☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺

I'd like to quickly apologize for the lack of posts this weekend, been ridiculously busy with epic summer fun and adventure (I hope that you have been too!), and my weekend happened to be extra long. Hopefully you've been so busy you haven't noticed my lack of blogging. ;) Well, while weekends are fantastic there is no reason why the rest of the week can't be equally fantastic! 

☺ There is a time and place for everything. Realize that every experience has a different benefit at a different time and place. For example, weekends are often the time for epic fun, spontaneous adventures and socializing. Because this is the ideal "fun" we sometimes get mopey about the rest of the week that may be more mellow. But that mellow time is just as important as the outrageous fun. Balance is everything. The fun you experience during the week may be more subtle, but it is there and it is important. Realize this, see the benefit, understand balance, and appreciate each moment. There is a time and place for everything.  

☺ Listen to Dub FX. Because they are amazing, inspiring, positive, and upbeat. And because their music rocks! ;)  

☺ Be honest with yourself and others. Being dishonest to save someone's feelings wastes time and usually just prolongs the inevitable. People need to hear the truth more. This doesn't mean you have to be mean about it, always communicate with love, but Do be honest and upfront. Being honest opens up your relationships with others instead of suppressing the growth and potential that relationship could have. Honesty is one of the highest forms of love. So be honest! ♥

☺ Go for a Hike! Grab your hiking shoes, a friend and/or dog, and go on an adventure! Hiking is a wonderful way to get out into nature, fresh air, listening to the sounds of birds chirping, and it is also fabulous exercise. Getting outside will also improve your sleep at night, make you more alert, and connects you to the world around you. An all-around win!  

☺ Look for the Good in Everyone & Everything! Instead of focussing on everyone else's negative traits, try seeing the good in every person and every situation and everything around you. Your life is only as beautiful as you decide for it to be, only as beautiful as you choose to see it. Good exists everywhere, so focus on the good, not the bad.  

☺ Who Loves Life? Now repeat after me; "I LOVE LIFE!!!" And now repeat it again and again over and over until it's true. ;)        

☺ "Just be glad, and you always will be glad. You will have better reason to be glad. You will have more and more things to make you glad. For great is the power of sunshine, especially human sunshine. It can change anything, transform anything, re-make anything, and cause anything to become as fair and beautiful as itself." - Christian D. Larson 

Have a beautiful day, week, life! Much Love from me to you! 

Create a Nice Day! xo

☺ Learning to not get Overwhelmed ☺

It's really quite easy to allow little problems in life to creep up on us and become overwhelming. This often happens before we can realize it too, and suddenly we are faced with all sorts of stresses that we never dealt with (because we kept pushing them aside) that all come back to make us feel flushed, stressed, and, well, overwhelmed. 

I know that getting overwhelmed too easily was one of my own continuing struggles as my life became what I wanted it to but certain areas still needed improvement. I tend to (I'm getting better at this) take on a lot at a time, which in turn becomes a pressuring feeling of being overwhelmed by the work load and time efficiency. I figure this is a subject that most others can relate to, whether it's from work, personal, or just plain life. So what to do about it? 

Awareness, as with anything, is the first step. Recognize when you are taking on too much at one time, when relationships are draining you, and when life is becoming too much. 

There are lots of simple steps you can take that will make that overwhelmed feeling vanish quickly and your time spent with more ease. The biggest thing though is that you must, must, must give yourself a moment, just for you, to breathe and to think. It's like hitting the "reset" button on your mind so that you can go on with your day in a better mood and with a more efficient mindset. Once you are giving yourself a moment, let out any emotions that you may be bottling up. Remember "let emotions flow and then let them go." Feel better? Hopefully at least a little, and there may be times when this simple step is all you need to do to get back on track, to feel more focussed, and realize what you need to do for yourself. Other times it's not as easy, so on to the next steps…

Remind yourself of Positive Thinking. Force a smile and a laugh, remind yourself that you are in control of your mood and your life. Think Happy Happy Happy. Tell yourself you love life and love your Self. Remind yourself that nothing is worth stressing over. Whatever will be, will be. Go with the flow and remember that "stress happens when the mind resists what is" (~Way of the Peaceful Warrior) so stop resisting what is and learn to accept what you are given and work with it instead of against it.   

Having some key phrases or mantras to repeat to yourself is another very helpful trick, and will help you to do get back on track and reset those negative brain waves back onto positive ones. We all process things differently, so figure out what the best way of doing these affirmations is for you personally. Maybe it's just thinking or meditating. Maybe saying them out loud. Perhaps reading them. What I (personally) find most effective is to write them down. It helps to visually and mentally process the ideas and truly lets my mind reset. Even better, write them down and then repeat them out loud or in your head. 

