Five Things I’ve Learned About Worrying And Why It Really Doesn’t Help
Posted by Karen Bishop | Leave a Comment
Photo: www.nappy.co
Over the years I’ve been told that I worry too much. Especially, when I was younger. As I get older, I’m much better at taming that worrying beast. I think worrying is natural, especially being a mother. When you’re responsible for someone’s life, it’s more than likely you’ll worry about them. Your mind is constantly trying to confirm if you’re actions as a parent is right or wrong. Life naturally causes us to worry about bills, our families, being successful and just about anything you can think of.
It requires a different way of thinking to change how you deal with worry and worrisome situations. It takes time and maturity for the most part. As you grow and gain different life experiences, you realize worrying really doesn’t help you. There’s no benefit to it. You get better at learning not to sweat the small stuff, deal with the big stuff and you gradually figure out what is truly important. Some people do breathing exercises, others are great with self-talk.
Here’s what I’ve learned about myself when I worry,
- It causes stress and stress can affect my health. Without my health, I’m no good to myself or anyone else.
- At no time has worrying helped my situation. Not one time!
- The faster I am able to calm my emotions, I can use my brain power to figure out a solution. I actually spend less time worrying.
- Pray about it. If you believe in a higher power like I do, just leave it with him, her or the universe (or whatever). An answer will come. It may not be the way you expect but a solution will appear none-the-less.
- Worrying clouds my judgment. So keeping calm helps me think clearly.
The reality is, some people worry more than others. Like I said, I am naturally a worry wart but it’s getting better. For the most part, it’s easier said than done to tell yourself, “Stop, think logically and do not let this stressful situation get to you.” Changing our mindset sometimes requires a bit of advice or guidance on how to do it. Through my life experiences, I’ve been able to deal with worrying a lot less. I’ve also learned a few tips and tricks from the book “How To Stop Worrying And Start Living.”
There are too many tips to list but here are my top three,
1. One grain of sand at a time, one task at a time. I know we’re told that multi-tasking is a great skill to have but you simply can’t do two things at once. Well, at least not effectively.
2. Let’s be content to live the only time we can possibly live: for now until bedtime.
3. Discover the worst that could possibly happen, accept it and then use your time to improve upon the worst.
Worrying sucks just like any negative emotion we feel but if we can tackle it on head-on, I truly believe we’ll live a much longer, healthier life.
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Read MoreMy Top 5 Treat Yourself It’s Valentine’s Day Gift List
Posted by Karen Bishop | Leave a Comment
Happy Valentine’s Day ladies!
Whether you’re kicking it solo today like your’s truly or you have a wonderful significant other to spend some time with, let’s celebrate with a little self-love and treat ourselves today. I don’t mean go break your bank account, or anything like that. But you work hard, so let’s take something off of your never ending wish list, shall we?
A little retail therapy never hurt anyone, especially today.
So, I give you “My Top 5 Treat Yourself, It’s Valentine’s Day” wish list…
First up, the Bond Aviator frames by luxury eyewear brand Bôhten. Their eyewear collection has a classic yet modern-funky feel to it. Toronto entrepreneur Nana Boateng uses reclaimed wood from Ghana to create each piece. Everyone looks cool in aviator frames but with pink lenses, com’n! I love them. The brand is launching their Bohten5 collection this summer. The Bond frame is one of the first pieces that combine both wood and acetate materials.
Price: Not currently listed on their website. A current pair can start anywhere from $150.00 or more.
2. VitaJuwel “Cupid’s Kiss” Water Bottle
The VitaJuwel water bottle (available at Ka-space concept store) is the mother of all water bottles. It’s not only pretty to look at but the Vitajuwel system infuses your water with carefully selected gem stones. The balance of the two, helps to release the stones energies and healing powers. Different, right? Each bottle has an exchangeable bottom piece (a gem pod) that holds the gem stones in place. You can exchange the gem pods to infuse your water with different gem stones. The Cupid’s Kiss bottle (shown) has a rose quartz gem pod that is said to release emotional wounds and trauma and to bring peace and calm.
