Friday, March 4, 2011

well-designed living

me : )
as part of jess' design your life series, i wanted to do my own DIY design your life post.  her blog, makeunder my life, is about designing a (fabulous) life with intention, purpose and passion.  so, though i may not get it right all the time, i thought i'd like to share how i (attempt to) live a well-designed life...

1. stay strong.  when i first started exercising regularly 5 years ago, it felt like torture to drag myself out of bed (earlier than usual) to fit in a 15-20 minute workout.  but now, i'm so happy that i stuck with it.  in "pushing beyond the pain" i found that i really like moving my body.  i like feeling strong and fit and flexible.  it makes me walk with confidence and stand up a bit straighter.  now, believe me, i don't pop out of bed anxious and excited to workout everyday, but i always feel better for doing it.  and with small steps, i eventually (5 years later) have built up to 60 min, 5 days a week.  i encourage you all to find the beauty of connection through working (with) your body.  (my recommendation?  try yoga.  it's fabulous for both body & soul.)

picture credit {here}
2. everything in moderation...including moderation.  (i think mae west was the first to say that, so i can't take the credit.)  i eat healthy, wholesome foods at least 80% of the time.  the 20% is reserved for dinners out, drinks with friends and dessert.  i've finally learned that deprivation has no place in a healthy diet and that all things...yes, that's right all things, including chocolate and fried food and mac n' cheese and pancakes...can be enjoyed (from time to time).

picture credit {here}
3. happy hour is what life is all about.  ok, let me explain.  life is about the small moments.  not just the big ones.  take the time to enjoy and appreciate your life where you are right now.  don't wait for the weekend or for when your "to-do" list is done or for when you lose 10lbs, because there is always an errand to run or something else that "should" take priority.  make it a habit to give yourself a break and enjoy the here and now (with a $5 cosmo in hand : )

picture credit {here}
4. follow your bliss.  this point i cannot stress enough.  life really isn't just about finding a (tolerable) job in order to make money (though money does have its perks), it's about finding something you love to do.  the money will come.  trust me.  if you create a career around what you love, you'll be wonderful at it, and it will feel a lot less like work.  trust your gut, have faith in your abilities and craft a life around your true passions and what you're truly good at, and the right path will unfold before you.  it's magical.

5. learn to love yourself.  this is not always easy...especially for us girls.  but it's worth working toward.  if you learn to love and appreciate yourself, life gets much simpler, because you're working with yourself, instead of standing in your own way.  take it one step at a time.  treat yourself well.  feed yourself wholesome food...80% of the time.  and move your body a bit.  it'll thank you for it, and you'll begin to see the beauty that was always there.  (and don't beat yourself up when you enjoy a piece of cheesecake or one too many glasses of wine.  life isn't supposed to be so damn serious : )

picture credit {here}
well ladies, i believe that's enough wisdom rambling for one day.  and remember, design your life just for you.  no one else.




20 comments:

  1. what a great post! Very inspirational. :)

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  2. Good advice. I applaud each point.

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  3. What a great DIY DYL! I'm super excited to post it!

    And given that I've been a bit lax about working out this week, your parts about working out were motivating for me this afternoon :)

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  4. I LOVE this post -- and I am really glad you said the eating one. I whole heartedly agree with that. Deprivation (I believe) will only lead to binge eating/drinking later on.

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  5. I'm following right back! Equally awesome blog!

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  6. this post is seriously inspiring--so happy you stopped by today! happy to have you as my newest follower :) I'm following too! have a fantastic weekend, my dear! xoxo {av}

    p.s. next week, you should totally join in for Friday's Fancies--you would rock at it!

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  7. sigh, i just love this post! so inspiring and uplifting! great tips :) i think it is SO important to workout at least 4x a week, its my break from work and it's a great stress reliver. im a firm believer in treating yourself well and making yourself happy so you can be a positive and optimistic person that others will want to be around. have a fantastic weekend! xoxo jillian

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  8. i'm so glad you visited my blog so i had the chance to visit yours! i LOVE this post! i've recently started working out regularly and there is nothing that makes you feel better!
    ps.. i loved this:
    "and don't beat yourself up when you enjoy a piece of cheesecake or one too many glasses of wine. life isn't supposed to be so damn serious :)"

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  9. Everything looks yummy! I want those gorgeous earrings! Enjoy the lovely weekend, Kellie xx

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  10. Wow, I could not agree more! Wonderful post. I Love your outlook!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend! I look forward to reading more from your blog :)

    B.

    thatgirlinpearls.com

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  11. Wonderful post! I look forward to following along with your blog!

    Enjoy your weekend,
    Lauren

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  12. Great post...this is how I try to live my life as well. :)

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  13. gorgeous photos! I simply adore them!

    http://www.shesays-susan.blogspot.com/

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  14. This is such a great post and I really needed it today:) Such a great tips! Btw: I love your s'more cookie idea...Must try it:) Hugs and kisses, darling
    Happy Monday

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  15. Hi, fellow March DIY DYL-er =) I adore your intentions. They really resonate with me. We have many things in common and you've totally gained a new reader! ps. that cupcake picture has my drooling!

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  16. ugh--the workout thing. really gotta get on that!

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  17. Lovely, Cailen! Thank you for all of you kind words on jenniferunwritten.typepad.com - they're totally reciprocated! You have a beautiful blog and your commitment to working out is inspiring! I hope you'll stay in touch :)

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  18. Great post, I really love the point about crafting a career around your passion. I've recently made a huge transition in my life and started a personal style blog to follow my two passions; writing and fashion so this one really hit home for me.
    Thanks for sharing your intentions!

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  19. I really enjoyed your DYL post. Thanks.

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hello there. thank you for your comments - i love reading them.

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