involved.

Different approaches work for different people

Every one of us is different, which means we enjoy and dislike different things. When you initially look at examples of self-care, you’ll find a lot of them relate to things like reading a book or taking a hot bubble bath. These types of activities aren’t for everyone so they might feel self-care really isn’t for them.

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths, yoga, and meditation. It is anything that relaxes and takes care of you. So, if you find going for a run is a more effective way of feeling good, that would be classed as a self-care task.

If you find one self-care approach isn’t working, try something else. Self-care should be personal to your own needs.

These are the most common reasons people fail to take good care of themselves. It can be difficult overcoming the initial barriers to self-care. However, once you fully understand what and how important it is, you’ll find it much easier to stick to a self-care routine.

How are you taking care of yourself today? 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
h2hsc2020

Facebook: H2hsc2020 
Twitter: H2hsc2020 
Instagram: Heart to Heart Soul Creations 
Pinterest: Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020)

#Ultimateblogchallenge, #blogboost, #Thinkingoutloud, #selfcare, #creativethinking, #mindfulness, #routines

Spices and Herbs as Food Enhancements - Day 3, UBC

Time is zipping by already in the February 2021 Ultimate Blog Challenge (UBC). Can you believe we are already on day 3? I can't. Time needs to sit still for a bit and just chill. Are you sitting still today? Are you breathing? I sure hope so...anyway. 

Have you enjoyed the last two days of my UBC blogs? Have you figured out my theme yet? Today's topic might give you another clue. Remember, these were random statements I posted on my Facebook wall a month or so ago to engage others in dialogue and conversation. Not only do these random questions cause a grown person to think and reflect on what they have daily at their disposal, but sometimes we also take the small things we have for granted. What happens if these small things are no longer accessible? Would you survive without them? Could you survive without them? Would you be able to adjust to survive? These adjustments might impact, eating, shelter, transportation, survival, employment, and anything else we humans need to survive this thing we call LIFE. 

The random statements I posted could easily become assignments for people who homeschool their children. After all, they are the future generations. Would they know how to cook in a cast-iron skillet? Pre-season it, clean it, and store it? If not, check out my day one post called, Cast Iron Skillet/Dutch Oven Cooking. What about survival? Would they know how to provide shelter or food in the event they needed to adjust a few things? If not, check out my day two post called, Eating or Having a Roof Over Your Head. 

Without further ado, let's talk about today's random statement.

"I am cooking, there are no spices in our cabinets for food enhancements, what could I use"?

 

How many of you cook daily? I'm sure there are a few chefs among us, right? When you are cooking, tasting, and preparing your food - do you keep it bland, or do you throw a pinch of this in there and a pinch of that? What does the pinch of this and the pinch of that consist of? 

The comments and dialog that many were engaged with on this random question were remarkably interesting. One of my friends mentioned, "collecting salt from the rocks and that local plants could be used. Knowing which plants are edible versus poisonous would be vital". 

Have you ever tasted a rock by chance? Did you know salt came from rocks? I vaguely recall as a little girl tasting rocks. I don't know why I tasted rocks, but I do have that memory. We also made mud pies back in the day. Thinking back to those memories grosses me out today, just knowing what happens in our yards and such with the nightly varmints that troll the streets, i.e., skunks, possums, rabbits, dogs peeing, etc. or even the pesticides used to kill the weeds and makes our grass grow. Mud Pies...yum, yum! NOT!!!  I think I will pass on the mud pies today. LOL

I have always wanted to visit a salt mine. Have you ever been to one? One of my friends and cousins (still trying to figure out how we connect with my 3rd great grandfather) posted photos of a trip they took recently. Can you guess where they went? You got it. They visited a Salt Cave. It was called Sol Himalayan Salt Cave and Spa.  When I saw the pictures she shared, I had to check out the website. I always thought salt was just for seasoning and food enhancements. I didn't realize it was therapeutic for our bodies...

I use Himalayan Salt in one of my grinders!  Do you use Himalayan Salt in your cooking? Have you ever been to a salt cave or spa? If you have been following my blogs for any length of time, you will know, I enjoy road trips, weekend adventures, and getaways. I have made note of the Himalayan Salt Cave and Spa for a future trip. 

There are many types of salt products available to use in food preparation, canning, preserving, and now I suppose therapy, according to the previous website I mentioned above. 

