"People that put themselves above others will fall longer and harder" - Gina Lindley
In a world of Facebook and Twitter, where people are constantly showcasing their latest and greatest accomplishments, it is very easy to feel like you are not measuring up. Keeping up with the Joneses is now available for your viewing pleasure!
Humility is underrated, while showcasing one's personal talents and achievements is a priority. I have to keep reminding myself that without many of the people in my life, I would not be where I am today. It is by giving freely of their time and energy that makes them a good friend.
Now I think it is fabulous and essential to be proud of your own personal successes, but I think it is important to be thankful and mindful of the path that led you to where you are. And perhaps it would be refreshing to step away from looking at your own life to instead give thanks for what you do have by being there for a friend or family member in need.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Day 13
"Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness" - George Santayana
As a planner, I really appreciate this quote. In order for me to have something to plan, an idea has to pop into my mind and take root. I also have to believe that something will come of this idea; I have to believe it is possible. When I have self-doubt or lack faith, I start experiencing disbelief. I have to remind myself that if I can dream it, I can do it.
As a planner, I really appreciate this quote. In order for me to have something to plan, an idea has to pop into my mind and take root. I also have to believe that something will come of this idea; I have to believe it is possible. When I have self-doubt or lack faith, I start experiencing disbelief. I have to remind myself that if I can dream it, I can do it.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Day 12
"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue
happiness. You have to catch it yourself" - Author unknown, commonly
attributed to Benjamin Franklin
If you have been given an opportunity that you have been wanting, go for it! You only live once!
If you have been given an opportunity that you have been wanting, go for it! You only live once!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Day 11
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit" -Aristotle
In order to become excellent at something, we have to keep at it and make it a ritual in our daily lives. Experts have said that it takes two weeks to change eating habits. The same is true of most other activities. When we go to the gym at 6:00 a.m. every day, it turns into the same habit as brushing our teeth every day.
The really important thing is to change any negative habits to positive ones, especially while we are still young. I have been trying to eliminate the aspects of my life that do not contribute to my overall happiness. It's a great time for spring cleaning!
In order to become excellent at something, we have to keep at it and make it a ritual in our daily lives. Experts have said that it takes two weeks to change eating habits. The same is true of most other activities. When we go to the gym at 6:00 a.m. every day, it turns into the same habit as brushing our teeth every day.
The really important thing is to change any negative habits to positive ones, especially while we are still young. I have been trying to eliminate the aspects of my life that do not contribute to my overall happiness. It's a great time for spring cleaning!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Day 10
"Don't learn the tricks of the trade. Learn the trade" -Anonymous
In my opinion, becoming an "expert" in a trade is a very satisfying and rewarding experience. When I have worked hard to learn something, I always feel more satisfied and accomplished than if I would have found an easy shortcut. Not only do I feel better about myself, but I think that others respect me more for my hard work and effort.
Sometimes that means pushing the boundaries to create something innovative and new, but that is ultimately how we learn!
In my opinion, becoming an "expert" in a trade is a very satisfying and rewarding experience. When I have worked hard to learn something, I always feel more satisfied and accomplished than if I would have found an easy shortcut. Not only do I feel better about myself, but I think that others respect me more for my hard work and effort.
Sometimes that means pushing the boundaries to create something innovative and new, but that is ultimately how we learn!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Day 9
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" - Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi is a great example of a person who is connected in mind and body. His quote resonates with one of the many reasons why I love practicing yoga. Yoga is meant to connect our mental and physical states and allows us to achieve more balance in our lives. What I love most about yoga is that every practice is completely different. Going to practice allows me to connect whatever situation I am in with the present. It allows me to breathe. This seemingly simple, yet challenging practice allows me to focus on me for an hour and a few, which is so necessary in our busy lives.
