NYC #15 // Stretch out with UNDO

  

Yoga. It makes everyone a more loving, compassionate being on earth. After any session, I am always in Slow-Motion. I move, touch, eat, drink more mindfully. If you haven't read my small THANK YOU note to Yoga yet, here it is again:

Every single session is such a healing gift for my body and mind. I've learned how to combine breathing, physical exercise and meditation. This is real quality time. Always, always love yourself first before you go out and spread it. Also, you start recognizing how breathing is so important while doing yoga. You become more mindful and grateful for everyday little things. When you incorporate yoga and meditation in your hectic, crazy schedule, you will see small changes. Small changes with big impact. And the more I do it, the more I love life and feel happier, more grounded, more myself and confident. 

These pictures were taken at the Undo x WithoutWalls Yoga Event held for the launch of their 2nd Issue. After a small meditation intro session with Ben Turshen, Shae led us through a nice yoga flow. Thanks to UndoMagazine who made this happen!

Mindful Monday // Find your own Rhythm

The Writing by Tania Debono

Last night I had a nice little chat at the laundry shop. She was on her phone, I was with my magazine. It was one of those moments where one would think: hm, should I talk to her or shouldn't I? It may sound creepy talking to strangers, but for those of you who don't do that at all, some of those strangers can actually turn to your dearest friends, even if they happen to be on another continent. Or they could even change your life, but that's another story. Just be open to small everyday encounters. Anyways, I started talking to her and it turned out to be a wonderful conversation about living in New York day to day.

We drew a nice comparison: this college girl, who is experiencing a student exchange semester in this great city, finding everything crazy amazing, inspired by any-and everything, sucking it all in, was sitting next to a nature-lover, world-traveler, an adventurous, but also calm person who thinks that the city is draining her energy. Couldn't you agree with both of them? Some New Yorkers told me that they have a love-and-hate relationship with this city. On the one hand, it's super multicultural, very diverse and dense, many creatives and artists in one big apple. On the other hand, it's super busy, crowded, very very fast paced and everyone is hustlin', working several jobs to make ends meet. Crazy, huh? Honestly, it does drain your energy, you are seeking for fresh air, more sleep and less people. And although I have a bug in my ear who keeps telling me that I have to do MORE, sleep LESS, socialize and go to every single event that is happening here, I don't. 

It's okay to miss events, to say NO to others, and YES to yourself. It's okay to sleep in, it's okay to take your time to rest, relax and recharge. It's okay to find your own rhythm. When you're new to a city or new to an environment, you don't have to pack your 24hours full with stuff. Allow yourself sometimes to go day by day, live in the present moment and maybe.. not plan everything out. Even if you only have 7 weeks left. Some things I do to keep me present and find my own rhythm: 

1. Don't overstructure your day,

but some routines will help you when you feel lost.

Work/school schedules will do that for you.

2. Try Yoga or Meditation.

After every morning of yoga,

I feel so blessed, so grounded, so grateful 
and am happy to start the day with a smile.

4. Do some reading. 

This helps me to focus on only one action,

subway commutes are best for this.

5. Enjoy some tea.
I love the mornings when I just sit there
and enjoy the herbs, the flavor of my tea.

6. Most importantly,
do more of what you love.

It's about finding a balance between work and rest. Sometimes, it can be essential to just sit back and see the bigger picture, think about what's really important to you and how you can change your actions towards a better lifestyle.

In one of my communications readings I came across this: 

Creativity has paradoxical qualities:
passion & objectivity
tradition & rebelliousness
play & serious work

Give yourself some time to breathe because a relaxed mind is a creative mind.

Mindful Monday: Dream. Believe. Achieve.

When I came to NY the very first days, I looked up some half marathons and saw that there is one coming up on my birthday! Nice, huh? :) I asked my dear friends if they would be up for that. No racing, only fun and friends motivating each other to accomplish something together instead of a big party. 

At that point, my ankle was still swollen and I am glad that by now, it turned to normal size again ;) It was rather a No from every party. So, I turned this chance down and didn't think about it anymore.. until last weekend! 