When mom and dad made homemade ice cream, they would use rock salt. I used to snag little chunks of that and put it in my mouth. I miss the days of making homemade ice cream.  Rock Salt is not much different than iodized salt. Rock salt has more minerals compared to table salt. That's because, during the refining process of table salt, it loses calcium, potassium, etc. Table Salt comes from Rock Salt. It could also have more iodine in it than Rock Salt. 

There are so many different varieties of Rock Salt. Pink, Himalayan, Sea Salt, Himalayan Black Salt, and, Ice cream Salt, just to name a few. What is your favorite to use? I've used a variety of different salts in the past. Salt is one way to enhance our food. Please use it in moderation though. A lot of salt is not good for our health. Choose wisely...

Do you know which plants are edible versus poisonous out in the timber or walking along the street?

Another memory I have as a little girl is traveling to visit my great grandparents in Mineral Wells, Texas. Down the street from my great grannie's house, was an old Cemetery. There were trees there too. High up in the trees, was Mistletoe. If we ever visited during the holidays, mom would always send dad over to snip her some fresh Mistletoe to take home with us. 

Did you know Mistletoe can cause blurriness, drowsiness, vomiting, and even seizures?  I didn't. I always thought it was poisonous, but not necessarily for humans. To animals, yes. When I see trees that have Mistletoe in them, I always smile and think about the memories of mom taking some home with us from great grannie's house. I did see her and dad kiss under it a few times, too!   What I'm saying here...do not eat Mistletoe. It wouldn't be one of my choices of plants to cook with...

One of my followers asked my friend who posted the statement about collecting salt from rocks and using local plants 'how they would know what to look for'? A suggestion given was to find a book on Herbs and research your yard and the around where you live to see what is available. I thought that was a good idea. My dad used to have all sorts of books. He liked to read. I'm sure he had books on Herbs...now whatever happened to them, I couldn't tell you. I do, however, have his books on Roses. :-)

Some of the dialog and conversations to the prompt I gave brought many chuckles to those who were engaged. Someone said, "be my luck I'd find poison ivy". Another comment made was, "my yard is full of weeds and stickers” which brings me to my next thought. Do you know the difference between Poison Ivy? My husband is a hunter...I cannot tell you the number of times he has come home covered in Poison Ivy. He always says', "if it has leaves of three, let it be...". 

If you are going to venture out into the wilderness or the timber, one needs to know what they are looking at and what to look for. Here is a picture of Poison Ivy. 

I don't want any Poison Ivy to cook with...and I'm sure you don't either. That's why it is important to know your plants and Herbs. Many are extremely useful and have many wonderful attributes, but many are harmful. There are many wonderful books available to learn about the different plants and Herbs. 

Thinking about the leaves, the plants, and such, we need to also keep in mind the textures of each one we see. Some might be very hairy. Some may be bitter and like I mentioned before, some might even be poisonous. Know your plants...

This brings me to my next thought...how many of you have bought a bunch of Cilantro only to get home and realize it's Parsley? I cannot tell you how many times I have sent my husband to the store to purchase ingredients for homemade salsa, only to find instead of Cilantro he has mistakingly brought home a bunch of Parsley. 

I did this very same thing on Tuesday when I went to the store for a few items. I saw the sign, I reached for the container, dropped it in my basket, and went on my merry way.  When I began preparing the egg omelets for breakfast later in the day, I reached for the container I had picked up earlier in the day...oh my gosh! Fresh Oregano instead of Basil....guess what, I used it anyway in our omelets and it actually tasted pretty good. Although I still wanted the basil, I had to adjust my thinking and my taste buds. Anyway, I'm sure none of you have had any little snafus like this, have you? If you have, tell me about them...I'd love to hear your stories. 

One Herb I enjoy cooking with is Rosemary. My husband always calls them sticks. I like to grind my own, use it in the original form, and the powder form as well. He doesn't like me using Rosemary much, especially in the stick form as he calls it! 

Have you ever seen a Rosemary bush? If you have, did you rub your hand across it? The aroma it lets off is tantalizing. When I worked at Terrell State Hospital here in Texas, just outside of the main door to the building I worked in, were two exceptionally large Rosemary bushes. They smelled so good, especially when I would stroke my hand through the tops of them on my way in the door. Did you know that Rosemary is also used to repel insects? Just another little tidbit I have learned through the years. That's why these two large Rosemary bushes were planted outside of the entryway...to help deter insects. 

