“If you are not taking care of yourself;
body, mind, and spirit,
the people in your life don’t get the best of you,
they get what’s left of you!”
~ Lorraine Cohen ~
What would your life look like if I handed you a magic wand and gave you permission to picture your ideal lifestyle? For many people, the image of their ideal lifestyle would be different from their current lifestyle.
Today I am kicking off a series to help you build an ideal lifestyle filled with authentic happiness.
My intentions for this series…
- To encourage you to take action towards authentic happiness.
- To encourage you to dream big and to think about a lifestyle filled with authentic happiness.
- To encourage you to embrace your values and to determine what is central to who you are and who you want to be.
- To encourage you to identify action steps towards a lifestyle filled with authentic happiness.
photo credit: premasagar
Some areas we will cover during this series include self care, home environment, relationships, career, and fun. We want to focus on what really makes us happy and what really makes us shine. I invite you to think of this series as the game of life. You get to list the most important aspects of your ideal lifestyle and then you will have the opportunity to check off different components as you attract them into your life.
Your ideal lifestyle is unique and true to your authentic self and you have the ability to achieve the happiest lifestyle you deserve. So sit back, enjoy the process, and have fun dreaming! Check out how Davina over at Shades of Crimson has visualized the life of her dreams.
photo credit: h.koppdelaney
Today’s exercise focuses on self care.
I invite you to picture how self care falls into your ideal lifestyle. Assume money is not an issue and don’t worry about how you are going to get these things into your life. For now, just dream (and dream big).
Self Care Questions to Ponder
- How often would you go to the spa?
- How many massages would you like per week?
- How much water would you drink per day?
- What would your exercise program look like?
- What would your eating habits look like?
- What would refuel you?
- How much time would you spend outdoors?
- What would your peaceful moments look like?
- How much sleep would you get each night?
- Would you have daytime naps?
- What would your wardrobe look like?
- What would your time management look like?
- What would you do for “me” time?
- How much “me” time would you have each day?
- How would you relax?
- What would your vacations look like?
- What would your relationships be like if you took time for self-care?
Self Care Resources
If you have blogged about self care or can recommend must-read self care resources, share links with me in the comments section (or via email) and I will add your resources to this list with some link love.
- Sark Journal – Yes to More Self Love for You
- Authentic Happiness
- The Self Care Pledge
- Embracing Self Care
- 10 Ways to Honor Thyself
- Ideas for Self Nurturing
- Ways to Nurture Yourself
- Acts of Kindness
- 10 Ways to Practice Nurturing Your Intention to Self Respect
- Rejuvenation Louge suggested by Marelisa from Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online
- Mindful Mimi’s Take on Happiness
This short self care video by Coach Cindie reminds us to let go of trying to be perfect as we practice the art of self care.
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[…] Welcome to part two of my Authentic Happiness Series. If you missed part one, be sure to read it here. […]
[…] Another great resourse for finding authentic happyness Twitter This Usuario: […]
Hi Stacey – what a great series this promises to be!
I really liked the ‘happy for no reason’ video, and I love the way you suggest we could think big about our self=care plans – whether we can do the things right now or not. That list looks like a really good thing to ponder over – thanks!
Robin´s last blog post..Happy Birthday, Let’s Live Forever!
Wow, lovely photos and a great list of questions to ask ourselves. I tried the ‘ideal life’ exercise some years back and I think it’s time to do it again! Thanks for the reminder and I’m looking forward to this series.
Daphne´s last blog post..How To Find Happiness in 5 Minutes
I definitely wouldn’t mind more spas and massages all right!
I’ve been spending more time outdoors this week. It’s the school holidays. I must say that it feels great to have plenty of time at the park or next to the sea!
I’m allocating more “me” time this year. Somehow it still doesn’t seem enough. Will it ever? Hmmm….wondering….
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Cultivate Positive Money Beliefs By Busting 10 Myths
Robin – I truly believe in dreaming big and figuring out the details after you making your wish list. This way you can dream big and then figure out all the baby steps you need to take to get you there.
Daphne – I’d love to know how you took baby steps towards your ideal lifestyle the last time you worked through this exercise.
Evelyn – Yes! More spa time and more massages are on my list too. I’ll be the first to admit that I love spas. I want to acknowledge you for finding more time for “me” time this year. Now you have me thinking about how to know when we have enough “me” time in our lives.