With my Girlcrush on Sophia Chang, I came across one of the Undo-Ordinary Co-Founders Robin Arzon. A former lawyer turned into a fitness journalist and an ultramarathoner, running for her mum and multiple sclerosis, read her full story on her blog. I read an interview with her and this is what made my eyes spark again: 

Endurance racing really parallels life in that there are so many moments when you’re like, I can’t do this, but then you look back with 20/20 vision and you’re like I am stronger than anyone could ever imagine.

Read the full interview here.

With these words I was like: This is so so true! After every long run I did in my life, I always felt like superwoman afterwards! In that year of 2012 when I started long runs I was like: I can't do this, I don't want to run anymore.. and then you push, push, push and you finish!!! Every single time, I felt more energetic, more alive, more focused! 

Long story short, I ended up getting the right gear to start running again and as soon as I feel better, I will hit the streets of NYC! :) Really cannot wait!!! Will I do the 10k on my birthday or the half marathon? I do not know yet, but I will run for sure! What is your hobby or passion that gives you power, more strength and endurance for life? 

Never stop dreaming, always believe in you!

Mindful Monday: The Game with my Conscience

The six month shopping challenge is over and my conscience is making me nuts again.. Why? Because I just went shopping on saturday, but it wasn't that kind of shopping, not this mindless strolling through stores just to kill some boredom. No! My skater sneakers are broken, so I needed new ones. I've met up with a very dear friend and she was also looking for some new sandals, we knew which stores we wanted to check out. 

So, we were successful on our shopping trip, maybe a bit too successful, here's the deal: I found some nice Nike SB sneakers, the grey ones with the pink tongue and then, the sales assistant brought me the other pair, the wine-red ones, and I fell in LOVE with the color of it. Of course, I tried both of them on, but hmm.. would I wear the red ones for skating? Probably not because they look too good. Once again, I was mega indecisive! That’s what happen when you see beautiful clothing, they fool you and your mind. What now? One pair for skating, and the other one just because of aesthetics? 

When I came home with both of them my conscience was telling me: on the one hand, you did not really go shopping for the past half year, so treat yourself with both pairs, but on the other hand, it said - what was all the talk about less is more and being mindful about each purchase, do you NEED both? Yes, I still feel kind of bad for this and still think whether or not, I should return one pair. This is the game with my conscience because not consuming is not the solution, but making good choices about your consumption, that's all about because we all do consume, whether clothing, food, technical things, etc. 

In this moment, writing these words, I am still not sure, but in my opinion, it's about you, what you want and what you think about it. It's not about your friends, what they will think or your own conscience, but whether you can live with it. If yes, take them, if not, then leave them. 

Make a choice and stand by it. 

It will be a good one because you cannot change it. 

It is the right path.

Mindful Monday: The Shopping Challenge Review

Oh my! My legs are super tanned in these pictures, I guess the tan is still a leftover from my sunburn I got a few weeks ago, well that's what happen when you're legs are in the sun, and the other part of your body is hiding in the shades :D But most importantly is the fact that my 6 Month Shopping Challenge is over today, wooohoo :) :) :) I think these are the important questions and answers you want to know: 

1. Why did you do that?

I've started this little project as a New Year's Resolution because last year I have realized that I definitely want less, here and now. I wanted to clear my life from clutter, to reduce my life from excess to the most important things, I just wanted to cut down from everything, instead of wanting more, wanting less. My closet was overflowing with clothes, handbags, scarfes, tons of jewelry, shoes and so on that I decided: I cannot do this anymore, I don't want this anymore, it's taking my energy and to be honest, it's weighing me down. I don't know whether or not you understand it, but often to think clear, you must clear your mind. So why not start with yourself and your consumption behavior?

 

2. How was your experience throughout the 6 months?

The very first month, starting in January, was pretty hard with so many Sales going on and friends trying to 'go shopping' with me, but I was able to resist and say NO to all that craziness of shopping, buying, consuming and wanting more, more and more. Instead, I've spent some time sorting out my closet and go to flea markets to sell some stuff, you can read my 1st and 3rd month reviews here and here. I can now say that I still have too many clothes in my closet, but I feel better that I did not go shopping for most of the time.

