21 Fun Things To Do All By Yourself

You really need guts to be surrounded by people all-the-time! I know what you must be thinking right now; that what an introvert she is? But let me tell you something before you create any kind of impression about me; "I have always loved being in my own company than with others. But I am not a loner, not an introvert either! I just love spending time alone- while never getting bored. I always have zillions of things to do in my list- some boring stuffs (that are exciting to dos' for me), some productive and motivating stuff, and many endless chores. I like keeping myself occupied any time of the day- even now (at 2:30 am in the night when people are fast asleep). It is so much fun to find things to do- that excites you, that encourages you, and that inspires you in your life!

"I have a long way to go before I sleep."

So I'm so restless. I have so many things to achieve, so many promises to fulfill (that I have made to myself). How can I be bored and demotivated??

I have plenty of such stuffs, that I would like to share with you today. If you are anything like me (who just wants to wander in her thoughts and in her dreams), then you will love reading further.

I agree, doing something solo requires you to be brave and independent. But there are many more things that can be done alone without having you go to far away unknown lands, or riding a roller coaster all-by-yourself! I can never even imagine doing all these just by myself or in company.

But it is important to make room for some alone time- in a pleasant way- to recharge, to re-evaluate, to re-visit, to rekindle, to rejuvenate, to refresh, to restart, and to reactivate yourself. There's so much hatred, competition, jealousy, comparison, fears, and insecurities around us, and to deal with each of them, you must prepare your mind to act calmly or to become ignorant about each of these negative things around us. So, spending time just with yourself every once in a while is a must to survive in the present world.

I have just started reading this book. This was always in my must-read list, and finally got a hold of it. I am sure by the time I finish reading it, I will feel more inspired to be alone and independent.  I will be prepared to take on this world and all kinds of people living in it (though I will still have some fears)! I am a very big fan of author Elizabeth Gilbert.

So here is a list of 15 things I would love doing all-by-myself :)

1. Taking a long solo walk all by myself ( but not in the woods, definitely!)

2. Shopping new lipstick/lip gloss colors after a long 2-3 hours of browsing all the brands and the available  products in the store.

3. Browsing and shopping books (even different genres) in a book store for long long hours- all by myself.

4. Treating myself my favorite food or snacks in a food joint or in a restaurant.

5. Talking to a lady (who is a stranger to me, but smiles at me and says hi!) for long hours sharing some stories, whilst listening to some of her stories. Best way to feel inspired, motivated, and to practice feeling comfortable talking to people ( I often do that. I love how two unknown people find a connection to exchange their stories and or experiences).

6. Playing with paint colors, or glitters, or bubbles :)

7. Riding a bike/bicycle.

8. Learning the names of new flowers, or plants in a plant nursery near me.

9. Learning some home improvement ideas from YouTube, or from your handyman- and doing it all by yourself the next time- your house needs small repairs here and there.

10. Organizing and sorting your emails, bookmarks, and your "favorites."

11. Begin writing my life's story-secretly.

12. Do research online for some your favorite websites to explore on any of the subjects that may interest you. This way I also get to add more to my favorite reads.

13. Wear your favorite cologne or perfume all day long to perk up your spirit.

14. Take as many pictures as you can in a day, and create a album of your memories. Doesn't really matter how well the photographs are clicked; just keep clicking everything you do in a day- even when you think you do something that's out of your schedule, or regular routine, or anything unnecessary. Just click!

15. Make a scrapbook that may contain either your favorite memories, or your favorite pieces of articles, or favorite styles, or fashion tips and updates. Just cut and paste, and later decorate the pages with stickers, arts, sketches, and with some words.

16. Sew new clothes/dresses by hand, or fix any repairs by hand stitching.

17. Reorganize your room with color codes or patterns.

18. Go browsing and shopping some ( not expensive) home decors, stationary, some inspiring or fun quotes for walls decors, try finding some new spices; and then spend time decorating your home and kitchen.

19. Take a free class, or any paid class (if you can) to learn some new skills you have always wanted to develop, or to learn more about a particular subject you wish to know about!

20. Working or writing your project, story, article from a coffee shop- all by yourself.

21. Creating lists of helpful tips/ or my experience list, or things to adore, or things to avoid, how to deal, etc. or on any subject- that might help others. It can be on any topic you would like to write and share on social media. Just be kind and help someone today!

