seen from Austria
seen from Maldives
seen from Saudi Arabia
seen from Austria
seen from United States
seen from Slovenia
seen from China
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Canada
seen from Spain
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Austria
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
seen from Spain
seen from United States
seen from Australia
seen from Ukraine
seen from China
seen from Netherlands
Confession: This year, all my self esteem issues that I thought I conquered came back tsunami wave style. I grew up a fat kid. In the 9th grade, I already weighed in at 130 pounds (59 kgs) and I wa...
Breaking down her body and self-esteem issues in the realest and most honest way. Go read her story right now.
The consummate badass.
"I think all women have a hard time with body image and self acceptance, and if we could see our assets and our qualities as opposed to looking at ourselves negatively and not let the outside world define us, we can do anything,"
One woman has motivated an incredibly important social media movement and in doing so has started an essential conversation surrounding mental health. And since it's 2015, it all started with a selfie.
I firmly believe in stopping the stigma on mental illnesses. This is what I stand for and I passionately believe that change is needed to save lives.
WEBSITE WEDNESDAY: PUSHING TOO HARD
Hello!
As a very young yogi (both with age and experience), I remember when coming to my mat was more physical than anything else. Just like Justine Malick, I pushed myself to practice everyday and when I wasn't able to do so, I would get so down about it.
Read article here.
After more than a year, my practice has changed. I notice that when I practice, it's more about what my body needs than what it wants. If I know I need a slow gentle practice for a day or two, I'll do exactly that. Most importantly, I'll be contented with it.
I had a similar story to Justine during my teacher training. I knew my body felt a bit weak yet I still forced myself up that handstand. Second time I did it that morning, I popped my left shoulder coming out of the pose. (No worries my shoulder is fine.)
I learned the same thing Justine did. You really have to be patient with yourself no matter what it is you're doing and of course, be gentle. Listen to your body. Do what you need not what you want.
Banish that ego of yours. I always hear mine saying to push harder and keep going. But that doesn't matter to me anymore. I do what I know is best for myself right now.
Like they always say in class, find your edge, but know your limit. Only you know your body so take it easy when needed and push yourself when you can.
Love and Light,
Katie
WEBSITE WEDNESDAYS: HOW HEALTHY ARE YOU?
Hello!
When I first started this "healthy journey", I never had an issue with being motivated. My goal was to eradicate anything unhealthy in my lifestyle, be it food, relationships, and habits.
Two years into it and my body feels so deprived and my cravings seem to be taking over. I accept this, most days, because I know things change and if my body wants it and finds happiness in these not so good habits, then so be it. As long as I know my limits.
I try my best to find motivation through articles and people. I read this, 10 Habits of Healthy People, from DoYouYoga.com and I have to remind myself of this everyday!!
The 7 habits I want to attain one day at a time are:
1. To exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Be it yoga, swimming, running, boxing, or going to the gym.
2. Adding on more fruits and vegetables. I've learned that if I keep fighting my cravings, I'll always feel like a failure. So, I'd rather add on the healthy stuff than deprive myself.
3. Drink a shit load of water everyday!!! My golly I am bad at this. So bad! It's like there should be a water police that reprimands me when I forget to drink at least 8 glasses per day!
4. Wake up early in the morning everyday. Waking up early is both my favorite thing and the hardest thing to do most days. But I know it's good for me. I feel more energized, productive, and positive about my day. This also helps me sleep early. I never get those groggy feelings when I do this.
5. Commit to a daily routine. Routine sounds like a bad word. But for me having a routine helps me stay on track. I don't feel like such a mess and this also helps me stay positive. I always make room for spontaneous events and for possible changes.
6. Gratitude. At the end of the day, I take a moment to think of everything I am grateful for for that day. I also include a spiritual practice and for me it's both meditating and praying in the morning. Doing these center myself and help me find peace within.
7. Lastly, be accepting. There will be low days and bad days. Days when we eat too much junk food, don't have the energy to exercise, and just have a terrible mood. And that is okay. This isn't a test or a competition. No one's judging. If I am not able to accomplish something, I'll just move on. Everyday is different. I have to be patient with myself and allow myself to simply be.
Love and Light,
Kate
WEBSITE WEDNESDAYS: 40 WAYS TO FEEL MORE ALIVE!
Hi there!
For this week's Website Wednesday, I wanted to share this article I've read a couple of times on Tiny Buddha. (Actually, I didn't even realize I was reading the same one until afterwards!)
The story behind this is that almost a year ago when I first read this, I was kind of stuck in a rut. My depression and anxiety was full blown and this was one of the things that clawed me out of there! And now, a year after, it's nice to look back and see the growth and progress I've made that it truly inspires me to keep going!
~~~
SAY SOMETHING YOU'VE BEEN MEANING TO SAY
One thing I've learned for the past few months is the importance of being honest to ourselves and to others. Hiding things is never the best solution. It doesn't benefit the person you're hiding it from, nor does it do any good for you! Stop harboring anything negative. Let it go!
TRY SOMETHING YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY
If I remember correctly, this is what pushed me to start doing things I've always wanted to try but never had the chance to do so. Eventually, this led me to try baking, cooking, driving (yes this TERRIFIED me!), discovering new places and things, hiking, meeting new people, putting up a Youtube channel and more importantly yoga. We all know how that has incredibly turned my life around. :-)
GO SOMEWHERE YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO
Like I've said earlier, I have been to a lot of new places I've never been to before. They may not be grand excursions like you would imagine, but for me those baby steps took a lot out of me and I am proud of them!
DO SOMETHING YOU THOUGHT YOU COULDN'T DO
This has inspired me to push my limits and face my fears and anxiety. I thought I wasn't capable of opening up to new and scary things, but here I am today taking risks! Every time I encounter something that makes my heart race, I try my best to jump on it instead of running away. (Read last week's DAY 32: WHAT MAKE'S YOUR HEART BEAT here!)
~~~
I hope the article motivates you to go out of your comfort zone as it has for me. To think of it, in its own little way, it has changed my life and I am grateful for that. I wish you the same as well, and know that you are in control of your life so make the BEST out of it and start NOW!
Love, Light, and Kindness,
Kate<3
Read my last entry from Tiny Buddha here!
Of course Flaws and Love needs to have it's dose of Sprinkle of Glitter wisdom, right? So for this week, here's something from Louise that not only is great advice on its own, but also perfect for me at this moment.
I have had bouts of unnecessary insecurities lately that seem to really eat me up. All those negative thoughts feel like poison! No matter what people say to ease it for you, it's never going to be enough if YOU don't learn to OVERCOME them.
So, I hope this helps you out! And for the meantime, learn to be as kind, loving, and gentle to yourself when you can. It's difficult, I know, but just think of yourself as one of your closest friends! What would she/he say to you to encourage you? I doubt it'd be any of the negative things you say to yourself!
Don't let your life be ruled by insecurities! It's not worth it!!
Love, Light, and Kindness,
Kate
Click here to read my last Sprinkle of Glitter post!