Why most of the time? Yes, I have to admit, I failed. Or cheated? If you are very strict, 3 times. The 1st time was at the Berlin Fashion Week in January when I bought myself some Floralpunk earrings; my boyfriend then gave me the money for it, so it was 'kind of' a present from him. The 2nd time was actually at a flea market when I bought a dress and a scarf from my friends, which were 2€ in total. And the 3rd time happened this easter break when I spent some days in Berlin and had to visit the newly opened Uniqlo-Store, the very first one in Germany. I fell in love with this beige 100% Linen Blouse and had to have it. I love the natural color, I love the feeling on my skin and I love to combine it to more beige stuff from my wardrobe in the summer :) Yes, it was a really tough decision because I left the blouse with the tag in the bag for another 30 days, thinking and deciding whether or not to keep it and looking for some fairtrade-or-ecofriendly similar shirts. There was no exact one and I decided: it's a keeper, but I won't wear it until the 6 month challenge is over. So, I guess, I failed 3 times in total, but I am still proud of myself that I did it, I tried, and this was not the end. 

3. How did it change your mind? And what about the future?

Six months of no-shopping are over now, but I realized that this is an ongoing-process, no start and stop, but it's about learning, failing and doing the best you can. Therefore, I am extending my no-shopping challenge for an unlimited time. I extend it to my everyday life, not only for this period of 6 months. I feel very content about it, yes, I failed 3 times, but I am still learning, I don't want to put myself under too much pressure and then blame myself, but on the other hand, I will also try to focus on myself more instead of listening to others and media, who and which influence me and my shopping choices. My boyfriend once said: advertisment creates artificial needs.

I also want to work against an overconsumption of anything, be it clothes, food, electronic things etc. You do not need as much to live a rich, healthy and happy life, there are way more important things and it's also not about having the newest, fastest, best ... on earth, but about quality and meaning. 

Everything in my life is leading to more sustainability right now. Instead of satisfying short and immediate cravings, shopping or food (you know what I'm talking about), I try to choose sustainability and longevity. For example, if something breaks, I don't throw it away immediately, but find ways to repair it, either I learn how to repair it myself or ask for help :)

4. Oh and what happened to the creative part of this? 

DIY? Mix-and Matching old clothes? Trading? 

I've actually did trade clothes and borrowed some stuff from my friends and neighbours, crazy huh? Yeah because if there is something I really really need, I just ask around and I can assure you, someone has it. Talking about the more creative part, mix and matching, yes, I did look for more older clothes and fell in love again, but capturing it with outfit posts was pretty hard for me in the past year. I will give my best and try to blog those outfit posts more for you ;-) Oh and my DIY projects are still in the planning, so I'll keep you updated with that as well. 

This was it so far :) What do you think of my experience, and about my new Linen Blouse? Will you join me in my process and when does your shopping challenge start? Maybe tomorrow? I will also give you some tips on how to shop less in the upcoming posts ;-) so stay tuned!

Have a wonderful new week ♥

P.S.: Another thing I've noticed was that, okay, I do not spend my money on clothes anymore, but more on organic foods and superfoods, which can also be pretty expensive when you're a student, but my thought behind it is: it's my body and my health, it's so worth it!  More about this soon!!! :)

Mindful Monday: Everyday Encounters..

For this Mindful Monday, I wanted to share three stories of mine with you which happened in the last month. I don't know, but I think everyone of us was at least once in the same situation No.1 as me:

1. I always take the train to Uni and that morning it was packed, but I was lucky to get a seat, other people were standing next to me. There was this woman sitting oppsite to me and she was coughing really really hard. I had some Hustenbonbons (engl. cough sweets? please correct me if I'm wrong :)) with me and wanted to give her one. I did not and I really don't know why, there were all these people looking at me and I was kind of afraid or restrained. The whole train ride, I thought about giving her the Hustenbonbons, but then again: hmm, what if she says no thanks? You know this situation? So stupid! And that night I started regretting it. Reflecting this situation with a dear friend made me realize that often, something is holding me back to do things, to act. It's not about a 'big helping others', but more of a friendly kindness in everyday situations..