Hope you like the list, but do not hesitate to share (in the comments below) the fun things you do alone, or would like to do it all by yourself!

 We took a family vacation to see Las Vegas and Disneyland, California, and I'm back feeling refreshed and motivated. I have lots to share in the coming posts. So stay with me.

What My Houseplants Taught Me

My love for having lots of plants in my house started in 2016. I always wanted to create a "positive" inspiring atmosphere in my house- and also there are so many benefits to adding indoor plants to your home!

I clearly remember how my love for plants and gardening started! My late grandfather  was the inspiration behind creating a beautiful green garden, all throughout his life. And as a kid I always loved being around them!

Sometimes, I try to just close my eyes and wander in those beautiful childhood memories.

After him, the next person who made me fall in love with the plants is- my mother. In fact all my "talents" are the gifts I have received from her. I always loved the way she cared (even today) for her tiny garden on our rooftop patio.

Seeing your plants grow is a beautiful feeling. Try it today?!

 

It's no secret (anymore) to know about the benefits of indoor plants- they aren't just the decor elements, but contribute a lot to our mental and physical health and happiness. It is going to be an year living with all of my indoor plants; and I would like to share the life lessons they have taught me:

"Bloom Where You Are Planted"

The choice to grow where we are moved in life- by choice, or involuntarily can be really tough. But these plants are such inspirations to me- when I observed them closely, I could see how difficult it was for them to grow happily  at my place; but slowly and steadily they adapted to change, and started to bloom. Sometimes we must (like the) change to grow.

Pay Attention To Your Body & Health Needs

Like our body, plants go through many changes. But any kind of  sudden changes (in our body/ in a plant) hints to  an alarming condition-that may require more care and some small tweaks to our daily routine. Very similar with my indoor plants; "Every time I saw some unusual behavior in their growth or look; I knew something wasn't right, and I paid close attention to- what I was not doing right!" In similar way, we must pay attention to our body needs and take care of our health requirements too.

Plants Take Time to Grow- We Need Ample Amount of Time To Grow Too!

Success or a fully-grown healthy plant needs time! We all do. Don't we?

By enjoying the small progress and by celebrating our tiny efforts we can realize- we are growing! Growing to reach our dreams, growing to create a life/a body/ a plant we are ought to be; or growing to be the person we want to be. "Success is the result of growing patiently and little-by-little every single day."

Let Go Everything That is Spreading Negative Energy in Your Life 

I learned from my houseplants that," anything that does not support and value you- it is better to release them from your life. Anything that does not add to your happiness and creates lots of negative energy around you, or in your life; it is okay to let them go away. Our surroundings matter, how we react to those around us, or how we are made to feel every single day definitely matters! So to keep ourselves positive and motivated all-the-time, we must focus on the (or create the) environment that is happy and healthy for us too!

"Start Small But Move To Big"

Some plants started growing in a small pot, but slowly they began to expand and spread; as they needed a bigger space to grow and to sustain their needs. When we outgrow our talents or qualities, we might need some new bigger challenges to showcase our abilities, and in order to do that; sometimes we must move to "bigger" challenges and must change organizations or places too! Growth happens when we constantly move whilst finding new opportunities for own selves.


The Infinite Power of Hope- That Helps Me To Start Over

Some days, when I thought the plant almost died and I will never get it back (I gave upon my efforts that I cared so much for!), I saw something was still growing way, way inside the pot- and gave me the hope that, " I should not give up my efforts. There's still hope that the plant can survive, and I must continue my efforts to take care of it, to take care of my dreams and my favorite "work." And I would start all over again feeling determined and motivated. "Hope's magic sparkles."

I know I am not being consistent in posting from past couples of months; but believe me, I am trying really hard, but there's so much to do and there is so little time! But I will not give up!

Thank you for still being there and for all your love and support. I always feel blessed to have you all in my life. Thank You So Much!

6 Quick Things You Can Do For Yourself- On a Budget

"Always find time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive."

