Decision making: logic versus our gut feeling
Decision making should be based on a person’s own choice, not the voices and opinions of others. When making decisions that align with our values and dreams, we gain self-respect.
Tag: life
Where are you going? and What do you want out of life?
When doing a life evaluation, it can feel so BIG. Interestingly, I tend to want to change my entire life every March or April. It is such an odd thing I’ve recognized about myself. Basically I wake up at the end of winter, when the {read more}
Thoughts and inspiration about why delight is so important
When is the last time you found delight in something? For those that have children, pets or gardens, I think this may be a bit more frequent. However, the object of delight varies from person to person. Can you conjure the image of the last thing, person or place you felt delight? Perhaps, it has been too long to remember a specific instance. In that case, think of anything with which you find delight.
Delight is a choice that you and I make.
To revel in moments of celebration. A choice to luxuriate in moments of relaxation or joy.
It’s a choice to be captivated by something. To delight is a choice to find joy.Rachel Smucker, www.urbansouthern.com
Inspiration
Whenever I’m reading a blog, or watching something, I appreciate it when examples are provided. This little bit of inspiration can not only give ideas, but also explain the topic so much more. With that in mind, below are some of the things I think of when I think of: delightfulness. I’d love to hear your examples in the comments section below!
Nature
For me, I find flowers absolutely delightful. I enjoy looking at them, seeing all the intricacies and enjoying them, both inside and outside my house. At the end of street, there is a rose garden and it makes me ever so happy. Bianca and I walk past it numerous times a day. (Yes, I truly do make time to stop and smell the roses, haha).
Other times, I find delight in the sun rising or setting. The night sky does it for me too. Because of this, I follow the moon cycles closely, its almost a way to tune in more with nature in my opinion. Enjoying any part of nature, whether it be trees or tiny little bugs is something I everyday try to pause and appreciate.
People and Pets
We wouldn’t be able to get through this post without me listing my sweet Bianca. Specifically when she is happy and acting like a puppy. Or in the mornings when she seems so bothered by me waking her up with my singing voice. Sometimes, she jumps in little circles when she is extra excited. And other times she falls asleep on me and I just melt.
Of course the smile of a baby and laughter of a child. Or seeing the children I’ve gotten watch grow up achieve something, large or small. It just gets me right in the heart to see someone else’s efforts pay off. Watching a child explore and the general energy they have for every activity also makes me smile so big. The wonder and glean in a child’s eye makes me want to go explore!
And two of my all time favorites:
Another thing I consider delightful is an amazing meal. Eating something healthy, with maybe a little unhealthy mixed in… and feeling full, while enjoying a great conversation. It’s just the best.
In a recent post, I talked about my rediscovery of a hobby. That hobby was reading. One evening I read a book from cover to cover. The specific book and overall experience of giving myself the time to read for this length of time was gratifying.
Why finding delight is so important
heart and soul
In my experience, when I am feeling delighted, it is my true expression of my heart and soul. It is a sign that I am going in the right direction, and for that matter, that I am in the moment. In a way, it is pure peace with a bit of energy sprinkled in. Allowing yourself the feeling of delight, is just one way to be true to yourself!
Compass
Allow delight to be a compass! In her blog, Kris Carr describes using the feeling of delight as a compass. To this, she suggests, slowing down before an activity or even a small decision and checking in with yourself to ask, “Will this delight me?” It is a good way to determine if your actions, words and thoughts are pointing you in the right direction!
Contagious (in a good way)
I never thought I’d be using the word contagious on my blog, however this is in the POSITIVE sense. Think of the last time you had a giggle-fit. I remember mind vividly. It really is just about contagious! When you are so much enjoying something, it is rather hard for those around you not to soften up and join in!
Nurture others and yourself
Think of the last time, you shared your delight about your significant other, or even the cashier at the store. Typically when expressing your excitement and happiness about another, it provides a soul level nurturing for that person. Not to mention, if you find delight in someone else, they typically also find delight in you!
And lastly, it is extremely important to let down your guard with your own self. And find delight for yourself. That’s right, put aside all the things you think you could have done better. Slow down your breathing and allow yourself the moment to find delight for yourself.