The point, in finding ways to cope, is to find ways in which to reset your mood and therefor allow yourself to get back on track, get on with your day, come back to the Here and Now, and be Happy. You know, opening up your heart and getting back to the loveliness that is life. And getting back on track to a positive mindset and being able to let silly stresses and ordeals go. You truly must really sit with your thoughts and allow yourself the time to reset, and to think straight so that resolutions may come more easily to you. Which brings me to the next step… 

Once you've taken that step back and that moment to yourself, it's time to reassess your situation. If time or work is your issue then just take it one step at a time. Tell yourself that you have enough time to do everything that you need. Take a deep breath before getting back to your busy life. Tackle one task at a time. Looking too far ahead and getting overwhelmed by something that hasn't, or might not, happen is silly and self-defeating. Stay in the present moment, stay focussed on your task at hand, where you are at right Now. When you find yourself getting stressed out as your mind wanders back to deadlines or the future, stop, take a deep breath, and bring yourself back to the present moment. Solutions are always found and present themselves in the present moment. Have faith that everything will be okay and that all your problems will be resolved. 

Ask yourself; will it matter in a year from now? A month from now? A week from now? We tend to get stressed out for no good reason and one of my favourite little mantras and reminders to ground myself is saying just that; "will it matter in a year from now?" because chances are it won't. You won't remember how you were stressed out, why you were stressing, that you felt down about a certain thing. Most of the time we feel silly afterwards for stressing because there really was no point. Chances are the sources of your overwhelmed feelings are simply bumps in the road that will pass you by and you'll never look back on ever again. Everything works out in the end, remember that. Just look at your life now. And if your life isn't what you want it to be, then start making changes so that it is. You have the power to be in control of your life, of your emotions, and your future. 

I won't lie to you, it can be tricky and it can take some practice, but keep at it and it becomes much easier and the bumps become fewer as well. And I'll say it again; you must take the time to be with yourself to truly reset. Giving yourself that time can totally transform the rest of your day so make it a habit. Not only will you feel better, but you'll feel more productive and clear-headed. So give that time to yourself. And remember that no solutions ever come from stressing out. 

Stay present, stay grounded, take a deep breath, and take things as they come.  

Ⓥ Super Foods! Ⓥ

Superfoods are all the health rage these days, and why the hell not? Who doesn't want amazing exotic treats that increase your health, keep your heart healthy and fight off cancer. I know I do. Here are some wonderful special super foods and their health benefits, as well as how to incorporate them into your diet. 

Cacao is the antioxidant powerhouse! Raw cacao beans have ten times more antioxidants than blueberries, twenty times more than red wine and thirty times more than green tea! Even cooked cocoa is still one of the highest antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants protect your cells from the damaging molecules of free radicals which are thought to the underlining cause of many chronic diseases, reducing the risk of many kinds of illness from heart disease to cancer. Antioxidants found in foods such as cocoa are also anti-aging agents and have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, enhancing blood flow, healthy cholesterol levels and, in some cases, reducing blood pressure. Cacao also contains "blissful" chemicals that enhance mood and decrease depression. 

Chocolate lovers rejoice--but not too soon… look for raw cocoa powder and add it to your smoothies to get the most health benefits. Or, again, make raw truffles! If you are looking for it in chocolate, stay clear of sugar-laden chocolate bars, as there is so very little cocoa that you really aren't seeing any health benefits--not to mention all the sugar and other crap that is bad for you. Instead, opt for dark chocolate that is sweetened with something more natural and dairy-free. Look for a high cocoa content. My favourite? Endangered Species dark chocolate. 

Maca is a wonderful super food, usually available in pill, liquid, or powder form. Why is it amazing? Maca has a high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients, fully loaded with vitamins and nutrients that support brain function and regulate hormones. It helps to rebuild the adrenal gland, which is the body's centre for handling stress, so makes a great mood booster. Maca's root plant is also traditionally used medicinally to enhance stamina, endurance and sex drive--making it a natural aphrodisiac, and has even been shown to increase fertility in men. Because of it's ability to increase stamina, people swear by it for their workout and to help build muscle mass as well. 

Easiest way to add Maca into your diet: add anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon into your smoothies. It is also great in raw truffles or treats. 

Hemp is one the most nutritionally well-balanced foods on the planet. Usually eaten as shelled seeds, oil, butter, flour, or protein powders. Hemp is not only a healthy, raw source of protein, it is also a complete protein that is easily digestible, containing essential amino acids and omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Such amino acids that are necessary for cellular detoxification and for proper enzyme formation, as well as muscle growth and repair. The omegas and fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body, and is one of the most powerful nutrients for balancing hormones. Raw hemp provides such a huge array of health benefits, including: weight loss, increased and sustained energy, rapid recovery from disease or injury, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced inflammation, improvement in circulation and immune system as well as natural blood sugar control, promotes healthy skin, hair, & nails, and increases metabolism. Pretty super huh? 