I always have a Rosemary bush at our house throughout the summer. I have thought about planting a large one like the ones I walked past every day for eight years straight...maybe I will this year. 

Rosemary in any form is another great Herb to enhance food. 

Getting back to our yards...how many of you have Dandelions growing? You know, those little yellow flowers we see from time to time in our yards. Did you know that these weeds as I call them are edible? They can be used to make herbs and tea.  The entire plant is edible, but you would want to avoid the stem if possible as there is latex in it. This could result in having a 'laxative' effect on you. I have read that Dandelions resemble a spicey Arugula. I love eating Spring mix greens. I'm sure at one time or another I have eaten a Dandelion. 

If you like drinking tea, here is a recipe for you to try using Dandelions. 

1. place about two cups of clean dandelion in a saucepan.
2. cover with 4 cups of water.
3. bring water to a boil.
4. strain out the dandelion and reserve the liquid for your tea.
5. dilute the tea with water if the flavor is too strong.

You can add honey, lemons, limes, etc. if you need to enhance the flavor of your tea. 

Another comment I received with regards to food enhancements was, "I grew wild garlic". When Ronnie and I lived in Illinois, we also had wild garlic. The aroma they put out was strong at times. I always had him cut me a few stalks (if that's what it is called) everyone few days. 

Today, where we live, our neighbor has wild garlic growing in the back of his place. From time to time if the wind is blowing right, I get a whiff of it blowing across my face. I smile...

Something else I use to enhance the flavor of food is lemons and limes. I also use jalapeno's, sweet peppers, and other Herbs such as garlic cloves, oregano, basil, and mint. Did you know you can make a tea out of mint, too? In fact, one of my dad's sister had a mint bush in front of her yard...when I would visit her, she would always pinch off a piece and stick it in her mouth. She would tell me it was good for the soul. This same aunt always had clove in her mouth too. I remember as a small girl, her breath smelling so good. I guess it was from the mint and cloves she would swish around in her mouth. 

Here's a quick recipe for Mint Tea - the mint can be crumbled by hand or through a screen when it's dry. The leaves can also be left whole, too. Steep about one tsp of dried mint leaves in hot water for three minutes to make a soothing mug of Mint tea. Enjoy! 

Something else I do is keep the peels of oranges after I eat the insides. I make tea out of them, too. Have you ever made yourself a cup of Orange tea? If not, try the same steps as making the Mint tea, only there won't be any leaves, but peels instead. Bring your water to a boil, add the peels and let them seep for a few minutes. Once you have seeped them to your liking, add a splash of milk, or honey and enjoy. Be careful though, as it will be hot!

I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of the different things we can use for spices to enhance our foods. What are some of the items you use? 

Until tomorrow, 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

Facebook: H2hsc2020 
Twitter: H2hsc2020 
Instagram: Heart to Heart Soul Creations 
Pinterest: Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020)

#Ultimateblogchallenge, #UBC, #blogboost, #inthekitchen, #spices, #herbs, #foodenhancements, #thinkingoutloud, #memories, #inthegarden, #creativethinking, #blogging, #homeschoolactivities, #homeschoollearning, #homeschoollessons, #homeschoolmoms, #homeschooling2021, #homeschoolingTexas

Disclaimer: In this post are my affiliate links if you click on the links and make a purchase, I will make a small percentage of the items you purchase.

Being Thankful for Who I Am - TTOT

Hello Friday...yes, another week is just about over, and the first of February is only a few days away. Time is moving so fast...and yet, at times it's as though it is standing still. 

Trying to make it in time for the Ten Things of Thankful post today...I have looked at the clock on many occasions thinking to myself, I need to hurry up and sit down to write my list of ten things I am thankful for this week. After all, that's what this blog is about right? Ten Things of Thankful. This weekly adventure is hosted by Dyanne Vinyard Dillon of Backsies is What There is Not. She does a fantastic job, and I am thankful to be in such fine company of her and other genuine people alike. 