I am really looking forward to this series. I think as a society we need more positive post like this. One question: What is a vacation? 🙂
Jay´s last blog post..Inner Noodle’s Guide to Dream Analysis- Step 5
Jay – Oh no! One of my next posts is going to be all about inner vacations that you can take everyday. Vacations are key to happiness and creativity. Plan one today!
Great quote.
I like the way you organized the post and kicked off your series.
It’s such a cutting question to ask, what do you want more of in life and what do you want less of. There’s two surprises that throw a wrench into things … 1) the grass isn’t always greener and 2) be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Win the Heart the Mind Follows
J.D. – Thank you for bringing these two issues up in your comment. I struggle with this a lot. We know the way to make your dream come true is to visualize it in detail and then build a plan to get you there. We are encouraged to feel the vision to the degree that it feels like we are already living the dream. And yet there may be some hesitation, some fear, based on the thought “what if it is not what I really want”. I think this goes back to knowing and living your values. If your dreams are aligned with your values you will be happy with the journey.
This sounds like it will be a great series. I look forward to reading along. I’m honestly in a place in my life where I am truly, authentically happy – and it is beautiful, challenging, and life-giving. I know who I am and what I have to offer. And I know that I’m changing the world.
Thanks for encouraging us!
Jamie
steadymom.com´s last blog post..steady thought for the day
Great series. I have to say after a lot of soul searching I am authentically happy. And that picture of the older couple in the hammock? That will be the Lion and I at that age. Happy, laughing, intimate and still very much in life. Now THAT is authentically happy.
Urban Panther´s last blog post..The tirade
Hi Stacey: Excellent list of questions. One resource I really like for self care is the Rejuvenation Lounge, a blog by Carole Fogarty. Here’s the link: http://www.thehealthylivinglounge.com/.
Marelisa´s last blog post..Read with Greater Speed and Comprehension – PhotoReading
SteadyMom – It warms my heart to know you feel authentically happy. I encourage you to keep being beautiful, to keep up with the challenges, and continue to shine!
Urban Panther – It seems as if many of my readers are already authentically happy. I’m starting to get my game on to reach out to those who may not be in a state of authentic happiness but that want to work on creating an authentically happy lifestyle.
Marelisa – Thanks for the resource. I just added it to the list of self care resources.
Oh, I’m looking forward to this series, and what a great set of questions. Surprisingly, my vacations would look very much like my weekends. Yupp, upon thinking about it, it really is true.
As to the weekdays, well, I’m working on that………………..:)
Thanks for the short ponder, Stacey.
LisaNewton´s last blog post..Macarthur Park is going to the Birds
Hi Stacey – This is such an important post. I think it’s amazing how many people would consider “self care” to be a luxury or even an extravagance. You may not be able to do all the things you want in your life right now, but as you said, Dream Big and you will soon figure out how to do these essential “self care” activities.
Probably, my biggest self care item is time by myself. I’ve often had trouble explaining to people in my life that this is something that I need, but I think I’m at the point where I can assert this self care activity in my life and hold it sacred.
Amanda Linehan´s last blog post..Self Awareness Around The Web
My ideal lifestyle? Oh I don’t know my new job is going to change my whole life upside down quite soon… new schedule, responsibilities, time….
Maybe it’s time to think about it 🙂
Lisa – Enjoy all of the pondering!
Amanda – I used to think of “self care” as a luxury until I had children. Then I realized it is an essential part of the equation if I am going to truly give a large part of myself to others.
Miguel – It sounds as if you have a lot of change ahead of you. Self care during a time of change can help you manage the peaks and valleys of new experiences.
Stacey,
I love the video and I’ve read her book. Did I ever tell you my lisence plate says Happyy? An extra y because one y was taken. It’s an everyday reminder for me to choose happiness.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..Are You Bold Enough To Forgive Yourself & Others?
I enjoyed thinking about the self-care questions. I’m doing pretty well in most areas (sleep, exercise, food, vacations etc.) but I’ll definitely join Evelyn in stating that I could definitely use more spa time and massages! It always seems like such a luxury – time and money wise – but for the purpose of this exercise, I’d like to get a weekly Swedish full-body massage. So there. I dream big. 🙂
Vered – MomGrind´s last blog post..Lipo Dissolve Nightmare: A Cosmetic Procedure Gone Wrong
Stacey!
