I believe in self-improvement all year round, but it's trendiest in January! So today at my desk (which is actually my grandmother's old sewing table), I got myself a little more organized and made a few "notes to self"...
(001) tea and to-do lists: Two things that help in so many scenarios: tea and to-do lists. It might just be a placebo effect, but when I make tea-drinking a habit, I feel healthier, and I'm less inclined to reach for chocolate or sweets. And lately I've been trying to curb my sweet-tooth tendencies, so herbal tea is the perfect "comfort drink." To-do lists are a more proactive (if less "zen") habit. Without my planner I'd be a procrastinator extraordinaire. And while all the cool kids record reminders and meetings electronically, I whip out a good old-fashioned paper planner because I derive immense satisfaction from color-coding my life with highlighters and crossing off tasks when I've completed them. Please tell me I'm not the only one?!
(002) keep an open mind: I'm open-minded when I meet other people, but when it comes to my own life, I often choose the familiar over the unknown. Yesterday Mr. E and I were talking about where we might live in the future, and when the prospect of Paris came up, my immediate response was "no." My mind jumped to all the difficulties I would face: language barriers, culture shock and distance from family and friends. A few hours later, I realized that maybe I was being narrow-minded. A chance to live in the land of the Louvre, Ladurée and Bioderma... why not?
(003) take fish oil: I went to a local health food shop last week in search of a more natural treatment for eczema. When I asked one of the sales assistants, he told me that the first thing I should do is take fish oil rich in Omega-3s. He recommended a fairly large daily dose and told me that you get more for your money if you're willing to take it in liquid rather than pill form. So a spoonful of this is my new morning habit... it's not as gross as I thought it would be!
If you're working on any goals this month, I hope they're going well!
I like paper planners too. I actually have two currently because I didn't want blog/home stuff in my work planner that I have to pull out in front of co-workers regularly to tell them whether or not I can work ( substitute teach).
ReplyDeleteLiving in Paris would be an amazing experience!
Good luck with your goals!
I am so pen and paper as well. Despite the fact that I have a blog, I'm really not a technology person.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be so much more productive when I write things down with pen and paper! Same with taking notes in class - never with a computer. As for living in Paris, go for it! It's such a beautiful city - would be a great experience :)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post! Totally with you on the pen and paper thing- ticking off to-do list tasks on an iphone screen is nowhere near as satisfying! Living in Paris would be so incredible. One of my fantasy life goals is to live somewhere where I'd be required to learn another language!
ReplyDeletelovely pictures, nice post!:)
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You're definitely not the only pen & paper fanatic. I love the feeling when items on my to-do list are accomplished AND checked off!
ReplyDeleteI love making to do lists, couldn't function without! x
ReplyDeleteI would be lost without my Moleskine... electronic reminders just don't cut it for me! Plus with paper it acts as a diary at the end of the year.
ReplyDeletexo, alison*elle
ahh fish oil. my mom always makes me take it when im home haha she syas it'll make me smarter :p
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The DayLee Journal
I love drinking tea as well. I should get a paper planner because you're right, it does give satisfaction to cross things off a list!
ReplyDeleteto do lists are fun - especially in january! i make the best lists then! :D
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phiphi's blog
I have Eczema.. Terrible eczema!! I have to use Cordaid to get rid of it! Try rubbing that on too :)I'm diggin' that desk!!
ReplyDeleteI am totally with you on to do lists :)
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You are definitely not the only one, I would never be without my notebook/diary and a good old pen. Writing things in your phone is just no where near as satisfying as doing it on paper. Well done on the fish oil, the thought of it makes me a little ill...I think its because I am not a seafood fan and assume it is going to taste strongly of fish lol.
ReplyDeleteElle xx
Love love love tea :D I'm with you with writing out to-do lists! I love the satisfaction of checking or crossing items off! lol
ReplyDeleteKeeping an open mind is definitely something I need to work on too. I think we are capable of doing anything!
Ooh I didn't know that fish oil came in a liquid form...
yayyyyy high 5 to your tea and to-do lists point! i feel exactly the same way about tea and it's become something i have almost every day. it's so comforting to sip tea and everything suddenly seems better. same for to-do lists.. i have a lot coming up soon and have been jotting everything down.. really helps a lot! and paris? that would be exciting girl! definitely take a leap of faith and go for it if the time is right :)
ReplyDeleterachel x
You're definitely NOT the only one when it comes to have an organizer/planner at hand and on the ready! I almost always find myself in the same situation - That out of most around me (if not everyone!) I seem to be the only one that still writes down lists/to-do's/ideas..I always have a tiny book in my bag, in case of any thoughts that spur up at the last minute! But I think it's a healthier option..The whole act of writing works your brain and thought processes longer..That such. I probably just sound crazy; oh well!
ReplyDeleteAs for tea..you can never have too much. and it's so good for you!!
On a last note, with regards to possibly moving away someday..whether it be Paris, Rome, or Zimbabwe (Don't ask me why..) at the end of the day, no matter what barriers you may have in the meantime (including language) - that all becomes temporary. If you really want to be somewhere and explore something different, there's nothing stopping you! You only live once (despite reincarnation..), so take advantage of what you can while you can! (:
- Killian x