Gandhi is a great example of a person who is connected in mind and body. His quote resonates with one of the many reasons why I love practicing yoga. Yoga is meant to connect our mental and physical states and allows us to achieve more balance in our lives. What I love most about yoga is that every practice is completely different. Going to practice allows me to connect whatever situation I am in with the present. It allows me to breathe. This seemingly simple, yet challenging practice allows me to focus on me for an hour and a few, which is so necessary in our busy lives.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Day 8
"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Now that it is spring, the sun is finally appearing again. As much as I enjoy the sunshine and nice weather, everywhere I have lived (Northern VA, GA, Granada, Spain, and Pittsburgh) has had bouts of gloomy weather. I've found that certain seasons don't necessarily make me happy, though. What makes me happy are the details and memories of each special time of year. Christmastime is my favorite time of year because of the celebratory nature and the holiday spirit. If such a cold, generally dark time of year is also my favorite time of year, doesn't that mean that my feelings are not a direct reflection of the weather outside? I think that if I start to enjoy the festivities of life on a regular basis, life will become even more wonderful.
Now that it is spring, the sun is finally appearing again. As much as I enjoy the sunshine and nice weather, everywhere I have lived (Northern VA, GA, Granada, Spain, and Pittsburgh) has had bouts of gloomy weather. I've found that certain seasons don't necessarily make me happy, though. What makes me happy are the details and memories of each special time of year. Christmastime is my favorite time of year because of the celebratory nature and the holiday spirit. If such a cold, generally dark time of year is also my favorite time of year, doesn't that mean that my feelings are not a direct reflection of the weather outside? I think that if I start to enjoy the festivities of life on a regular basis, life will become even more wonderful.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Day 7
"Don't limit investing to the financial world. Invest something of yourself, and you will be richly rewarded" - Charles Schwab
This quote really stuck out to me today. I recently started my loan repayment process. For anyone who is going through that or has been through it, you know how it feels when the money you just started to earn is being stripped away from you, like - well, there aren't many comparable situations (if you can think of any, let me know...). And when you continue to look at what you still owe, it seems like you are just throwing your hard-earned money into an insurmountable pit of debt. It seems like you will never be able to pay this off. And what about living expenses? You still have to pay those! And any big change in life?! Getting a car? Moving? Those are expensive too!
All of those changes and events in your life are investments in your future! You make investments with the intention of creating a better life for yourself and your loved ones. Or maybe you are content with the way things are.
Either way, everything you have done up until this point in your life has been an investment in the person you are today. Sometimes investments, like education, are costly and challenging, but you have to keep in mind why you made them in the first place... for rewards down the road!
This quote really stuck out to me today. I recently started my loan repayment process. For anyone who is going through that or has been through it, you know how it feels when the money you just started to earn is being stripped away from you, like - well, there aren't many comparable situations (if you can think of any, let me know...). And when you continue to look at what you still owe, it seems like you are just throwing your hard-earned money into an insurmountable pit of debt. It seems like you will never be able to pay this off. And what about living expenses? You still have to pay those! And any big change in life?! Getting a car? Moving? Those are expensive too!
All of those changes and events in your life are investments in your future! You make investments with the intention of creating a better life for yourself and your loved ones. Or maybe you are content with the way things are.
Either way, everything you have done up until this point in your life has been an investment in the person you are today. Sometimes investments, like education, are costly and challenging, but you have to keep in mind why you made them in the first place... for rewards down the road!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Day 6
"The way to gain a good reputation, is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear" - Socrates
Motivational theories often suggest that your behavior is a reflection of your mentality. If you desire to be more positive, start focusing on the good things in life. Fine-tuning yourself towards your goal will allow you to achieve it.
I personally wanted to be more athletic and healthy since I am a Master of Public Health. I wanted to practice what I preach. I used to be a cheerleader at CMU and have always been very active by playing tennis and running the majority of my life. To keep up with my fitness, I started attending yoga classes in 2011. First, I went with friends as a fun group activity. I soon became obsessed with the practice and went at least twice a week. I also signed up for my first race, a 5K, which was the gateway to a five-mile race, and then recently a 10K. This was all within six months, and I feel like I am living a more healthy life since I have made an action plan for myself.
Motivational theories often suggest that your behavior is a reflection of your mentality. If you desire to be more positive, start focusing on the good things in life. Fine-tuning yourself towards your goal will allow you to achieve it.
