I woke up inspired to talk about all the warming stuff January brings (and takes away). The heating in our house went damaged yesterday (in these cold January nights)! Although it will be fully repaired tomorrow, it made me think of all the other happy things my family and I are making rituals from. And of course, it isn’t cold inside the house (a one-year-old is in here). We have some replacements.
Happiness reached up to the very high level in December when I started to take care of myself more (here’s the article I wrote about that). I changed my daily routine. From waking up earlier, working on time and finishing my to do’s, to go to bed on time. I am grateful and very lucky for having this inspiring little family: my son who is so funny that I am seriously getting smile wrinkles, and very encouraging good-looking husband.
The importance of writing things down
Since I took my life under control, I am less scared/tired/stressed out. I like eating at 7.30am and putting my son for his nap at 10 am. I even more like weekends when we all wake up together. And weekends always go away from my daily routines, but I don’t care because I get to watch my guys painting, making music, and talking/”talking” (depends on Milijas mood).
A few words about to do lists. Lists are a thing I started when I was in school. But I didn’t like it back then. Because there weren’t more than 2 things (out of 20) crossed off. Yet I kept on making them and trying to keep up… It took me many years to master them, and now they are on my side (tracking things that need to be done helps a lot). And after you master it, you are ready to embrace the whole you.
Being yourself
Often I find myself in a space between other people and me. Mostly because almost everyone is trying to influence me. How can someone be so sure I would like to buy that yellow dress with pink flowers? Why I am I always being said not to wear a ponytail? Would those strangers just please stop considering me skinny (which I am not)? And why are people so interested in my age when they see me alone with my son?
My husband talked me out of feeling bad because I cannot make my point. Every time I tried to be angry with someone, he said that the same feeling could go vice versa. People don’t understand each other because they are trying to catch up with bills or deadlines (or whatever). So if you consider yourself different and think no one understands that- you’re wrong. There aren’t even two humans on Earth who are exactly the same. Trying to be different is the worst thing you can do for yourself. Because it leads to depression. Unless you are a teenager and trying to build a style. Just be yourself and start warming your soul.
Warming from the inside
Warming on a mental level. Making yourself comfortable in your skin. Producing hormones of happiness. Being you.
There are actions that modern world kind of threw on us. All this technology we simply need to use so we can function is giving us headaches and bad sleep. I am always telling people they need to be conscious of the “time flies” phrase. They need to live life, not only to run. Emotions and actions are for humans, and they are for humans in every single shape they can be. My family is here for me and I really try to enjoy every single action with them, which leads to beautiful emotions.
I am not trying to be cool and send a message “don’t use electronics” anymore (obviously I’m using it right now). But there are times we should avoid them. I would rather enjoy a green tea first thing in the morning than open my new messages. It can all wait for 30 minutes (or more). Also, I don’t like them at night before bedtime. Electronics make my body awake and they can make me upset. But also, if the content I am watching is too interesting… Well you know, I’ll fall asleep later. This doesn’t leave room for my beauty sleep. Go digital detox in the morning and before sleep!
Mornings are for winners (but nights are too)
The best mornings are those when we get to wake up very slowly, share a nutritious breakfast together, and play games. We also enjoy our walks, and our son loves to spend time with his puppy. Having a pet means more laughs and happiness. Our dog is very active and naughty, but there isn’t than sympathetic living being like she is. Yoga is one of the things I share with my son. Since very little, he was practising it every day. And mornings are perfect for yoga because after that you are ready to paint the day however you like it to be. This discipline which came from India gives you the opportunity to merge your body, mind, and soul. I have never seen a sad yogi. Go on, have a conversation with yourself the next morning and do it on the highest level possible. We believe that if you are dressed up and you had a proper skincare in the morning, you are ready to rule.
But we are also a night rituals freaks. All three of us are book lovers, and there isn’t a better time for reading (and light snacking) than the “bedtime rituals”. While mornings should be about focus, nights are so not about focusing. Unless you need to be focused on falling asleep (and so you count sheep).
