Dealing With The Extreme Cold

While dealing with another bout of frigid weather this month, I am even more determined not to let it affect my mood. I became a little paranoid a week before Christmas, when I fell on a patch of ice and sprained my arm. While I am relieved that the injury was only minor, I still feel anxious whenever I go outside to deal with the icy walking and driving conditions. Like so many of you, the heavy winds, shorter days, and less sunlight makes me wish I could hibernate all winter long. Since that is not practical or healthy, I have found other ways to prevent the cold from making me physically and emotionally immobile.

1. I make sure to get outside during the day, even if it is for a few minutes at a time. If I don't make it outside when the sun is shining, I feel lethargic. When the sunshine is obscured by clouds or fog throughout the day, then the next step is essential for me to combat sluggishness.

2. Everyone knows exercise is key for overall health. I try to run up and down stairs or do jumping jacks if I don't have a chance to do a proper work out, and it can be for 5-10 minutes several times a day. I find that it is helpful when I am working in front of my laptop for long periods of time. No fancy exercise equipment required!

3. Doing something new at least once a week is very important to me too. It doesn't have to be expensive, time consuming, or anything too elaborate; as long as I gain a new experience, it's completely worth it. I recently attended a free cooking competition between two top chefs, which I had never done before. I have also visited previously unseen parks, window-shopped at new stores, and seen unique movies and musical performances I find online that seem interesting. I just like how new stimuli keeps me interested in the outside world, even when the weather can be a big obstacle.

What do you do to combat the winter cold?

Ahead of the Curve

CHICKS ROCK! is happy to welcome back Giovanna as a guest blogger:

Giovanna lives in New York City. Through her work experiences and
most recently through her studies, she has developed a passion for the
dynamic of work, the psychology behind it.

The best professional advice I ever received is to always keep learning. Make it your business to stay on top of current trends and anticipate those to come. I previously wrote an article for my blog with tips to stay ahead of the curve in your career, but with time, I realized this is not just something that can be applied to work but also to life.

Everyone should strive for personal development. Here are some ways to stay at the forefront:

1. Know yourself
The words ‘Know Thyself’ first appeared at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in ancient Greece. The phrase is often interpreted to mean that in order to understand the world, we must first understand ourselves. The idea seems simple enough: who knows me better than me, right? However, the harsh reality is that people struggle with self-awareness every day.

Research shows that many lack understanding of their own behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. As a result, they fall into a pattern of poor decision-making, creating a negative reflection of self. Researchers urge us to be mindful of our behaviors and thoughts. Becoming aware of who you are, how you present yourself to others, and where you stand in relation to your environment can do wonders for your overall wellbeing.

2. Move with the times
Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but the world is changing. Society is different now than it was even one year ago. There have been great strides in the arts, sciences, and technology. Some of our previous beliefs are now outdated and new attitudes have taken their place.

Do not cling to old-fashioned views that can infringe on your personal growth. We often become stuck on who we think we are and close ourselves off to new perspectives. Allow new lessons and experiences to evolve the way you think about things.

3. Challenge yourself
There may come a time when your regular day-to-day will become mundane. The things that used to drive you will no longer challenge you. It is then up to you to create new challenges.

Pay attention to resources around you. You will likely find a plethora of exciting things just waiting to be explored. Procure new goals for yourself, learn new skills, try new things, talk to interesting people, attend trainings, meetings, fairs, cultural events, etc. Keep yourself abreast of what’s going on in the world. Never for one second quit learning.

New Year's Resolution & Intentions

To say that 2013 was an eventful year would be a gross understatement. I'm betting on 2014 being wonderful and magical! Instead of coming up with a resolution, or even a series of resolutions as I've done in the past, I made a list of several goals and intentions for the year. A lot of it, I've realized, has to do with putting myself first, being authentic, and loving myself fully.

Even in the first few days of the new year, I've already been challenged. Merely 24 hours into 2014, I was in bed with an ear infection. I whined a little, but I took it as an opportunity to take care of myself. I eased up on work, looked up home remedies, ate well, and spent most of the day at home.

Then, when my sister told me about the beauty cleanse she's doing, we started talking about detoxing, immunity shots, healthy drinks, etc. I had already been thinking about ways to be healthier, which seems much more feasible now that I won't be as nomadic. I don't usually concern myself with being healthier but both of my sisters are all about it, plus I'm in California, so it's been very present these last few weeks. I've had - and enjoyed - homemade almond milk, cooked - and mostly enjoyed - a vegetarian Christmas, tried - and enjoyed - raw food bars, and shopped exclusively at Whole Foods. My sisters aren't just into eating well, I also exfoliated with raw honey and turbinado sugar and used a natural clay mask, and let me tell you, it felt lovely. (The exfoliant tasted good, too!)

Okay, so all of this was happening and has been the topic of many conversations, and I decided today that my resolution/intention for the new year boils down to self-love and self-care. Put into language that holds me accountable every day, I will perform at least one act of self-love every day. This might seem like a tiny thing, but it's big for me.

I imagine that some [and then many, and then hopefully most] days will have more than one act of self-love, but I'll start with one.

This was originally posted at F Is for Fun.

Starting the New Year with a New Dream

What is your dream for the world in 2014 and your part in it? Wisdom from the incredible 98 year old activist, author, philosopher and national treasure Grace Lee Boggs.

We are shaking the world with a new dream from Sacred Resonance on Vimeo.

Check out Personal Growth Gab on Facebook!

 Looking for a little inspiration and motivation in 2014 and beyond?

Personal Growth Gab (PGG) is a weekly dose of thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining helpful tidbits to keep you connected with yourself and make sense of this journey called life hosted by TWM founder, career/life coach and speaker Kristina Leonardi and can now be found on Facebook!

 

Since launching Personal Growth Gab (PGG) in January 2010, Kristina has formed an avid and faithful following ("they're the only emails I read" "they really help me" "they help me start my week" "I save them until I get home and can read them with a cup of tea" "you're such a good writer!" ) of over 1500 who look forward to a 'weekly dose of thought-provoking, inspirational and unique entertaining helpful tidbits to keep you connected with yourself and make sense of this journey called life.

The Facebook page is brand new but all past PGG posts can be found on the home page at www.kristinaleonardi.com

Kristina Leonardi is a career/life coach who has a proven record of getting "stuck" clients empowered to make changes aligned with their true passions and talents in a short time. She provides a practical framework for each individual to make the most of their personal and professional lives, allowing them to recognize, connect to, and fulfill their role in the world at large and live a life with clarity, balance and direction.  Click here for more information and contact her today for a session.

For more information and get added to her mailing list visit www.kristinaleonardi.com

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