I personally wanted to be more athletic and healthy since I am a Master of Public Health. I wanted to practice what I preach. I used to be a cheerleader at CMU and have always been very active by playing tennis and running the majority of my life. To keep up with my fitness, I started attending yoga classes in 2011. First, I went with friends as a fun group activity. I soon became obsessed with the practice and went at least twice a week. I also signed up for my first race, a 5K, which was the gateway to a five-mile race, and then recently a 10K. This was all within six months, and I feel like I am living a more healthy life since I have made an action plan for myself.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Day 5
"The road to happiness is happiness"
Ohhh, you thought I would post every day? Nope, I'll be taking the weekends off!
Well, happiness should not just be a goal. I think what brings about happiness are the little things that happen in our lives every day that reaffirm our joy.
Ohhh, you thought I would post every day? Nope, I'll be taking the weekends off!
Well, happiness should not just be a goal. I think what brings about happiness are the little things that happen in our lives every day that reaffirm our joy.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Day 4
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself" -Matthew 6:34 NIV
Every day presents accomplishments as well as challenges of its own. There is no sense in worrying about all the distinct possibilities of what may happen in a given situation when there is no certainty that the events will occur.
From a health perspective, worrying causes stress, and stress is one of the easiest ways we hurt ourselves: physically, mentally, and emotionally. It requires a lot of discipline and distraction to avoid worrying about the future, but in the end, what is meant to be will be. Because that's generally how life works.
Every day presents accomplishments as well as challenges of its own. There is no sense in worrying about all the distinct possibilities of what may happen in a given situation when there is no certainty that the events will occur.
From a health perspective, worrying causes stress, and stress is one of the easiest ways we hurt ourselves: physically, mentally, and emotionally. It requires a lot of discipline and distraction to avoid worrying about the future, but in the end, what is meant to be will be. Because that's generally how life works.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Day 3
"My heart is in the work" - Andrew Carnegie
This quote is meaningful to me as Carnegie Mellon University is my alma mater. Throughout my four years of undergrad, I learned that everyone around me had an intense passion for their designated field of study. I too focused on working towards something I always had a passion for: helping others. That path led me to a complete a Master's in Public Health, several internships, a residency, and arrive at a career in health policy and management.
Reflecting on the path I took, I can see that my heart was into helping people, and that is the reason why I have been able to make it my work.
This quote is meaningful to me as Carnegie Mellon University is my alma mater. Throughout my four years of undergrad, I learned that everyone around me had an intense passion for their designated field of study. I too focused on working towards something I always had a passion for: helping others. That path led me to a complete a Master's in Public Health, several internships, a residency, and arrive at a career in health policy and management.
Reflecting on the path I took, I can see that my heart was into helping people, and that is the reason why I have been able to make it my work.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Day 2
"Not all those who wander are lost" - J.R.R. Tolkien
This is a quote that struck me as perfect for anyone who is in the midst of transitions or facing changes in their life. Sometimes it is okay not to know what the future holds. It is okay to explore life and take some time off from planning every detail in order to just be. By allowing yourself to "wander", you will find out who you are, gain a richer understanding of what you want from life, and what you like/dislike. You may just find yourself in the process.
This is a quote that struck me as perfect for anyone who is in the midst of transitions or facing changes in their life. Sometimes it is okay not to know what the future holds. It is okay to explore life and take some time off from planning every detail in order to just be. By allowing yourself to "wander", you will find out who you are, gain a richer understanding of what you want from life, and what you like/dislike. You may just find yourself in the process.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Day 1
"Learn to love yourself before you love anyone else"
I had an idea to make a blog based off of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" in which I dedicate a year to improve my happiness, thereby improving my interactions with others, and ultimately improving my personal and professional relationships.
My idea is to share a quote of inspiring optimism or nugget of motivation every day for a year. I haven't decided if I will re-cite all my quotes or if I will make up my own. We'll see as we go along!
I had an idea to make a blog based off of Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" in which I dedicate a year to improve my happiness, thereby improving my interactions with others, and ultimately improving my personal and professional relationships.
My idea is to share a quote of inspiring optimism or nugget of motivation every day for a year. I haven't decided if I will re-cite all my quotes or if I will make up my own. We'll see as we go along!
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