Thinking about my list of things I am thankful for this week, the #Ten spot is: 

being thankful that I can let down all my defenses and strategies of yesterday and today

I must admit, this hasn't been an easy feat to conquer. But knowing that I no longer have to get on the defense over this and that speaks volumes for the person I am today. Yet at the same time, those defenses and strategies were part of my saving grace too. I am thankful today for the journey and life lessons I have lived through. 

#Nine is: 

I am thankful that I have been willing to become vulnerable and open

When I worked in the Mental Health Field as a Certified Peer Specialist, our life's journey was like an open book when it came to sharing our journey with mental health and recovery. Some of my life's journey today, still seems very raw when I speak of it because of the trauma associated with it...but being able to talk about it today with empathy, compassion, and conviction is what has brought healing to the forefront of the pain I lived through and experienced. My number nine spot speaks volumes to what I have overcome with regards to vulnerability to be open about my life's journey. Not just parts of it, but all of it... 

#Eight is: 

I am thankful for endless possibilities

#Seven is: 

I am thankful that I am worthy of love

In my younger years, I didn't feel loved much of the time. This even carried over into my adult life for a period. Today, I am thankful that I KNOW without a doubt I am worthy of love and no one or nothing will ever make me feel less than ever again.  

#Six is: 

I am thankful I have learned there is no challenge too big to conquer

Yes, sometimes situations are bigger than what we imagined. But when we set our eyes on the end result - we can achieve anything. It might take more focus, more planning, or even stepping away from the situation for a period to regroup and that's okay. It's in those moments that things become clearer and the task at hand oftentimes becomes easier to manage. I am thankful I can think outside of the box to conquer the big things. 

#Five is: 

I am thankful I have been able to find joy in crafting again

Here are several pictures of my current Junk Journal I have been creating. I'm not sure yet where this one will end up. I have been tossing around doing a giveaway with it. But time will tell...I did receive another request last week from someone who wants one. Who knows...time will tell. 

I am about halfway finished embellishing and decorating the pages of the last two signatures. In the last photo above, the first signature is completed. There are three signatures total in this Junk Journal. I am having fun with this one as it is a Vintage themed Junk Journal. 

#Four is: 

I am thankful for family and friends

#Three is: 

I am thankful for a new day

#Two is: 

I am thankful for an attitude of gratitude

Are you grateful?  Do you spend time contemplating small blessings? Or are you empty, dark, and hopeless?  Have you ever thought about the idea of being grateful? We can go through life without ever being thankful or we can take the lessons of life and apply them to our lives to begin a fruitful existence. Learning how to look at things a bit differently takes courage, and it begins with seeing the true beauty of life. Something that oftentimes is not easy to do, but it IS doable. 

Have you ever thought about starting a gratitude journal? All it takes is a pen, pencil, paper, a cell phone notepad, or even a notepad or a word document on the computer. Just start with one word...before you know it, the words will begin to flow. This is where I find healing many times when I sit down to journal. Whether it is in one of my Glue Books or on the computer. What are you waiting for? Start your gratitude journal today...I suppose Ten Things of Thankful could be considered a gratitude list. After all, we are writing about things we are thankful for, right?!

#One is: 

I am thankful for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

Facebook: H2hsc2020
Twitter: H2hsc2020
Instagram: Heart to Heart Soul Creations
Pinterest: Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020)

#TenThingsofThankful, #ttot, #thinkingoutloud, #thankfulness, #inspiration,  #gratitude, #life, #Hope, #Crafting, #junkjournals, #junkjournalpages, #creativethinking, #blogboost

Thankfulness - TTOT

Hello Friday...! It's a NEW day. Thank goodness. Where do we go from here? Lives shattered. Lives altered. Democracy challenged. Security challenged. Leadership in shambles...and yet, all I can say is - BUT GOD. 

Ten Things of Thankfulness today...do I have ten things to be thankful for this week? No, I have more than ten. I have a lifetime of thankfulness. I am thankful I am still living, breathing, and that I possess the power within me to know what is right and what is wrong. 

I am thankful GOD still SITS ON THE THRONE. 

I am thankful I CAN PRAY (loudly or silently). 

I am thankful I LIVE and BREATHE. 

I am thankful that I know the PEACE OF GOD in my heart. 

I am thankful that I believe in the POWER OF FORGIVENESS. 

I am thankful for DUE DILIGENCE. 

I am thankful for JUSTICE. 

I am thankful for PEACE. 

