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Monday, April 11, 2016

From O Magazine: New and Improved

I am a longtime subscriber of O Magazine, and I love reading the contributors' questionnaire at the beginning of every issue, which relates to the monthly theme. 

The theme for the month of April is self improvement. 


Here's how I answered her questions. 

One small adjustment that made a big impact...Personal Development. 
I read or listen to some form of personal development every day. When you work on yourself, everything else falls into place. You can read books on how to be a badass. You can listen to podcasts about enjoying the simple things in life. You can read books on decluttering or nutrition or creativity or travel or cooking...whatever makes you smile. If you spend some time every day working on yourself, the return on your time investment is huge. You will love your ever-evolving self and become stronger from the inside out, every day. 



My friends would say that I need to update...my wardrobe.
No doubt, I need to update my wardrobe. I wear the same "uniform" every day and most of it is in neutral colors. I'm okay with having a small wardrobe, but I need more color and style. 

The hardest habit I ever broke would love to break is...added sugar and fake sugars. 
Sugar is my kryptonite. I would love to remove all added sugar and artificial sweeteners from my diet. I have seen the sugar detoxes, but have yet to sustain it, and so it continues to be on my list of goals. One day at a time. 

One thing that will never change is...my curiosity. 
I love learning and exploring. Passion does not have to consume every activity of our lives. 

In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert says, "The trick is to just follow your small moments of curiosity. It doesn't take a massive effort. Just turn your head an inch. Pause for a instant. Respond to what has caught your attention."



How would you answer the same questions?

22 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post. So many women my age just seem to have given up on finding or redefining themselves, especially once the kids are gone from home. For me thus became the perfect opportunity to explore the things I couldn't as a mom with kids at home. And - I had to laugh at the wardrobe comment. I am in that same place and have slowly been trying some new ways to perk up my same old jeans and t-shirt!!

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    1. You are right, Laura, in that this is the perfect time to explore. It sounds like you gave so much as a Mom when your kids were younger, that now you have time to explore things that stoke the fire in your belly. Enjoy the process and good luck with the jeans and t-shirts. :-) I'm in the same boat.

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  2. Don't know if this will make sense coming through my fingertips as it does in my head :-) but the hardest habit I've ever broken took place recently. I had stumbled into the habit of saying: IM TIRED.
    When I did not mean I'm tired at all. What I really meant was: I do not feel heard.

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    1. How did those around you respond? It must be a relief to put accurately articulate your experience.

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  3. Yes I think being open to new ideas or ways of looking at things without conditions is very helpful.Rather than restricting my time to certain tasks at such and such an hour I am flexible. What this means to me that if I am in a creative zone I can stay there. This has been a positive adjustment for my creative business attitude.

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    1. You make a great point, Haralee. Flexibility allows for growth; it's important.

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  4. I firmly believe you should never stop learning or exploring! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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    1. Agreed, Biana; otherwise we're not really living, are we? Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  5. I definitely need to get better at reducing the sugar in my diet. It's in SO much!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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    1. It's in everything; so frustrating. If you find a detox program that you like, please come back and let me know. Thanks, Darcy!

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  6. I have a lot of bad habits that I'd love to get rid of and some changes I'd like to start with my wardrobe as well!

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    1. Wardrobe is hard, because I'm somewhat of a minimalist. I'm not very stylish and having a "uniform" keeps things simple, but probably not as flattering as they could be. Good luck with your habit changes too, Rena!

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  7. What a wonderful post, Kelly. I think we all are works in progress, after all, living is a verb. I am inspired by your steadfast habit of seeking out a way to improve yourself daily, it seems to me your habit could be a wonderful challenge for most!

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    1. Thank you, Elin. You're so right; our journeys are works in progress. Every day, all I can do it to try and evolve a bit more than I did yesterday. The self improvement quest is a quest for balance as well; celebrate where we've made gains and plan for the future. Have a great day!

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  8. A lot of food for thought here! I just did a little wardrobe "reboot" and it felt pretty good. Starting small...I've never had a problem with re-inventing myself over the years, and don't look back. Right now I'm trying to figure out what to try next! Stay tuned...and thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. Have you made a vision board, Risa? Sometimes thinking about what you want will help you focus on where to go next. Good luck! I can't wait to see what unfolds.

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  9. Curiosity is such a wonderful thing. I think all travelers have it!

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    1. Curiosity is a must. I can't imagine walking through life without wondering, asking questions, and investigating further.

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  10. Another inspiring, reflective Post Kelly. Excellent tips, thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks, Peggy! I hope you're having a great week!

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  11. I love this! We all can change for the better no matter what point in life we are. Self-reflection is a beautiful thing. What a lovely well-written post!

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  12. Lovely post. I came here from Midlife Women and clicked on today's post but saw this in your other posts. Love the graphics and I agree about self-improvement. I've been on that track at least since my 20s.

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