Sometimes we all need a reminder to take care of ourselves! What a terrific series I am eager to follow!
Perhaps it is the serenity within me that keeps me focused on nurturing myself…I can truly say that I am happy all the time and I do not deprive myself of spa days! (Oh, and I often go to Tahiti, if only in my mind!) :~)
Thank you for this wonderful post!
“True happiness is when it shows right through your soul!” ~Henie~
Henie´s last blog post..Somewhat Of A Whole Hole
Hi Stacey
I look forward to reading the series, I love the message of “Authentic Happiness.”
I believe real happiness comes from within, it come from self love & and inner peace.
Thank you,
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia´s last blog post..Mistakes are Good!
Tess – I love what your license plate says. Perhaps I should get the word “light” on mine to remind me to continue to shine.
Vered – You go girl. That is on my list too. Perhaps I need to schedule a Day at the Spa event encouraging everyone to go out and enjoy the bliss.
Henie – It is hard to believe, but yes, as humans we forget to take care of ourselves. I recently heard a statistic that 1 in 5 women in America are on anti-depressants.
Giovanna – I also believe real happiness comes from within and not from all the “stuff” people collect.
My newsletter, if it ever gets done is on self-care this month. One question I would add to your list is “what would your relationships be like if you took time for self-care” Much like the quote you start with, many don’t think of the consequences not taking the time has on all areas of life – work, family, health, relationships.
Looking forward to the series, as I believe it is an important concept to share!
Stacey Shipman´s last blog post..The Importance of Practice
Hi Stacey,
You have chosen the video very well. I love it.
The self care questions are great as well. Some has reminded me, such as spending time outdoors, sleeping, relaxing. I realized that I have worked too much.
Thanks for compiling them, Stacey.
Arswino´s last blog post..10 Characteristics of Positive Thinking People
Stacey Shipman – Thanks for the additional question. I just added it to my list.
Arswino – Enjoy the outdoors and relaxation this weekend.
Good list, but there are a few questions here that apply to specific groups of people, and not the general population.
For example, if money were no object, how many massages and spa visits would I like?
Same as now…ZERO! These activities are NOT an important part of my life. And I dare say, most men would probably agree.
(In fact, I think going to a spa would just ANNOY me!) 🙂
And how much water would I drink a day? Same as now…as much as I want, when I’m thirsty.
When it comes to drinking water, in North America, we’re not limited by money. Water is pennies per gallon (I’m talking tap water, not the expensive yuppie bottled kind).
Friar – Thanks for reinforcing my point that everyone’s lifestyle and self care preferences are unique. My husband’s definition of a day at the spa includes a canoe, his fly rod, and a bunch of fishing.
Creating a balance is so, so, so, important. I am not always good at this and i can tell when my self-care is neglected! I recently wrote a blog post about how so many times 24 hours in a day is just not enough to take care of everything! Life is precious and we SHOULD always focus on what makes us happy!
Julie M´s last blog post..Who are the Biggest Supporters of Your Writing?
Julie M – I firmly believe practicing self care is an essential ingredient for being happy.
Stacey, you always seem to top yourself in your posts.
And I very very much appreciated your recent comment to my blog when I was questioning my own life balance by putting things on hold. You helped me more than you know. Thanks!
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Sofa buttocks et al
Great post Stacey, look forward to the next one. I especially liked the first video. You made smiles happen all over the place, thanks.
Looks to be a great series Stacey. I love the topic and can honestly say I am an authentic happy being and I’m curious to see more about what you have to write on the subject. Much of what you outlined certainly aligns with my own beliefs of happiness, which is where I think happiness starts and ends, as does most things.
Looking forward to it!
Mike King´s last blog post..Book Review: Purpose
Hi Stacey,
What a great series this will be! That first video is awesome – I love the idea of happiness for no reason at all! Looking forward to all of this…
Lance´s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
What a wonderful post this is! There are many questions in this post that I have to think about..Looking forward to read the next installment!
BC Doan´s last blog post..Images For the Fourth Week of March
Jannie – Thank you for your feedback!