I am thankful for HOPE. 

I am thankful for FAITH. 

I am thankful for LOVE. 

I am thankful for LIFE. 

I am thankful for A NEW DAY...

I am thankful that I can SIT AND JUST BE.

I am thankful that I CAN BE STILL..and know ALL IS WELL within my soul.  

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

Facebook: H2hsc2020 
Twitter: H2hsc2020 
Instagram: Heart to Heart Soul Creations 
Pinterest: Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020)

#tenthingsofthankfulness, #TTOT, #thankfulness, #prayer, #faith, #HOPE #love, #forgivenss, #newday2021, #PEACE, #thinkingoutloud, #life, 

FOCUS 2020 versus 2021

Every time the mail gets brought into the house, I look through it to see what needs to hit 'file 13' and what needs to be filed away. You know, bills, statements, cards, etc. As a crafter, I find it hard to throw anything away because I always think in the back of my mind, oooooo - -"I CAN use that on a project" or "THAT" would be awesome with this project. How many of you can relate? 

2020 has been an unusual year for everyone in general due to the COVID Pandemic. With all this time on my hands since we could not get out and about, on many occasions, I found myself going through things in my craft room to 'purge' instead of oohing and awwing over. In fact, I threw so much 'stuff' away that should have hit file 13 upon its arrival than I care to blurt out loud. I am sure one day in my future, I will kick myself for doing so. But not today...

Here is an example of what I am talking about. Periodicals in every form. Words I have cut out and placed in bags to use in collages. I have about 25 assorted magazines that I still have not gone through tearing and cutting pictures and/or words out of to use in my crafting projects. With that stack of magazines, I probably have 5 - 9 large freezer bags full of torn out words, neatly cut words, and assorted images. Yes, too many!!! I never thought there would be a day that I said "I have too many"...I always want more, more, MORE! (chuckling out loud)

                                                                                                                                                

On Monday, I managed to finish up several projects that I started a few months back. I can see the top of my desk and the floor for that fact! In fact, my room is all organized once again, and everything is in its place. When I am in the 'zone'...it looks like the Tasmanian Devil has come through my crafting room. But who has time to clean it as I go, I do not! Especially when I am crafting. If I am cooking, that is a totally different story...I wash dishes as I go. LOL

I feel accomplished that I finally finished all the albums I have been working on since the end of September. This is one of the reasons I have been away from blogging for the last few months. They took most of my time and focus as I had to be precise in measurements, cutting, and placing things for them to be a success.   Not to mention the constant health issues that continue to plague my body. I had to shift a few days, make other arrangements and in fact, cancel days that I had planned for crafting or genealogy just to become a couch potato due to health issues. Today, I feel okay...and I will leave it right there. Do not want to jinx it...not that I am superstitious or anything like that! LOL

My focus in 2020 started out with a plan at the end of 2019...I was on a smooth ride until the early part of February when I got extremely sick. Then my mom died and shortly after that, I ended up in the hospital for almost three weeks because I was 'that' sick.  I have not been at 100 % since. But I manage. Each day, I make a constant effort to get out of bed, clean myself up, put on clothes, and begin my day. Whatever it looks like. 

Some days I make plans to craft or work on my Genealogy (which is another one of my most favorite past times in the world).  Pertaining to crafting - I have so much stuff that I could craft for days on end and never even make a dent in my things.  I have donated things, I have sold things, and yet...at the end of the day, I still have STUFF! Plenty of stuff...

Genealogy and research stuff are in my room too. Drawers and drawers and drawers of it. There are tubs of photos that I am in the process of scanning into the computer. Remember those binders I blogged about earlier in the year? Yes, I am still working on the binders I started earlier in the year that was on my 'to do' list for 2020. When will I ever get to a stopping point there? Probably never...as research always uncovers a new branch on my Family Tree. But I am not complaining...love the history of my ancestors! 

In between all the projects I have on my plate, I try to always find time to do a page or two in one of my many Glue Books using those cut-out words and images I mentioned above. This morning as I wrapped up a few things I had left undone from last night, I glanced over at my bookcase and saw a bag of torn/cut out words and images. I grabbed it and quickly picked up one of my Glue Books. I do not ever have a focus or theme in mind when I am working on these books...I just go with the flow and today was no different. One thing I will say though I do is stay within the bag I chose, or the box of things cut out. I do not look for other things to use instead of what is in front of me. FOCUS...stay focused! 

