You might have noticed: we’re a culture of makeovers. From people to homes to lifestyles, some of our highest rating TV shows, links and sites involve vivid transformations. A so-called “homely” girl emerges as a traffic-stopping beauty. A dark and dank basement is re-purposed as a teen getaway or streamlined home office. And of course, those extreme weight loss programs milk our curiosity for the final unveiling.
But what if we don’t have the time, inclination or resources to indulge in a big change? What about tweaks with payoffs? What areas of our lives could benefit from small changes? I took a highly unscientific poll and here were some suggestions from your fellow Savvy Girls:
- I gave fake sugars the heave-ho.
- Started shutting down my screens an hour before bed. Less wound up, more relaxed as I catch some zzz.
- Turned off those pop-up emails, and instead, access it a few times a day. Cue: jump in productivity.
- I began saying no to little things, until bigger no’s became easier. I value my time.
- I don’t inhale food in the car. I eat meals sitting down, turn off distractions, and try to listen more closely to the other person.
- Each morning, I ask myself what I want out of the day. It sets a good tone.
Great post, Alicia! Welcome back to blogging 🙂
I also gave added sugars the “heave-ho.” And I realized that I stopped craving sugary foods a few days after I did it.
Minor changes can produce big results!
Thanks Cloris, it’s good to be back!
Good on you for ditching the white stuff. I did it for a little while, then felt it creep back in bit by bit. You’ve inspired me to dust off my willpower.
Cheers,
Alicia
We went to Canada for a couple of days. It was too expensive for all four in my family to get an out-of-country data plan. We narrowed it down to my husband since he has work to do and we needed some contact with Google Maps. It was so refreshing to forget about emails and facebook for a few days. All of us ate dinner or soaked up the sun with just each other, no phones.
I need to make room for “Canada Days,” drop off the grid more often.
Francie, what a great idea: a digital detox is good for the soul. Reminds me of the occasional power cuts growing up; we’d end up playing board games or charades when the usual things like TV were taken away and it was great fun.
Here’s to “Canada Days”, wherever and whatever form they take!
Cheers,
Alicia
Hey Alicia,
You are such an inspiration! I keep flicking through your book, I get something new from it each time. I especially like your writing style, the amusing anecdotes are a good bite-size lesson in grace. I’m trying to tweak a few things in my life, to be kind more often and more graceful in certain situations. I’m also tweaking my diet (mainly limiting cocktails to once a week) for better health too!
ciao, Marie
Marie, I really appreciate your kind words, thanks, and I’m touched that you’re still getting something out of the book in its re-reads. It’s a boost!
Have a lovely weekend,
Alicia
Hi Alicia,
great post! really enjoy reading your blog, I get so much out of it. keep up the good work.
Lu
Hello Lu,
Lovely to see you here – please drop by anytime!
My best,
Alicia
Thanks for the wonderful reminder to slow down and cut out the unnecessary things that take away from the peace in our lives. I recently cancelled my cable TV and it’s been the best thing I’ve done in years! I watch a few of my favorites but no longer wasting my life scrolling through television listings and listening to the obnoxious Comcast lady talk about the latest “must see” shows. Instead, I spend my evenings reading and learning to play the tenor banjo! Crazy how such a small and simple change has enriched my life so greatly.
Hey, Grace!
Thanks for your comments. Great point on biting the bullet on TV. I’ve flirted with the idea, but yet to cut the cord. Good for you! And the tenor banjo? You are a woman of many talents!
Cheers,
Alicia
Hi Alicia
Such a timely post! I have started allowing 10 minutes a day for meditation. I try to do some deep breathing exercises and quietening of the mind in the morning ( in the afternoon I tend to nod off!). I found a great resource meditation oasis in the US. I find their podcasts really good and help me to relax. Love your suggestions on screen time and eating mindfully and not on auto pilot ! Hope you enjoyed your break and look forward to more of your inspiring posts.
Thanks for the tip, Charmaine. I checked out Meditation oasis (link below) and it looks good. I had to smile: I find myself napping if I try it late in the day. And I prefer to have a guided imagery, instead of trying to clear my mind altogether, so this is great.
http://www.meditationoasis.com/podcast/
Cheers,
Alicia
Hi Alicia,
Your post really resonated with me. Since ‘The year of No’ (which you published in Jan), I’ve been trying to say ‘No’ in some instances where I would normally sigh & agree even though it wasn’t convenient / in my interest in order to support someone else. I’m taking more control, so #4 is working for me! Keep inspiring us with your grace & advice! Thanks Holly x
Thanks Holly, that’s so lovely of you. Saying no is something I need to keep at, too. But the payoffs are enormous: more time for the stuff that really matters.
Alicia x