I encourage you to be yourself because it suits you the best!
GiGi Eats says
Mornings are for winners! I am a very early riser, and I loveeeee it! I get so much accomplished between the hours of 5am and 9am, it’s nuts! And my to-do list is typically done around 1 or 2 pm (I am a fast worker – always have been)… I truly believe waking up early is the creme de la creme in terms of time management! It’s also a time where you can relax when no one else is awake and reflect on why your life rocks! 🙂
Alicia Kinsey says
i always sleep with a pen and paper. i cant sleep unless i put my thoughts down on paper.
Erika Ramona says
I like the term “digital detox”. Not using a lot of electronics in the morning and before sleep is definitely a goal!
Joan Cajic says
I also a morning person and as much as I’ve tried to sleep longer, I always find myself already awake and out of bed thinking of what to do for the day. Writing down things is also a very good way to help oneself mentally and also to just have clarity.
Allison Cooper says
I agree about writing everything down, for sure. It’s the only way that keeps me organized at all. Sorry to hear about your heat – I hope that gets fixed asap!
Yocana talaia says
I have now recently started writing things down more. It has really been helping me as I used to forget a lot of things along the day. Waking up early allows me to do more tasks and I actually have more energy
Regina Malloy says
i myself really need to star writing things down and doing more careing for myself too
Jeuelle says
I am trying to revive my daily journaling habit. It is quite therapeutic for me…
Patricia says
i can’t agree more! Writing down my feelings help me organize things and even map how my day would go by! Though sometimes I forget so this is a great reminder!
Ada says
I love this! Writing things down has been helpful for me too as it helps me remember everything I need to do each day but I also like to write down the highs and lows each day.
Curlywhippedtee says
I love this. we always forget about the little things in life.
Dee Jackson says
I completely agree about being yourself. There is so much freedom to be gained once you stop trying to be someone else.
Blair villanueva says
Being yourself makes you more creative, genuine and passionate to your work.
And you value your work even more.
Angela Giles says
Totally love this. We should not forget who we are and stop replicating others that we aren’t or don’t want to be. We are capable of more than what we think.
emmanuel damian says
I think being yourself is the most important thing. Embrace your uniqueness! Be you!
Hollybee says
This is a great post. I love that you are trying to be you. I think more people need to take a deep look at themselves and be true to who they are.
Veronica@inveronicascorner says
I definitely need to revamp my daily routine. You’re Post is very inspiring
Sela says
I am a morning person. I can get think done in the morning. I also believe in writing my thought down. We have to be ourselves no matter what. Very inspirational post.
Laura Dove says
I too sleep with a pen and paper, it really helps me to get things down on paper and clear my mind! I’m not a morning person at all, and having insomnia Im awake a lot of the night! I need too try and regulate my daily routine better.
Kristyn says
I love mornings. At times it is a slow morning for me, but I find myself most productive during that time. This month I have been trying to be more organized and focus on priorities. Journaling is a great way to relax my mind and help me get through this month.
Amber Myers says
Yes, it is so important to be yourself. I always tell my kids this as well. It’s better to be weird. I am a book lover too and always have a book on hand.
Joanna says
I wish I could be an early person. I did it for a while and it did make me feel so much better, especially after starting my day with exercises. I need to start doing that again.
Millennial Boss says
I spent my entire life up to this point trying to avoid routine which I perceived as boring. I was so wrong! My routines provide me so much happiness. Thank you for sharing your routines with us.
corinne & kirsty says
Some day I am in early birds some other I can’t get up. It really depends but I can be productive in both situations! Being yourself and staying true to yourself matters the most!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
Digital detox…we’ve been having our daughter practice this before bed, it’s something we should implement as well.
Lakshmi says
I am totally trying to follow many here… mornings are becoming my favorite these days starting with a hot cup of coffee… and writing this down always worked for me 🙂
Karen Morse says
Love the things that you wrote here especially the one about self acceptance which also leads to self love. We have to be comfortable in the skin we’re in so we can love ourselves more.
