Five things that inspire me

We are three weeks into 2012, now that a new year has started it always prompts me to think about what I want to achieve in the year and what inspires me.

I love inspiration and being inspired, because I really believe that inspiration is everywhere, we just have to allow ourselves to see it.

1. The beach - I love going down to the beach and just staring into the water, letting my mind run free. The crashing waves, the smell of the salty water and just being so far away from reality is so relaxing and a great way to unwind. I am usually refreshed and inspired by nature.

2. Books - I love reading! I always have, even as a teenager I use to read one novel per week. I am particularly inspired by biographies as I love to learn about others and be inspired by their lives. I also like adventure and drama books as well as magazines.

3. Anything beautiful - That pretty much covers everything, but anything that is beautiful like paintings, jewellery, pottery, pictures, beauty, fashion, homeware, colours the list goes on and on.....

4. Music - Music is so powerful that it can change a lot in the way we think or feel. I love that music is written by many musicians so that people can relate to it and it really does help you to think of things in a different perspective.

5. Life - Life in general inspires me. There are so many things that can bring us down in life, but it's always the good things in life that helps me to keep going and be inspired. My children inspire me as I watch them grow and help them to enjoy their lives, all the good things we have, our house, jobs, business, cars, holidays - help me feel inspired as I enjoy them with my family. I am thankful to god for being alive everyday and being inspired.

My blog is also a huge inspiration to me, knowing that you are reading this right now, makes me want to keep on blogging. Thanks to all my readers!

What inspires you?

How to feel good about yourself!

We can all feel good about ourselves if we want to, but sometimes it can be hard depending on what is happening in our lives. Feeling good about yourself should be top priority in life, as it will then most definitely help in other aspects of your life.

I am a huge believer in making the most out of life. We only live once, so let's enjoy it and do as much as we can to be happy.  I am not the ideal size and don't have perfect looks, but I don't let that stop me from following my goals, dreams and feeling good about myself.

Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, no matter who they are, what shape or size they are or what they look like. So if you haven't already started feeling good about yourself, now you can.

Here are five ways to feel good about yourself, that can be achieved:

1. Respect your body - This is the most important thing to do. Respecting your body means looking after your body. Remember to make healthier eating choices, take vitamins and exercise, even if it is only for 10-15 minutes. Look after your looks - get a regular haircut and look after your skin. It really does work to look after your body, it really makes me appreciate myself, for who I am. (which I guess is why I am beauty obsessed!)

2. Wear comforable clothing - Going through your wardrobe regularly and cleaning it out is liberating and great for your confidence. When you wear clothes that are comfortable and make you look good, you will feel good. Work out your body shape and wear clothes that are appropriate for you. If a piece of clothing doesn't feel right for example it is too tight or too big, then don't wear it. Comfortable clothing will make you feel good.

3. Take time out for you - Schedule some 'me' time for yourself. Even if it is 30 minutes or 60 minutes, that is your time and do something that you love. You could read a book, go shopping, go for a walk, watch a movie, listen to music or have a hobby. Doing something that is just for you, will help you feel good about yourself and you will look forward to that time, just for you! Doing things that you will enjoy and love will help you feel great, relaxed and rejuvenated.

4. Don't compare yourself to others -  Each and every one of us is unique in our own way. Don't compare yourself to someone else. You can aspire to learn things from others but don't think you have to be like them. You have many gifts and talents and that is what is important.  Accept yourself for who you are and grow in your strenghts. Don't listen to anyone that is going to put you down or say negative things to you, you are a great unique person that has a lot to offer.

5. Sleep - We all know that we need 8 hours of sleep but as life is hectic this is not always possible. Try to make a effort though to get 8 hours of sleep as many days as possible. It really will help you feel emotionally and physically better about yourself.

Being positive about things overall is also a great way to start feeling good about yourself. Here is a post I wrote on How to be positive. Being confident (A post on Be confident and be yourself) and accepting who you are, is definitely a step forward to feeling good about yourself.

Do you do any of these things? What do you do to feel good about yourself?