Price: $160.00
Love & Light Jewels uses a number of gemstones and crystals throughout most of their jewelry collection. It’s hard to choose just one item to love but their Wear Your Words Bangle caught my attention. The simple, adjustable bangle is a stylish way to carry around the “If you can dream it, you can do it” mantra.
Price: $20.00
Green house has a number of cold-pressed juices, handmade nut milks, tonics, boosters and cleanses if you’re looking for a healthy way to get in your daily nutrients. On my list for two reasons; I love beets and their Deep Root Juice is mixed with beets, apples, carrots, celery and lemon and they deliver right to your door with their customizable monthly subscription service.
Price: $10.50 bottle, subscriptions vary.
I have a thing for natural colours and earth tones, especially with makeup. Many of my friends often tell me to add some colour to my already limited makeup collection. So, I bought a bold red lipstick. I know, different (insert rolled eyes here). Stone Line Cosmetic’s Gold Eye Shimmer caught my eye. No pun intended. Their cruelty-free brand is hypo-allergenic, fragrance and paraffin free. The line was designed with women in mind, who tend to break out when wearing makeup for long periods of time.
Price: $17.70
And there you have it. Five affordable to semi-affordable ways to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day. What’s on your wish list today? Any plans to treat yourself?
Here’s a few of my favourite things from last year!
Read MoreAll Things Natural At The Textur’d Hair And Beauty Show
Posted by Karen Bishop | Leave a Comment
I’ve worn my hair naturally mostly under protective hairstyles for a few years now. It just made things easier. But easier isn’t always better if you let a busy schedule and a non-existent hair care routine get in the way. If your natural hair isn’t getting TLC on a regular basis it will take a toll on the health of your hair. Let’s just say, my hair is in need of TLC, a good hair care routine and a few good products to match. Coincidently, timing couldn’t be better. The Textur’d Natural Hair & Beauty Show was happening right in my neck of the woods and I was able to catch day 2 of the event.
With over forty (mostly female) vendor’s, I looked forward to chatting it up with hair and beauty brands from Toronto and the United States. It was hard just to choose just one item from the variety of organic, vegan and naturally handmade products available. Almost all of the brands had a solution to maintain, repair and encourage healthy hair growth.
Not just a vendor showcase, several workshop facilitators shared their unique knowledge on everything to do with natural hair, body and skin care. Nutritional Consultant, Trisha Smith, discussed natural remedies and the connection between digestive disorders and the various effects on the hair. Certified Shea Butter Technician, Kedar Waterman, discussed the many healing properties of premium grade Shea Butter and it’s benefits.
I ATE whole wheat roti, coconut curry chickpeas and quinoa salad courtesy of Chic Peas Veg, a plant based catering company. I CHATTED with Ndija Anderson-Yantha, a natural hair advocate and author of “What are you going to do with that hair?” A non-fiction book encouraging young girls to celebrate and love their natural hair. And I BOUGHT, (with so many wonderful products to choose from) En’tyce Your Beauty’s Herbal Temple Root Gro to help with thinning edges. And Muthaland Secrets’ Three Leaves Special Body Bar to help tone and purify your skin. It was a great afternoon fill with positivity and love for all things natural!
My haircare brands wish-list to definitely try,
- Up North Naturals
- Flawless by Gabrielle Union
- Design Essentials
- London Ivy Products
What do you use in your natural hair?
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3 Ways To Take 10 Minutes And Make It Me Time
Posted by Karen Bishop | Leave a Comment
Last weekend, I spent the entire weekend driving around running errands, dropping kids off, visiting with family and still had to find time to get some real work done. You know, like, developing content! It’s amazing how 12 – 18hrs can fly by without a moment’s notice.
By all means, I’m not complaining. I had an amazing weekend. I enjoyed an evening with friends as they celebrated their daughter’s recent graduation from law school. And stuffed my face at a 55th birthday BBQ. It was nice to lay back and not be bogged down with a long list of to do’s. But as much as I loved spending time in the sun, being outdoors, laughing and sharing good vibes, there’s that little voice in my head asking for just 10 minutes of me-time. Even if the time I’m spending with family and friends is enjoyable.
As a busy women, mother, blogger with very high entrepreneurial ambitions I can be taken so far down the work-business-family responsibilities rabbit-hole, I often forget to take time for myself. So, whenever I can squeeze in 10 minutes just for me, I’ll take it!