What’s next?
I recommend starting with remembering what makes you feel that inner joy, that delight and exuberance! Do something you enjoy doing. Slow down your thoughts long enough to appreciate the moment. Tell someone that their smile, or some characteristic of theirs is utterly delightful.
Otherwise, on my blog, maybe go over to the perfect day ‘this or that‘ post and fill it out for yourself. For today’s post I’ve created some phone backgrounds for you, which say ‘find delight today’. This is meant to be a simple little reminder. Or go over to Pinterest and find some pictures representing your delightful topic to update your background.
And lastly, below are some Amazon Affiliate links to books on the topic of DELIGHT.
At the very least, I hope this was enjoyable to read and brought a smile across your face.
Goal Check-In
Simply put, this year has had a handful of twists and unexpected turns. Whilst I do enjoy roller coasters (they tickle me and I laugh and laugh), I’d rather not experience anything similar in real life. However, as we all know, rarely do things go {read more}
Being unapologetically yourself
Have you recently had a moment when you felt like your heart was literally lighting up? A moment when you felt so inspired or joyful it was visible?! Or maybe something resonated with you so much you felt like, ‘finally this is what I’ve felt all along!”?
Happy May!
Here we are, May 2021. All things considered, how is the speed of this year going compared to last? For me, this year seems to be going much faster. Perhaps this is due to becoming more used to working from home and gradually less unknowns. Or maybe, it is the general cadence of life at this age. Either way, even though time is measurement in the same increments around the globe. It is so fascinating how it can feel so different between people or depending on the year.
How is the year progressing for you? Is time flying by or going too slow? Depending on your answer, is there any way to slow the pace down? Or, is there something you have to look forward to this year?
Short Storytime
Lately, it has been helpful for me to have big projects which can be accomplished quickly. Meaning, having something known which can be accomplished in a weekend but will have a huge benefit. This past weekend, completely unplanned, I started and finished a home project. Luckily, I had done something similar in the past, so knew the materials I needed and approximate effort. The satisfaction I felt accomplishing this task in just a few days was impactful. It has been awhile since I could tangibly see my work pay off. Even better, I know it will improve the value of my place if I ever go to sell.
All that to say, at times we need these predictable achievements to help us along the way.
So…
How are you feeling about the focus areas and goals you set out to realize in January? When you look back to your vision board, are there examples of things you have already attained? Are you happy with the progress you’ve made on your goals? Another way to put this – are you happy with the effort you’ve made toward your hopes and dreams?
You may be thinking, “Rose it is only May… over half the year is left!” To this I say, “Yup, and let us be prepared together for the back half of the year.” Never have I ever let years go by without making a mark toward my goals. Here at BrightEyedSmiles we don’t rest on our laurels. We take initiative, adjust where needed and most important, we are honest with ourselves. BTW, remember that pilot light post?
That means, we set goals which we truly want to achieve (not based on anyone else’s opinion). And, we ACHIEVE those goals. This may seem a bit extreme, however it has always worked for me. I may not always be early to an event, but aside from a single thing in my life, I’ve been the early achiever. (Yes, the rest of the universe calls this ‘over achiever’).
Action
- So. Go back, refer to your vision board, your focus areas or your goals list – in whatever form you’ve captured it in. If something is no longer speaking to you, remove it to make room for something else.
- Write down the top 3 things you’ve done so far for each of your focus areas. Give yourself credit.
- Write down the top 3 things you will START doing to ensure your focus area is successful. If you so choose, get yourself an accountability partner – either someone else who reads this blog or someone in your life who will be honest with you!
- Schedule your new actions into your calendar. And remember, it may be helpful to remind yourself of your ‘why’.
- Lastly, make progress!
Connect
This may or may not have turned into a lecture, I suppose it depends on your perception. Either way, I’d love to hear how your year is going and what steps you are doing to ensure that you set yourself up for success during the back half of 2021!
What now?