Sarah Bailey says
Hands up I’m not a morning person, I used to be but now I take meds that make me wake up groggy as well as my fatigue, so I come alive most at night (if you can call it that). However, I totally get you with having to write things down, I always have some form of note-taking implement near.
Dee Jackson says
This is such a lovely post. I completely agree that being yourself is so important!
Growingwithmer says
I used to be a morning person, but now I seem to get up later and later. Btw love the fringe
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I have always wanted to start my morning with yoga, but then I look outside at our snowy and icy streets that I don’t want to venture out. I should really get a yoga app or something.
Suzanne Spiegoski says
I love to set the tone for the rest of the day during the morning. It makes all the difference!
xo,
Suzanne
http://www.suzannespiegoski.com
Julie Plagens says
Ive just started using Evernote and the good ok pen a paper. It really helps with keeping my thoughts straight. Good for you becoming comfortable in your skin!
Julie Plagens says
I just started writing everything down! Evernote and paper are both handy. I’m glad you’re becoming completely comfortable with your routine and life style. Good for you!
Alison Rost says
Love this post! It’s all about focusing on the good things and loving yourself more. It’s important that we accept who we are and what we can do in life, that’s the best gift we can give to ourselves. I’m working on that too.
Hannah Marie says
My husband lives on the phrase YOLO while I’m the complete opposite. He travels a lot alone on his motorcycle leaving me with my 2 kids at home. So early today I decided to take my kids out and let them play while I enjoy watching them. And they complimented me with, You’re the best!”. That made my day.
A G says
Warming on mental level. Making yourself comfortable in your skin. Producing hormones of happiness. Being you.
I love this, you have made a follower out of me!
Akamatra says
I hate it when the heat breaks in our house! And we are total book worms too! Our 19 month old daughter the biggest of all!
Dana Peller says
I have to agree with you on writing things down. It definitely helps me remember upcoming events and helps me with my clients.
Jessica Taylor says
I am such an early riser, I guess that makes me a winner haha! I am so strict on routines.
Kelly Hutchinson says
Writing things down is key in keeping calm and giving yourself a chance to self-express. I love all of your suggestions though and I should totally take a page from you book.
fashionmommy says
I always have a notebook with me, to jot down things that come into my head. I also do my best work first thing in the morning.
Jay Colby says
Writing down my thoughts and opinions is the reason why I choose to take a career path in media/journalism. Being yourself is something we all should strive for.
LavandaMichelle says
I’m looking at ways to make my daily routine more lively and I like the phrase Digital Detox. Great blog post.
Valerie says
Your post is so inspiring ! Recently I started taking care of myself a little more, going to bed earlier, and trying to work on time. Specially since having a toddler and a baby and a blog (which is another baby, it requires lots of attention) was really hard for me. I couldn’t find a balance, but im doing so much better now and keeping it up ! Thanks for sharing <3
Kristin says
What an insightful post. I love reading everything you have learned, so much wisdom!
Rosey says
It really is important to write things down. My 18-year-old is so good at doing that, I could improve.
Natalie says
I’ve been waking up and going to be earlier too and it has been doing me good! I hope your heating is back up and running!
Christina says
It’s always great to hear about how someone else approaches (and values) self-care. Thanks for the reminder!
Damond Nollan says
I love to read, but my evening habit has been to fall asleep in front of the television OR some device with a screen. I know, they say it’s not good, but I like the noise.
Claudia Krusch says
I am trying to resume my daily journaling! I used to love doing it! Thank you for reminding me!
AnnMarie John says
This is such a lovely post to read especially at the beginning of the year. We have to accept the fact that we are who are and that it would be better if we loved ourselves. So long as we know what to improve on, we’re good.