The best part about hemp is that there are so many ways to incorporate it into your diet! Hemp butter can replace other nut butters. Hemp oil and/or hemp seeds (or "hearts") are great to add on a salad. Hemp protein powders can easily be added to smoothies or shakes. Oh, and, raw truffles--almost forgot. ;) 

Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a Brazilian berry that is packed with antioxidants, amino acids and omega-3's. It is heart-healthy, preventing or decreasing heart disease, diabetes and depression, and can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. The extracts from the berry also help destroy leukemia cells. Açaí is known to help boost energy levels, improve digestion, promote sleep, promote healthier and younger-looking skin and cleanse the body of toxins.

Like any berry, eat as such; add some to your smoothies, over cereal or in raw treats. You can also find acai juices. 

Goji berries are a small tart Himalayan berry that has been said to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet and had been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Goji berries pack more vitamin C than some oranges and more beta-carotene than carrots. Health benefits have been shown to treat diabetes, hypertension, malaria, fever, cancer and other ailments. They are also one of the rare fruits that contain protein, and since they are meant to be eaten raw, the protein absorption is undisturbed. They are also a perfect blend of carbohydrates, protein, fat and dietary fibre, making them, well, a superfood.

Again, eat them like any other berry and eat them raw to keep the most health benefits. Add them to raw cereals, bliss balls, truffles, smoothies, or eat them on the go. Goji berry juice has also become more and more popular and can be found in health food stores. 

Of course, there are so many other amazing super foods and beneficial foods out there to increase your health. I would also, lastly, like to remind you that eating super foods is only going to do you good if you are doing other things to keep your health up to speed. Eat plenty of veggies, fruits, and balanced meals (and go vegan!). You should also stay active, exercise, after all, is crucial for good health. And make sure you are doing things to keep stress at bay--like being happy and positive and optimistic, you know, all the stuff I always encourage here at ReLove Plan.et. 

What's your favourite superfood? :) 

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺

Summer and nice weather have me buzzing! I hope it has you too! We had a ton of unexpected sun here and warm weather that kind of spoiled us last week. It's gotten a little colder this week, overcast, and rain possibilities, but one thing I remembered was that positive attitude; at least I don't have to wear a winter jacket! And I'm still having a ton of fun rain or shine! I can still walk outside and enjoy fresh air, I can still be comfortable outside without freezing, and I can take advantage of rainy days by getting more work done around the home. See? There's an upside to everything! ;) 

☺ Take the Positive Path… Ask yourself this; in a day do you think more positive thoughts than negative thoughts? Do you do more things out of love, kindness and goodness than out of bad? Do you speak more words of gratitude and appreciation than complaining and negativity? You always have two choices in life, so choose the positive path and make your life all that it can be.   

☺ Go for a walk! Find somewhere quieter if you can, like a park, and go for a good walk, even if it's just ten minutes. Leave the iPod at home and enjoy the sounds of nature and of your surroundings. Let your mind flow freely and listen to your thoughts. Oh, and smile, smiling is important. You want to end your walk feeling blissful and peaceful minded.   

☺ You cannot give what you do not have… in other words; to give unconditional love and peace in all other aspects of your life you must first strive to find it within yourself. You cannot give what you do not already have within you. Each of us has incredible power for change and influence, but it starts with One, the individual, your Self. Change must come from within ourselves to bring inner peace and love to all other aspects of our lives, to bring about peace to the turmoils. So start with yourself, and everything else will follow naturally after.     

☺ Observe the Chemtrails… and show others that they are there! I don't know what it's like for you, but where I live the chemtrails are getting worse. The more people that know about them the faster we can all stand up and do something about it! If you have no idea what I'm talking about read up on this post: http://www.reloveplanet.com/2011/04/whats-going-on-chemtrails-spraying.html

☺ It's Yes Time! I've been lacking that motivation for one reason or another lately, making up excuses and feeling lazy. So lately I've committed myself back to saying "yes" to invitations, and let me tell you what an incredible week I've had because of it! Silly evening soccer games and frisbee, meeting new people, random parties and outings, spontaneous visits with friends, hikes, waterfalls, festivals, ridiculous amounts of laughter, and so much more that would take too long to all write down. Basically, this week has been far better than my other recent weeks. So pick up that "Yes" attitude if you accidentally dropped it along your path and watch your life open up! :)       

☺ We believe what we tell ourselves…  so make sure what you tell yourself is nice and positive. Believe in yourself, tell yourself that anything you want to do is possible. Tell yourself how wonderful you are, how beautiful you are, how important you are. Tell yourself that you are worthy of wonderful things. Tell yourself that there is always love and hope and good things coming your way. Tell yourself you are positive and happy. Tell yourself your life is beautiful and worth every second.

☺ "It isn’t what happens to us that causes us to suffer; it’s what we say to ourselves about what happens." - Pema Chodron Learn to be aware of your headspace, become aware of what your thoughts tell you about any given situation. Are you thinking positively or negatively? Remember that it's all about your outlook, so choose a positive outlook and you'll eliminate your need to suffer. 

Have a beautiful day, week, life! Much Love from me to you! 

Create a Nice Day! xo