That dreaded feeling Do you ever find yourself asking, “What should I do now?” Potentially this question flashes before you at an unexpected dead-end in the road, and others it comes a ‘real-life’ dead-end. Sometimes, long-time-coming or completely unexpected, this feeling isn’t normally a good {read more}
International Women’s Day
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! There are many women in my life that are absolutely outstanding. Amazing mothers, great professionals, wise educators, content creators, determined students and brave authors. No matter their ‘title’ in life, they are all influencers in one way or another. With a {read more}
Mirror, Mirror…
Squirrel
A lesson in self-realization and the need to embrace perceived flaws.
There is only one person in my life whom, I can heartily say, can be as easily distracted as me. The realization of my distracted tendency came only after I met this person. They are a person I learned to appreciate and admire. who will forever remain unnamed.
Mirror moments
Funny how the the traits we notice and sometimes criticize, (speaking for myself only here) in others, are the same traits we potentially do not like about ourselves. The self-realization of my own distractedness came directly from judging another for their distractedness, in what we will call a ‘mirror’ moment.
During my ‘mirror’ moment I remember being SO annoyed by this squirrely-ness of this person in my life. Yes we are making up new words on this blog too. Ten minute conversations meant to have a purpose would instead, go from the likes of Elon Musk to a quick brainstorm of ideas to talking about our dogs. At first I thought it was great. The conversations were interesting and fast. However, after awhile it became too much for my brain to process. And worse, we were not making time to talk about higher priority topics.
Solutions?
After letting myself be annoyed and complain a tiny bit, I listed potential solutions to the problem. Soon after, I went into discussions using an outline and took notes the entire time. I even once (maybe twice… okay maybe for about a week) wrote down word for word what they were saying! Yup… I shake my head at myself when I think about this. It not only did not work, it made things feel unnatural and awkward.
After countless tries to make our conversations less chaotic, I finally gave into the experience and just let things be. The next conversation was when I realized… I am EXACTLY the same way.
Ugh. Dread.
With a bit of shock and that dreaded, ‘oh no’ feeling, I literally walked into the nearest ladies room and looked at myself in the mirror. I immediately starting singing that Adele song… “Hello, its me.” (not out loud though)… but then got back to my reflection exercise and told myself to focus. I stared into my own eyes, criticizing myself for judging another. Followed by getting that icky uncomfortable feeling. Realizing what I saw in this person was simply a reflection of myself.
At that moment, there was a decision to make and forgiveness to extend. My mind started swirling with thoughts: “Is this trait that I found annoying in someone else something I could live with in myself?”. “Do I work to change myself?”. “Can I accept myself as I am?”. “Should I set goals to train this character flaw out of me?”. “I can add this to my 1% a day to ‘improve’ myself, immediately!”.
Luckily, my thoughts were interrupted before they started to spiral out of control when someone came in to use the bathroom. I politely smiled, washed my hands for 120 seconds (can’t be too safe these days). It is too bad the soap didn’t also cleanse my mind, because my anxious worry came right with me.
Now what?
Most of us have experienced this semi-anxious, semi-self improvement state. After all we are human and simply want to be the best version of ourselves. When we find something in us that we tend to not like in others, we usually want to change it and change it fast! As that particular day continued, I made the decision to accept this characteristic about myself. To stop considering it a flaw. After overanalyzing all the potential reasons I needed to change, I thought to myself, “What if I just let myself be this way?”. “What if I decided to enjoy this trait and harness the mental-chaos like a windmill harnesses the wind?”
After researching wind turbines and appreciating all they have to offer, the deliberate decision was made to accept myself. And to accept the person that played the role of a mirror in this little sketch life had to offer.
It has been a fun, sometimes frustrating journey in this mind of mine, however I seriously would not want to change it and will be forever thankful to the person that, by being themselves, taught me a bit about how to be myself fully.
LOVE MONTH
One of my next posts will be about one of the people I’ve admired most in my life, and the steps I took to become more like her. Can’t wait to share with you!
Your pilot light.
Life is… Life is… Alllright be honest what word came to mind after the … ? Sweet? Good? Blah? Don’t even want to talk about it?? Our lives are made up of lots of days, (according to google women live on average to be about {read more}