Cristina Leau says
I love this article, it’s so inspiring and empowering. I also like how you talked about your dog. I love animals and also I’m the human of my cat. She is cute but can scratch your patience out of you. I tried yoga as well. I like it, but most of the time I find that I’m too tired to even try anymore. I have to try to do it in the morning.
Becca says
Love this! I’ve been waking up much earlier than usual so far this year – early enough that I can actually have breakfast before I go to work, which is just an absolute game changer for me. Also, I love lists – I try and make lists about everything. I have no idea why, I just enjoy it and find it fun!
Rose says
I like that last statement being myself suits me best. Finding that routine and reducing the rush of completing things makes life so much easier.
Anosa says
I guess part of my routine is writing and creating to-do list. It’s my way of getting things done and also being able to track my previous ideas and also checking what am I up to from the previous months/years. It’s an outlet for me to feel free to write what I want.
Nina says
I really have never been much of a morning person, but I would love to try. I also agree with you about the technology. Things for sure can wait. We have to enjoy life un-connected.
Sela says
Your post is very inspiring and I loved reading it. I am a morning person also. I get up early when everyone else is sleep and I manage to get a lot done. I also love animals and I like your relationship with your dog.
Sheri - A Busy Bee's Life says
I love to make lists and keep my focus. I should eat breakfast more often, but mornings are very productive for me.
Hey Sharonoox says
A few months ago, I started to have a digital detox routine before going to bed it’s working well for me. I agree with you on the last note. Be oneself for everyone else has already taken!
Ruth I. says
I decided to start writing things down. I am forgetful so it really helps me. I like what you said, “I encourage you to be yourself, because it suits you the best!”
David Elliott says
It can be very hard to find yourself sometimes. And with the culture of social media, I think it has become harder because we are constantly bombarded with images and messages of why we should be someone else. And that’s hard to cope with. I know putting down electronics for a while helps. But it’s not easy, because, I like you am doing this blogging journey and it means engagement on social media quite frequently. We do need to strike a balance somehow though.
Angel Caronongan-Enero says
I will do that digital detox on my morning routine. Aside from cooking breakfast with my daughter, I am one of the guilty one checking my phones from time to time.
Sheleen Johnson says
I realised I do lack routine in my life mainly due to working shifts, but writing things down is essential for me. I was always trying to keep so much in my head that I suddenly couldn’t remember anything! I definitely agree about the digital detox too, i try to do that as often as i can.
Blair villanueva says
Once a week, especially Sundays is my digital detox day. Its my chance to read books and do other non-online stuffs.
Kiwi says
This is a cute and realistic post. I am trying better to be a early riser.
sophi clickn says
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Jennifer L says
It really is important to take care of ourselves and to give us time to enjoy our life. We can often get trapped by long Roy times and social media that it’s nice to put down our phone from time to time.
rain says
I’m a huge fan of keeping a journal since I was a child. I love reading back even if it’s just a year and seeing how much I’ve changed and grown.
Lisa says
I agree with the other and you writing things down is important. I used to be really good at it but not so much lately.
rachael burow says
I agree, whenever I write down my feelings I tend me to be more calm and collective with my thought! Great post and love the photos!
Bobbi says
Making sure to love yourself from the inside out is so important. It can make you so much happier and beat those winter blues that we so often get.
Georgia Boanoro says
I love to take baths with Epsom salts & lavender oil, I love to read in bed and eat vegetable soups, I love to practice Yoga in the early morning!
Becca Talbot says
Mornings very much are for winners – I couldn’t agree with you more! But I do struggle to get out of bed sometimes 🙁 I think it’s the dark winter mornings that make things so difficult lol x
Jody Marie says
Some lovely ideas here- thanks for the vulnerability and sharing!
Kitty says
I am a morning person too… Our baby is 4 months old, So I try to get up as early as possible to get done with all my work before everyone wakes up… I try to take some me time while I am going to bed by putting my little one to bead early… These are some great tips thank you soo much for posting…
Asmat says
thanks for sharing