Jonathan – Marci Shimoff (the creator of the video) has a way of spreading contagious happiness.
Mike – I’m happy to hear that you are happy and look forward to your insights during this series.
Lance – This video is somewhat of a trailer for Marci Shimoff’s book “Happiness For No Reason”.
BC – I’m happy to know you will be participating in this series.
Stacey,
Hi, I’m new to your blog, but this title got my attention! This should be a great series. With our schedules packed so full of “busy time”, we rarely make the time to care for ourselves. I find that even 10 minutes alone with my thoughts at the end of a busy day can be rejuvenating.
I will return to read the next installment!
Jake | Revive Your Life´s last blog post..How to Become a Better Boss
I really like how you present the topic including the videos and I very much like the pictures – and the pictures on your next post.
A good spring cleaning of the heart and soul. I have a massage every week right now and it is blissful. I take excellent care of my physical self, but I would include an easier time to letting go and learning to relax.
Thank you – made me smile
Patricia´s last blog post..Morning Light is Revealing
Jake – Welcome! I agree that even 10 minutes a day filled with “Me” time and self care can make all the difference in the world.
Patricia – Good for you for finding time and resources to have a massage every week. It sounds blissful.
I love the message in both videos. I support your quest to increase happiness through encouragement. You are shining your light brightly. It’s all good and it feels so good to know that.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..Starting Over
Stacey,
What a great idea. Self care and happiness are so tightly linked. If we all knew that and did what is necessary to take care of ourselves a bit more, the world would be a happier place. Really looking forward to this series.
I have written many articles that relate to that:
http://mindfulmimi.blogspot.com/search?q=happiness
Thanks
Mimi
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..A world where every human being will be born from a well-educated woman
Hi Stacey
Wonderful that you are extending a look at happiness beyond the normal confines.
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet´s last blog post..Being Understood
Tom – I’m realizing the gift I can give to others simply by offering my encouragement.
Mimi – Thanks for offering your search query on happiness. I added it to my list of resources.
Juliet – I hope you enjoy the series.
Stacey,
I’m a bit behind in the series, but decided to start at the beginning. I pondered on three of your listed items:
How much time would you spend outdoors? First, I would live at the beach and spend my time walking in the sand or sitting on my porch and watching the birds and other animals going about their day at the beach.
What would your peaceful moments look like? I would feel completely calm and rested with nothing to do, but be in the present and enjoy the outdoors.
What would your vacations look like? I wouldn’t need a vacation because every day would have a vacation in it:~)
Great post…thanks!
Sara´s last blog post..An Exercise to Practice Positive Thinking
Firstly, this is such a much needed topic, exhaustion, fatigue and low energy levels are a epidemic levels.
Secondly, thanks to Marelisa for recommending my blog the Rejuvenation Lounge. Marelisa may be talking ablout my weekly self care reminders.
Fabulous post and look forward to reading more.
It’s time for us to reclaim our precious energy levels.
Peace, love and chocolate
Carole
Carole Fogarty´s last blog post..11 Rules For Being Human:
Hi Stacey. This is what so many people need. And a good list of questions is like writing a shopping list. I rarely go shopping without a list because it is easy to get distracted, or forget what you are after. This clearly leaves no room for error of omission 🙂 Thanks for the link to my last post too, BTW.
Davina´s last blog post..A Vision of Fulfillment
Sara – Living on the beach sounds heavenly and I love the idea of having daily vacations. Is it possible for you to incorporate daily vacations into your life now?
Carole – Thank you for visiting and joining the conversation. I am a huge champion in helping people (especially moms) find a way out of a world filled with exhaustion, fatigue, and low energy levels. Women Reclaiming Their Energy Levels Unite!
Davina – It’s great to “hear” your voice! Your vision of your ideal lifestyle is simply brilliant.
Hello! Poppin’ in from The Ultimate Blog Party…all the way from Queensland, Australia! G’Day! I hope you have time to visit my party soon.
I’m giving away Pink Champagne Shower Syrup from Jaqua Beauty…stop on over and enter! Ends April 8. Open to USA.
Ta!
I want to invite you to the Mommie Daze Virtual Baby Shower that I am hosting May 15 to June 8. This is an international even and there are prizes! Stop by my blog for all the details.
Deborah – Thanks for visiting!