I pulled out a photo of a car that I had fussy cut. I placed it on the page. Not in any order or thought process. I just glued it on. Then I added a few more images. I had pulled out a handful of torn, cut out words from the bag like I showed above. I looked at the words in my hand. CELEBRATE was the first word I touched.  I placed it on the page. 

Continuing to build the page out, another set of words I had in my hand was, COME TO LIFE - so I placed it on the page...

The page was beginning to bring on life. "COME TO LIFE, CELEBRATE". What a concept...especially in 2020! This year has brought so many heartaches, uncertainties, loss of income, loss of life, and yet on the opposite side of that statement, 2020 has brought people closer together because of 'stay at home' orders, brought life, brought new revelations, and has given purpose to many in some way or another. Looking at the page and the words in my hand, a world of wonderful and the TODAY fell onto my desk. Okay, I will use both on the page was my thought. 

Piddling around trying to figure out where I wanted to place them, I ended up putting 'world of wonderful' next to the word, celebrate and the word, TODAY just underneath. 

So now I have with my images this...COME TO LIFE, CELEBRATE A WORLD OF WONDERFUL TODAY. That began to resonate with me. Thinking about 2020, the world has not been wonderful at all this year. It has taken and taken and taken and what have we been given back? I pondered this for a little bit while staring at the page before me. I pushed my chair back and would not you know it, I knocked off the bag of torn out cut-out words to the floor. Oh my...so much for my cleaned-up floor! LOL

As I picked up the words and images (there must be about 150 or so in this bag), I saw the words, FINDING FOCUS...that is it! That is what I want to use next. I placed it on the page. FOCUS...we all need to find focus whatever it is. I am sure it is different for many of us and the same for some. Have you ever just let that word resonate with you for a moment?

F * O * C * U * S - what does it mean? I am glad you asked. Let me tell you the definition of the word. 

FOCUS: 

*the center of interest or activity

*the state or quality of having or producing a clear visual definition

Well, what my focus was at the end of 2019 is not how 2020 ended up. I had a clear vision and plan of what I wanted to accomplish this year. This is what it looked like: 

January: Start my BLOG, do more crafting projects (Junk Journals, Portfolios, meet new cousins by way of DNA matches) just to name a few

February: Build my followers, order themed papers and ephemera for crafting projects, make plans for trips to different parts of the USA

March: Continue to build my brand, begin working on Junk Journals and other crafting projects, make travel plans, etc. 

April: Continue building followers, continue working on the brand, get a website up and running, work on crafting projects (for sale and for fun), get ready to meet new family

May: 

June: 

July: 

August: 

September:

October: 

November:

December: 

I will not bore you with all the details of my vision I put in place in the latter part of 2019, but you get the picture. I was FOCUSED on 2020 and wanted to put things in motion and I did. Like many of you, I have had to reprioritize my 2020 plans and make changes. Nothing was ever concrete so adjusting was somewhat easy. 

Here we are, two and half weeks before we hit 2021, and looking back on the accomplishments I had for myself in 2020, have been nothing but unsuccessful - -but that is OKAY!!! There is always tomorrow...after all, sometimes - we just need to be still and wait. Sit quietly and listen...

2020 has given me reassurances that tomorrow is not always promised. Love your loved ones today. Make amends and learn to ask for forgiveness (whether it be for self or for another person). Have a sense of self-worth because YOU matter. Learn what you are made of - OWN it. 

Finishing up the page in my Glue Book, I ended up with this...

The page says it all...how did your 2020 focus end? Did you get wrapped up in all the muck of what this year brought forth? Or did you stay in your vision and take this time to grow and find strength?

Thinking about "FOCUS", what was yours this year? The virus, family, loss of life, finances, or survival? Whatever it was...did it ever shift for you? How is your focus in 2021 going to be different than this year, 2020?

What are some of the changes you are going to put in place to ensure that your focus shifts?

Here is to a new tomorrow, a new outlook, change, and new beginnings...