10 MINUTES OF ME TIME !
Massage Yourself. I know it may not be as appealing as an actual massage. And the entire point of a massage is someone else doing the work. But if you’re undistracted and have time to sit with your head phones on and some warm body oil, a 10 minute self-massage allows your mind to slow down and your body to relax. If you can’t get to your entire body in 10 minutes (it’s difficult, I tried) attempt to get to your feet and hands. We tend to use them the most.
Colouring? I mentioned this briefly in my “How To Unplug” from social media post. Without trying, Adult colouring (yes, there’s a term) can be the most relaxing activity you can do in a matter of minutes. Have you ever picked up one of your children’s colouring books and found yourself meaninglessly doodling around to finishing an entire page some time later? I have. Colouring automatically calms the mind and forces your brain to focus. It’s been said to bring down stress levels, act as an alternative to meditation and helps you to enhance your creativity.
Take A Bath! If you have a full house, wake up a bit earlier than your family, fill your tub with some scented oils (to help calm your nerves), Epsom salt (to relieve muscle pain, headaches etc) and soak. I’m a shower girl myself. I usually don’t have time to sit in a tub and do nothing. I constantly feel like there’s something I need to get to that absolutely can’t wait (hence the reason for this post). Like most, I do a lot of my thinking in the shower, or while I’m washing dishes. When I do get time to take a bath and soak for a few minutes, I’m so calm I often find myself dosing off. I’m definitely more relaxed and have a clearer mind to start my day.
Do whatever it takes to get you to your stress free place. These are merely suggestions. All it takes is 10 minutes to get your mind and body back in balance.
Photos via
Love,
So You Want To Start A Blog?
Posted by Karen Bishop | Leave a Comment
My very first blog post was published in November 2008. Shortly after, I started seriously blogging in 2009 for approximately two years or so. Blogging full-time, you would find me at some of the cities hottest events, interviewing well-known artists and connecting with various influencers along the way. But with all the events, socializing and meeting people, I didn’t understand how to financially sustain a bloggers social lifestyle, produce unique mind-blowing content every single day and continue to grow an online audience for the long term. Not having the right tools, resources or knowledge to guide my next steps was a big factor in my (then) full-time blog very quickly becoming a part-time hobby.
Launching a blog today is fairly simple. There are far more tools, resources and templates to guide you. I’m a big fan of social marketing blog sites: Hubspot and Co-Schedule. The hardest part in creating a successful blog is keeping your readers interested long enough so they find value in your content. I read there’s approximately 6.7 million people that blog on blogging sites as of 2016. That’s a whole lotta blogs! I remember back in ’09 companies weren’t sure what to do with a blog, let alone have a budget to market products and services online. Blogs were personal diaries, for the most part.
Even if creating an income from blogging isn’t your goal, how do readers notice you with so many blogs and bloggers online? Well, there’s no truer statement than “everyone has a story to tell,” advice to give, experiences and knowledge to share. And the simple truth is, no two stories are the exact same. I recently told a friend, “Once I’m sharing my personal story online then my ‘news’ can never be outdated, it can never get old.”
If you’re passionate about starting a blog even in this oversaturated market, I say go for it! I did. But before you take the leap, here’s some simple advice,
- Be consistent, really consistent. When I started, I posted daily and covered events weekly. So decide what works for you and your capacity to write. If you’re posting once a week than make sure you blog every single week, religiously. Some expert bloggers suggest that posting any less than twice a week isn’t enough to grow your audience. I say start where you can and perfect your consistency.
- Create good content when you begin but aim to create great content as you get more comfortable with posting consistently. As you define a clear direction and your blog audience, your content will be more targeted.
- Blogging takes time, a lot of time. Time to research, write, edit, edit again and promote. But most importantly, it takes time to establish your blog and connect with your online audience. So put time aside, schedule it in your calendar, leave the house to create in a quiet area if you have to, but make the time to write.
- Personalize your content. This may be difficult but your life experiences mentioned in your posts resonates well with readers. It often gives readers an understanding of who you are.
Go ahead and take the leap. Happy blogging!
Love,
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