This beautiful quote sums up everything (also is a reminder),  about all that we need in life- to feel happy, to relax, to slow down, to find inner peace, and to pamper oneself quiet often. Happiness in life is all about- feeling happy everyday- which is not easy in the present world. When we are constantly threatened by competition, success, and building the "perfect lifestyle," staying happy can be a serious issue. Who knew even after having "it all," we can't experience 'true' happiness and inner peace?
Finding true joy in life is no competition. It is more of an awareness, a self-realization that; " we can stay happy if we want to be!" There might be many reasons to make you feel unsatisfactory with your current situation; but there's also much more reasons you can find- to build the blocks of your "happiness tower."

 

As Anthony J. D' Angelo has aptly said~ ~ "The greatest gift you can give yourself is a little bit of your own attention."

It can be easy to drown yourself in day-to-day worries. And only few continue to smile and swim away gently from those fearful monsters called- 'problems'; only with the hope that-they will too pass soon! "I am trying to be one among them!" I am practicing to distance myself from all kinds of worries I have at present, and to breathe, to stay calm in all adversities, and to hold on to faith.  "Some of my friends think I have no problems in my life- may be because I share happy smiling pictures with them on social media. I believe it's fine if they are thinking this way. This helps me to understand that- I am trying to 'share the best parts of me with everyone; and I am working hard to take control of my life- my way!

I constantly look for things where I can focus my mind, and my thoughts- to feel relaxed, and to connect with myself. Some days I get over my worries easily, other days I try harder to find a way out to make myself feel good again, to feel alive again.

So here's what I do to listen to my inner-self, to calm my emotions, and to take a detour when mind seems blocked:

1. Time for myself

Finding time to nurture my body and nourish my mind is the best gift I very often give to myself. When I allow myself to have some "me" moments to unwind and de-stress, I  feel more energetic, and kind of more productive to do everything in a better calm way. I give myself moments to relax and slow down, sometimes even to shut-down- all that bothers me- and to be just me- like a little fearless child.

2. Another chance

To revisit my mistakes, my failures, my unhappy moments! I give myself permission to visit them all again and see if I can find a better way to make it happen. I allow myself to do what I love, and to do what is important for me.

3. To escape

I give myself permission to say 'no' to things I cannot do, or cannot be! When it seems hard to control, I escape from them for a while (until I find myself the courage to face them again.) This is when I absorb myself completely in doing creative things like- photographing nature, capturing special moments of my kids in my camera, or in my diary, dancing with my son and daughter, singing all by myself, or painting my nails, organizing my wardrobe, dressing up etc.

4. Peace of mind

I try to stop myself feeling worried; and focus on the day- like; how best I can spend one day of my life. So have faith (yes! just hold on to your faith) that everything will settle and will be okay. To calm my fears and stubborn emotions- I reach out to friends, my family, and most of times I look for the book, that can speak to me.

5. Pamper your body, highlight your beauty, and if possible take a vacation, or a short break from your roles and responsibilities.

6. Find your passion and purpose

These two things drive my life. I will be nowhere without them inside me. We are all earning to live, and to let live; but how many of us truly enjoys what we do? We are all riding on a no-motivation life vehicle; where nobody cares about the words like; "passion, and purpose." But the secret to me 'being happy' is more about what I do every day, how passionate I am all about doing it- anyways!

It's time we start looking at our lives as purposeful, passion-filled journeys.

If we look hard enough, we can find moments of joy in every day. For the days when nothing seems like working; I try creating new to-do lists to feel happy and joyful again.

A Dream Is A Promise That You Make It To Yourself

So believe in your dreams.

If you know few things about me; by now you'll know how much I love watching cartoons, with my kids- mostly Disney and Nick Jr. And of all; 'Sofia The First', is my favorite. Every time I see a new episode's advertisement, I get more excited than my daughter :)

I am spilling another secret- source of my inspiration- kid's programs. There's so much to learn from them. I had also mentioned about this in one of my previous post (here) about how I felt motivated from Sofia The First's one of episodes.

Today's post is also inspired by this.

I was willing to write a post about "believing in your dreams," when I heard this fabulous song from Sofia The First, and I felt so inspired by the lyrics of the song, that I quickly grabbed my laptop and started writing this post. 

If you can dare to dream, you must dare to believe in it too; even when nobody in this world believes in it!

Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.
There's nobody in this world who doesn't like to have dreams. This is something instilled in our DNA. We all wish for so many things- to achieve. To become. And To do. But not all gets to achieve all their dreams, or to make their dreams come true. People who do not give -up, and never stops trying have only got there! They are also those people who have had complete faith in their dreams. They believed that can be possible; even if it never seemed achievable; they did not stop trying. And so true about these great wise words that says, "It always seems impossible until it is done." So do your dreams until you can make yourself believe that- you actually made it.

There are so many such people in my life, who thinks I have totally lost it- just because I live with, and I'm living for my dreams." Doesn't really matter if that is your thought- not mine.  My dreams are my inspirations that has given me wings to fly and rise above all such people and their dramas. I no more fear failures, I rise each morning with a goal, with a spirit to achieve something, do something different, and to make things happen that seemed impossible to me some time. I wake up with the energy to chase the things that were once important to me. So my dreams are my motivation- promises that I have made to myself.

If you really think you must not stop dreaming, don't! Let people laugh at you, criticize you, and make fun of you. You must not care any such distractions. Just continue working towards your dreams- be unstoppable.

I don't know what's you reasons to not believe in dreams; but this is why I love my dreams and believe in them:

1. I can never go back and change my past, but my dreams motivate me to look forward in my life. They help me stay focused and in the right path, and in the moment-without feeling any kind of guilt and regrets.

2. My dreams make my life interesting, and keeps me busy being productive. Dreams and ambitions are the reasons why we wake up each morning with lots of energy- to create the life we have always wished for, to be the person we have always wanted to see. So with this push I stay busy, stay productive, and stay inspired all-the-time. My dreams push me to go further and achieve that I have always wished for. And this is here I'm today!

3. Living with dreams feels incredible. So good that I want to live with my dreams every single day. Dreaming makes me happy, so why not? They roar to me and say, "go for your life. Go for the reasons you have always waited for in your life. Go and do it!"

4. My dreams have had helped me in bringing the best out of me. Doesn't matter if I will achieve them or not, but they are my inspirations to do my best, to give my best efforts. At least I will not have regrets that, "I never gave it a try!"

Therefore never listen to what others' have to comment about your dreams and ambitions. All you must do is -BELIEVE!

Believe you can, and therefore you must.
Believe it can be done. At least must be tried before you give-up.

Surround yourself with people who encourage you, inspire you, and believe in your dreams.

Wishing you all a Lovely #May with More Happiness and More Achievements, and More of Good Health.

What do you think? We must believe in our dreams or not? Do leave me your thoughts in the comments below.

How To Create A More Peaceful, Relaxed Day

"Every day brings a choice: to practice stress or to practice peace." - Joan Borysenko.

Yes! That's why, what we choose matters. Inner peace and mindfulness may sound like big therapeutic words; and you may even leave my page right away, before reading any further! But before you go, just know that, "I am not going to share the tips where you will be required to take a day off  and relax, or leave everything else and meditate- only to find back your inner peace! Yes, nothing of that sort; but just to find your inner peace of mind right where you are.

Today's post is all about finding peace by enjoying where you are in life, right now.
Forget everything for a moment; put them in a box, and lock it. Now look around yourself (right where you are). What is the first thing that you see? And does that "thing" make you happy or sad?
You will exactly see what your heart wants you to see- because how you are feeling inside will always reflect outside. This is where #inspirations will help you see the best around in your life! Make use of all your senses. See and feel anything that seems interesting or inspiring. Gather your whole self and bring it to the present moment.

Whenever we feel stressed out, all we would want to do is, "just sit quietly, relax, recharge, or find a calm place for ourselves; but do you think it is always possible to get away from the present circumstances and feel peaceful? Not always!
The only way to find how to do it is, "by figuring out what works for you." Not everyone can do some kind of immediate breathing exercises, or a quick yoga to calm themselves down, or to feel less-stressful! But we can practice various ways to focus our mind to the conscious decision we can make quickly, and feel better- by "finding peace by enjoying right where we are."