I look forward to hearing from you... 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

Facebook: H2hsc2020
Twitter: H2hsc2020
Instagram: Heart to Heart Soul Creations
Pinterest: Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020)

#Life, #thinkingoutloud, #Focus, #change, #2020, #stayathome, #newbeginnings, #inspiration, #coping, #crafting, #Gluebooks, #Genealogy, #blogging, #mindfulness

Things To Avoid If You Want To Think Creatively

We’re all busy. Busy is a part of everyone’s over full lives. We have overflowing email in-boxes, cram too many meetings into our day, spend hours trying to keep up with social media. But being busy simply means we don’t have priorities set upright. And being busy means our creativity suffers. 

Our creative powers become stagnant when we are busy. Creativity is what helps us manifest our ideas, use it to solve problems so our projects succeed or come up with easier ways to do things.

There are things we do, the habits we have, that are zapping our creativity. These habits drain us and put our goals out of reach. With a few changes in your behavior, you can begin tapping into your creativity.

Bad Medicine
Look at all the things you put into your body. Those things that help you cope every day. Do they really help? This can be anything you eat that you get some sort of effect from. This can be processed or junk food, sugar or caffeine from coffee to drugs, alcohol or smoking. When we’re at our peak, our creative selves are more prevalent. Be honest with what goes into your body. Is it helping or hindering?

Social Media
Social media is an important part of how we connect with others and cultivate relationships for our work. It’s also a big attention stealer. Our attention is vital to our lives and for creativity. Limit how much time you spend on social media. Be aware of how it makes you feel and how it affects your creativity.
Email

Email inboxes are inundated with more and more emails every day. Checking our email is one of the biggest killers of energy and momentum in our lives. Set a specific time to read, respond, and delete emails to make better use of more time and energy.
Overworking

It’s easy to overdo work and get burnt out. We push ourselves to the limit. Then our energy slags and we lose sleep. Instead, when possible, set limits on how long you work. Learn how to be consistent, outsource, get help, or whatever is necessary to not overwork yourself. “Sprints” are fine but only occasionally, but make sure you don’t let your rest suffer.
Doing the Wrong Work

One thing that destroys your creativity is doing the wrong work. When you spend too much time on things that don’t matter or that don’t come naturally to you, you begin to become stagnant, overworked, and less creative. Instead delegate, outsource or avoid tasks that are part of your weakness. Playing to your strengths allows you to embrace your creativity.
Choosing the First Solution

When you go with the first solution, you are just recalling or settling. This keeps you from being motivated to try alternative ideas. When faced with a problem, take the time to explore different solutions. Is there a better one, more efficient one, easier one?

Changing your habits that are restricting your creativity can change the way you tap into your creativity. Doing away with these habits frees energy, time, and mental awareness letting you be open to new ideas and thoughts.

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020

Facebook: H2hsc2020

Twitter: H2hsc2020

Instagram: Heart to Heart Soul Creations

Pinterest: Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020)

#CreatitiveThinking, #thinking, #creative, #timewasters, #timebusters, #thoughts, #thinkingoutloud, #valueyourtime, #prioritize, #life, #positiveoutcomes

10 Ways to Develop Creativity

Creativity is something we all use in some form, but many believe they aren’t creative. But the creative mind can be developed. The best way to do that is through practice. The more you do the things, regularly, that flex your creative muscle, the more you will develop a natural ability to be creative.

Developing your creative muscles helps reduce stress and improve your problem-solving ability. Begin with these 10 steps to develop and enhance your creativity.

        1. Be mindful and observe what others are doing around you. The way we see our surroundings and our environment helps build our creativity. Notice and appreciate everything and everyone around you. This opens your mind to new possibilities while helping you build on collection of experiences to draw from for inspiration.

        2. Be willing to take risks in order to develop your creative skills. While you will fail, you will be boosting your creativity and building skills you can use later.

        3. Every time you make progress with using your creativity, you are building your confidence. Reward yourself for your creativity.

        4. When you approach a problem remember there are multiple solutions. Look for a variety of solutions instead of going with your first one. This helps build problem solving skills and your creative thinking skills.

        5. Start to keep a creativity journal. Use it to keep track of your creative process and any ideas you come up with. Go back and reflect on what you have accomplished. Use it to try to find other solutions to any problems you may have solved already.

        6. Use a mind map or flow chart to connect ideas and look for creative answers to any questions you are facing. For the mind map, write down the central topic or word then link the related ideas around the center word. This gives you a visual for seeing ideas and how they are linked. The flow chart can be used to track what needs to happen when in a project or event. They can also be used to visualize the final product and what needs to happen to get to that finished product.

