I read a really funny statement on social media last week. Like the subject headline, it read: 

"I am pleased to announce that I am longer behind on anything. I didn’t catch up. I just decided that where I am isn’t behind." The quote is from Kate De Palma, LinkedIn user @kate_depalma. 

I just decided. Three simple words. Such a strong statement. 

I get it. The reality is, that we all have Due Dates and Deadlines for various circumstances in our life. 

The mortgage is due on the 1st of the month. An assignment at work has a deadline and others success is pending on you finishing on time. The kid’s bake sale goods are due tomorrow. 

But I am here to challenge that  A LOT of our TO DO's and SHOULD's, if we really think about it, is not as pressing as we think it is. 

A big one for me: Deciding that landscaping the front of my house for better curb appeal is really NOT something I need to stress over fitting in my budget this year. I have OTHER MORE IMPORTANT things to accomplish first. Then I can landscape. The only one that is stressing about that right now is me. Neighbors really don't care. 

What can you take off your running list right now that is truly causing you mental stress and thoughts of inadequacy? 

Remember, friends. ”There is nothing more powerful than the made up mind”.  ~ Lewis Gordon 

You get to decide.

XO
Camilla

In the Words of Mel Robbins, life is one long road trip. Your past - behind you in the rear view mirror. The future - in front of you through the windshield. 
 
The open road, right in front of you. 
 
The mile markers along the road are made up of special moments in time; birthdays, weddings, loss, the moment you said YES to something that would forever change the course of your life.  
 
In the world of science these moments are called Temporal Landmarks, and research supports why these moments are so powerful.

These moments provide a natural space to pause. A chance to pull over for a second and consider, to go inward and reflect. 
 
There are many metaphors around this… Who do you want in the car with you? How fast do you want to go? How slow do you want to go? Any detours or special destinations you want to hit on the way? 
 
A study by Wharton School of Business University of Pennsylvania shows that us humans put great emphasis on Temporal Landmarks. The study breaks down   how being aware of them allows us to tap into the magic of: 

In the act of pause and reflection, there is a moment where we leave our old selves behind and create a clean slate. It sets the state for us envisioning all of the opportunities we will have to create whatever change it is we seek. 
 
It creates a fresh start, a blank page - to start over.
 
The Fresh Start Effect can work amazingly in our favor, or we can turn it against ourselves in the way of procrastination. 
 
By paying attention to moment is life vs. waiting for big landmarks to pop up on the calendar, we can start to create our very own Temporal Landmarks throughout our lives - vs. waiting for time to pass until a momentous date on the calendar. 
 
Here's to a year of being present in the moment, and celebrating our journey along the way! 
 
XO,

Camilla

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” - Melody Beattie
                 
The thoughts we think are always embedded into our reality in one way or another. One of the most effective ways to cultivate peace and abundance into our lives is to plant  seeds of  gratitude and love vs. weeds of needs and lack into our mind.
 
Over the years, practicing mindful gratitude has become one of my favorite personal development tools. It makes me extra happy when things are wonderful to recognize all the fun stuff. It helps me feel calm whenever fear, anxiety or sadness arises in my heart. 
 
My practice  looks a little different every day. I go through phases of keeping a journal. Other times I keep mental notes of “everyday life things” I am grateful for in the moment it happens. 
 
Do you have a Gratitude Practice? I’d love to hear from you! And, if you are interested - click the button below for my worksheet “5 ways to Cultivate Gratitude”, including journal prompts.