Inner peace comes from appreciating life- with all it's ups and downs. It's about doing what you can, and knowing that no matter what you do; or how you be- you are sure to face challenges. Make peace  within yourself, and accept all that is happening with you now, today, or tomorrow. Even if we try, we can't avoid the adversities. Know that it is okay with whatever happens. Once we agree to whatever is happening (at present) in our life, or to our relationships, or in our career, at work, with friends- everything- gets easier to accept the fact! We will slowly stop blaming ourselves, and cursing our fate- when things doesn't work out as we expect them to be! We will learn to slow down, aim high while working hard and in an honest way. Being honest with our emotions, with all kinds of feelings is so very important to maintain our sanity, to stay sane under stress. And all these things happens with continuous practice. 

I am learning to, "change the way I see my thoughts, and changing the way I deal with them. I am learning to accept most parts of me- good or bad." Only when I make peace with my own self (in every way), I will be able to find peace around me. No matter what comes, life goes on. So the realization; that it is crucial to laugh and enjoy life while we can- changed me, changed my attitude towards feeling frustrated, empty, or unfortunate. I have promised myself to live my best every moment- no matter what life throws at me!

I know I am writing after a long time again; but I hope you like this post.

Don't forget to leave me your thoughts in the comments below. I am going to visit each one of you, and my  regular favorite blogs too- to catch up with all the older posts. I missed you all so much; but with weather getting better and more outdoor activities, and kids growing up so very fast; I'm hardly finding time to sit down and write, or to take any blog pictures. Also, really trying hard to read more; because I have got soooo many interesting books lately- from library and also from the bookstores. I will also do some posts to share my favorite books/reads with you all.

I am trying my best to write and post some interesting/inspiring topics in the blog. So stay with me-always. Please!

Wishing You All Lots of Sunshine, Outdoor Life, and More Happy Days Ahead.

Finding My Happiness- Back In Spring

I might be little late in writing this post about #Springmotivation. But I guess I can welcome and celebrate #Spring the whole March. For me spring indicates, "end of dull gloomy winter days; and looking forward to many  new and exciting things in life; everything feels so fresh, new, charged, and electrifying and inspiring."

For me spring is also about witnessing nature's magical creations, new life, more outdoor activities, and definitely more of sunshine. This is the reason I love love hot sunny days. Winter happens to be my least favorite time of the year; except for the fact that I get to capture beautiful pictures, and also I get to wear layers :)

There's so much going around these days- spring sales, cleaning, home decoration with all spring decor accessories, many are updating their wardrobes with spring-inspired prints, colors, and patterns. There's so much of enthusiasm and happiness all-around during this time of the year. Feels just amazing!

I was equally excited to get myself some spring colors and styles clothing, shoes, purse, some new color lipsticks (that I haven't used before), some home decors, and last but not the least; books- lots and lots of books. I will definitely share them with you in my next posts. So stay with me for more #inspirations.

Waiting for spring itself is so much exciting that it creates so much motivation within me!

I can't wait to do my garden with lots of flowers and veggies. Seeing bloom everywhere is a great sight, and we must Thank Mother Nature for all these miracles. How often we miss the sight to realize that, "we are so very lucky to be alive; irrespective of all the problems and worries that we have in our life." Finding simple reasons to look at the bright side is so very important- doesn't really matter if the reason happens to be a simple weather change! Finding happiness is not a destination; rather a journey. And staying happy really matters- to every aspect of our life.

I'm glad to be busy doing too many things. I'm glad to have found my happiness back in spring. Winter was not that pleasant for us this year. The whole family suffered with bad cold and cough. But I did not stop finding my happiness! I tried my best to keep up with my assignments and commitments. But the spirit of spring is just one big reason for me to feel happy and exciting again:)

There can be so many such "reasons" to find the happiness back in your life, to find the passion for life. I wish you all find that "lost happiness" very soon and stay your best-always.

Do leave me your thoughts below.

The ABCs of How To Feel Beautiful Everyday

Most of us have days when we don't feel pretty at all, or we don't like to look in the mirror, or totally hate when we hardly fit into our favorite outfits. Stressing out about anything has never had any solutions. We must own those parts of ourselves, we have always wanted to get rid off, those parts of us; we think make us not-beautiful. I know how hard it is to feel beautiful all-the-time; because what you feel from inside reflects outside- in your overall appearance.

But before I share some simple ways to 'feel beautiful' every single day, I want you to remember something; "It is okay to be different, to have imperfections, to not-love few parts of ourselves. It is absolutely okay!"