        7. Develop your creativity by changing your environment. This can as simple as clearing your desk, painting your walls or moving your furniture. Or you can try taking your laptop to work in a different setting such as a restaurant or park.

        8. Fight your fear of failing. If you fear you will make a huge mistake or fail when you try doing something new, it can keep you paralyzed from being creative. Mistakes are always going to happen. The trick is to not give up and to learn from them.

        9. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Do this on a regular basis to develop your creativity. Changing things and doing things outside your comfort zone boosts creativity. Start with something small if you aren’t ready to rock climb a mountain cliff.

    10. Take time to daydream and let your mind wander. Daydreaming leads to creative problem-solving while boosting your creative thinking. As it wanders, your mind accesses memories and emotions as well as those random bits of knowledge you’ve forgotten. Focus on the area you are wanting inspiration in.

Practice is key when it comes to developing your creativity. If you don’t do your activities, regularly, whether they are mental or physical, your creativity fades. There are many ways to develop your creativity. Just find the ones that work for you.

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

Facebook: H2hsc2020
Twitter: H2hsc2020
Instagram: Heart to Heart Soul Creations
Pinterest: Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020)


#CreativeThinking, #Mindfulness, #Inspiration, 

Useful Tricks to Improve Creative Thinking

There might be times you find yourself lacking in creativity. The cause for your lack of creativity can be for different reasons. It could be you haven’t been using your creative muscles regularly and they’ve become hidden. There are many tricks you can use to improve your creative thinking.

One of the best ways to keep yourself inspired to create every day is to have rituals in place that you use regularly and routinely. Having routines that inspire you conditions your brain to tap into your creativity easily. Some examples of a ritual might be to 

·       Read in the morning.
·       Listen to music every day.
·       Meditating for 5 minutes.
·       Deep breathe throughout the day.

Creating something every day, even if you only have 5 or 10 minutes to do so, keeps your creativity alive and inspired. You don’t have to create a masterpiece. Write a short article. Draw mind maps in meetings. Develop new product ideas. Creatively re-arrange and organize your files. Take photographs of the sunset.

Take breaks often. Especially when you feel stuck with a problem and can’t find the solution. Taking breaks allows your mind to focus on something else while getting inspiration. It’s also good to take a break from all the digital chatter in our lives regularly. Get outside and unplug at least once a week, preferably daily, to build your creative thinking muscle.

Whenever you feel inspired, make a list of those ideas in a small notebook or note app in your phone. Use these ideas as launching pads for new ways of doing things, new products, or whatever inspires you.

Have fun regularly. Go out with friends or colleagues for some time away from the routines that are keeping you stuck. Laughing, good conversation and bouncing ideas off each other builds and inspires your creativity while helping you relax and have fun.

Use the “Three Ifs” to ask clever questions to inspire your thoughts on a concept. Build your creative thinking by asking questions like these:

1.     What would happen if I change it (the object, system, etc.)?
2.     What would I change or improve about it if I wanted to use it in 10 years?
3.     What would I do if I had a one-million-dollar investment to improve it?

These questions or ones like them can be powerful tools to help you think differently. Repeatedly use the three questions test in all types of situations. Ideas will begin to flow and enable you to think more creatively.

Take advantage of the peak hours that you feel most productive and creative when you need to find a solution. Some people are more creative during times of emotional stress. Whatever that time is, use it to let your creative juices flow. Put on some music, surround yourself with inspiring things, and just be creative.

Interact with creative and inspiring people on a regular basis to get fresh ideas and perspectives. These interactions and exchange of ideas can help you re-focus on the creative ideas that work best for you and help you narrow down your options.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks to improve your creative thinking. When you avoid taking risks you end up suppressing your ideas. Risks give you permission to think outside the box and embrace your creative ideas. Some people are more creative than others, naturally. But everyone can be a creative thinker. Build your creativity in ways that help you be inspired and creative all the time.

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

Facebook: H2hsc2020

Twitter: H2hsc2020

Instagram: Heart to Heart Soul Creations

Pinterest: Heart to Heart Soul Creations (H2hsc2020)

#CreativeThinking, #CopingTools, #wellnesstoolbox