Fika: a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life

I love that there is such a variety of coloring books for adults. I was working in a bookstore when the Secret Garden came out and and we could barely keep it on the shelves. Everyone was interested in a fun, creative way to unwind at the end of a long day. Or, just looking for a fun hobby to pick up. What caught me off guard were the few people who came in asking for the special pens and pencils associated with the coloring book line. No, that's not the part that surprised me. These people would be offended that we didn't stock the accessories for the book. Regular pens and pencils wouldn't work, they were on a hunt. Suddenly, it wasn't enough to relax and color, they were undertaking this as a serious project. To each their own. When you tell someone, don't take it too seriously, first consider what you're truly asking of them. Just because a majority may see something one way - like coloring as a relaxation tool - doesn't mean that everyone should....

Humans are the strangest creatures I have ever met. I stopped by a Safeway for lunch the other day and there was a woman standing at the parking lot entrance holding a cardboard sign. Pause for a moment and read those last two words again. When we hear that, who even cares what the sign says anymore? Do we just assume we already know what it will say, as though every person's need is interchangeable. I read her sign and it said "Anything helps." I have grown up with the advice do not give out money to strangers. If you have money to give, support the shelters and organizations that serve the community. If you want to give to someone, give a tangible thing, a meal, a pair of socks. And I'm not trying to say that this is bad advice, consider your own comfort zone. I approached this woman before I entered the store. I said hello and asked if I could get her a sandwich as it was around lunchtime. She smiled at me and said oh no, she's already had breakfast tha...

I love lists. They are one of my favorite things to make, but I tend to overwhelm myself with possibilities. I plan out everything I want to do and of course each goal is related to another and so I have trouble deciding where to start. Logically, I know it is best to take things one at a time and implement new habits slowly so that they stick. Because it takes a long time to form a habit. The most common theory I've heard is that it takes a month. Although, depending on the habit and other factors it can take much longer. For a more thorough explanation, see a post on Huffington  here . A month minimum? That's a long time and a lot of room for one exception that turns into a pattern of laziness. When the seasons change and fall hits, I find it more natural to seek change and organization than in springtime. Perhaps it's something to do with preparing for the winter, organizing a welcoming home and place someone would want to settle into for a few months. Maybe it...

             Go Travel Far and Often Whoever came up with this alternate definition is genius and I applaud their creativity. With the whole world before you where will you go? And who will you take with you?  Any limits you see are self-imposed. Because really, we can grow accustomed to anything. While that's not always good, it is something to bear in mind. We are adaptable.  There's no use in waiting, it will only shorten the adventure we're on. Just go.

We all have those days when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling like hell, for no real reason. Maybe there was a bad dream right before we woke up and the details avoid us and yet the feeling remains. Here are some notes to myself, and you if you're reading, take a look and I hope it helps. 1. Smile. Just by performing the physical motion of smiling you're sending your brain signals that you're happy. It's the easiest way to improve your mood. 2. Don't fall back asleep. When I wake up feeling bad most of the time I just want to roll over and try it again. Maybe if I just wake up again things will be better. I'll wake up to a better dream, or I'll forget the bad remnant of this weird dream I've just had. This does not help. Actually, it starts off your day later and may cut out previous plans or intentions for the day and there's no guarentee you'll wake up in a better mood. 3. Put on some make-up. Or do your hair. Spend a li...

Sometimes the stress of everyday life catches up with us and knocks us on our butts. Every now and then it hits us so hard we have a physical reaction - we get completely worn down and sick. But actually, it doesn't have to be the biggest inconvenience. So take a little time and do the things you need to unwind. Some of my favorites are; bubble baths, reading a good book (Pride and Prejudice is my go to), writing and always tea. So choose your favorite and enjoy the scenery.

It's a new year and with that generally comes a list of goals. Recently, I've begun to wonder why we always choose this change of calendar year to institute the bigger changes we want to make. What is our logic? It's the middle of winter when (especially in the pnw) the sun doesn't show its pretty face very often and there's a general feeling of sluggishness in the air. So, I'm not making a list of New Years goals this time. I don't want to limit my changes to a time of year I feel least like implementing them. What I do want to focus on is that it is easy to feel bogged down this time of year and how I can stay positive and happy. So, this is the start of my list. (Like I said the weather's getting to me so I'll just start small and add as I go.) 1. Travel more, even if it's short day trips. Road trips are one of my favorite things. I was completely spoiled when I was younger because dance competitions would often take me out of state and p...