But it is not okay to be someone, that we aren't in real! 

I feel "being awesome" is more prettier than being beautiful. Next time when you feel, "you aren't pretty, you are not smart, or you aren't worthy; just try to remember those moments that made you feel worthy of yourself. Re-visit those words/compliments that made you feel- you are much more than just 'being beautiful.' 

Stop! being harsh on yourself and accept your positive unique qualities. Trust me, these are the things  that make you attractive and "special." Decide you are beautiful and don't let any kind of criticisms or negative remarks bother you. You are your authority. So you must decide how you look upon yourself. 

We can easily get distracted by all the kinds of beauty representations we see around these days- everywhere. So as per those standards, we may not even fit into the "perfect beauty" category; but it is you who can set that standard for your own self-worth. 

"Looking smart and feeling awesome about oneself is important than being prettier."

I am no different when it comes to not-feeling-pretty and attractive some days! I wish too to look the same each day- but changes are inevitable. We can't stop the process! So instead of beating ourselves up for Not looking beautiful, can we embrace those "new changes" and see what we can do to amp our physical appearance. 

Yes! that's where the magic lies. To create a look, to feel your BEST every single day; by accepting who you're becoming. So here's a few of the "magical" ways I try to feel best about myself, my body, my beauty, and about my skin each single day. I hope you find them helpful too:

1. Accept

Accept your flaws. Love your imperfections and know that you can't be like somebody else. Let people hate you for how you look; but you know your worth, you know many loves you- for being just YOU! Accept the fact that you are "NOT perfect, or you are NOT smart, or NOT attractive, or NOT fashionable, or DO NOT meet the standards of (today's) modern day beauty requirements. So accept it, and make peace with yourself. Become more self-aware of who you really are, and practice self-acceptance.

2. Appreciate

Appreciate what you are blessed with. Embrace yourself and flaunt your best features. Take care of the parts of you; you think you can change and or improve, whilst loving the parts that are not-so-pretty or not-so-perfect! But don't forget to love yourself- no matter how you look! 

3. Create an Attractive Aura

I am always attracted to people; with some amazing magnetic personalities. I admire their every move- the way they carry themselves- fearlessly, confidently, and in a pretty stylish way. Build that charisma. Make your presence fill the room or the atmosphere with some amazing positive vibes, and with some, "I am me, I am unique attitude." 

4. Change your Attitude 

 Change the way you have looked upon yourself in all these years. Try to build your confidence- with regards to your look and appearance. See how and where you can begin with, transforming yourself in a better way- that will make you feel confident and equally important. "You become what you think." So, think positive and good about your physical appearance and you can see the difference.

5. Calm all kinds of Comparisons and Criticisms' with Compassion.

Let the world throw heavy negative remarks at you, but you try to make peace within yourself. It all starts within. Every individual is fighting their own battles, so be kind enough to stop hating someone just because they look ugly or different. Love the pain or hatredness (within yourself for yourself or for others) with passion and patience.

I love this quote on compassion: "Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people." - Karen Salmansohn.

6. Turn your Disappointments into Determination.

Be determined to bring that 'good' change in your physical beauty. Don't get disheartened when you fail in first few attempts. Keep trying and do what you want to do- to look your best; or to feel your best-self.

7. Silent Shame with Support, Success, and Simplicity.

There's a lot of body shaming going around in the world. Shut them all out of your life, and focus on the good stuffs. See yourself in the mirror and find good reasons that make you uniquely pretty or smart. Work on your current personal issues. Ask yourself, what you need to change in yourself to feel more good about yourself. Connect with like-minded people with similar interests, or who can help you with some good tips and advises. Seek help from family and friends. Ask your "close supportive" friends for their opinion. While you work upon your imperfections, also try to celebrate your greatness, your greatest qualities, and your BEST features alongside.

8. Peace Perfection with Self-Love.

We all crave for that word, "perfect"- perfect body, perfect hair, perfect look, perfect skin, perfect style, and what not! Aim at being your best self- in all ways. Ditch perfectionism and feel a million times better. 

Rather than validating your worth via others' opinion, realize your self- worth and become comfortable with who you are. You need to find what's unique and lovable about yourself.

Do leave me your thoughts about this post in the comments below, and if you really liked it please do share with your friends, and readers.