I still have to think about this, but it made one thing clear: I need to be more open, doesn't matter if I'm in the US or in my small hometown or in Berlin. I shouldn't think too much and just do it! No thinking, more smiling and doing!!! And if I try to smile more often, people will smile back, someone has to start right? :)

2. A week after the first occurrence, I've joined a dear friend to visit her mother and aunt at the cementery. Next to the grave of her aunts, there were two brushy and moss-covered graves. I asked my friend: Hey do you know who is actually lying here? Why are these so neglected? The answer to this was: Well, imagine the relatives don't live here and don't come to visit and care about the graves anymore..

This time, I did not think too much and told to my friend: I think these need a lot of love now. I bended down on my knees and gave each grave a kiss and guys, you might not get this, but I felt somekind of warmth inside me and I felt really good about doing this although.. yes, people were watching again.

3. This actually happened last friday. I was on the train to Uni again. This time, a teacher was sitting opposite to me, how do I know that he's a teacher? Well, he talked to one of his students and I was too curious. He was eating his apple and I saw that he was smiling or curiously looking at what I ate: Raw Fennel :) When his student left, I started a conversation with him and I need to say, it was such a good one :) I love getting insights into different life perspectives and life forms, and he told me that he changed his career path when he was around 40 and is now happier. Before, he worked in a bank, now he's a teacher and loves his job :) It was remarkable to me that he had the guts and the endurance to quit his good-paid job, to quit his family plannings and go back to school to study education. At the end of the conversation he said: I love Kant and this quote is actually from him Run into Peace. It applies to everything what is important. Find peace in all your actions. Never go slow, don't overthink actions, don't nurture doubts. Just do it with your full motivation and with the childish naivity you have inside. 

Be it small actions of kindness in our everyday or with big decisions in life, 

don't think about them, don't go too slow, listen more to your intuition, 

just do it and have the guts to change roads.

Happy new day :)

Puerto Rico 2012

Healthy Wednesday: Explore Nature

It's getting warmer outside and I'm spending a lot of time with activities like running, yoga, skating and just being out in nature :) Last weekend, I joined a small hiking tour to explore some herbs and had the urge to hug a tree :) I definitely need to do this more often, why? Spending some time, a few hours in nature has many benefits to your health and overall well-being:

1. You will be able to breathe in and out fresh air again :) 

Far away from exhaust gas from cars and urban areas/cities.
Japanese people practice 'forest bathing' regularly, 
which lowers cortisol, blood pressure and pulse rate. 
Read on here.

2. You will feel more content, grateful,

 grounded and at present. It is fuel for your soul
and you will feel signs of happiness :)
Especially people who live and work in big cities,
should get outside every single day.

3. Mother nature will give you new energy to revitalise again.

4. Movement like walks, hikes and so on 

will stimulate your metabolism. 
Studies found out that being out in nature 
increases your vitality and energy.

5. And there is so much more, you only need to step outside

 and go find your little forest close to your town or city.

I love and cherish these moments outside. After such hikes, I'm always in a good mood and feel positivity all over me :) In nature, there's no bad or good, no doubt, no fear, no failure, only what is there is: Beauty. What about doing something with people you like, doing something outside and exploring your local surroundings, and hey it's for free!!! And the most precious thing you'll need for is: Time. 

Never stop being curious because there might be something beautiful :) Here are also two super interesting posts on how to live healthy up to 100 years of age (also by hiking and being out in nature every single day or week) and an amazing video about Nature, Beauty and Gratitude.   

Embrace the little things in life and 

be grateful for what we have today :)

Mindful Monday: Shopping Challenge Month # 3

How am I doing with no shopping? :) Actually pretty well! The picture underneath was taken at the 2nd flea market I went to this year and there, I was able to sell some of my stuff. My closet shrank a bit, but it wasn't that good as the first one. There weren't as much people coming to the flea, but it was okay. I still had fun with my two friends next to me :) especially because they've never been to a flea market to sell their own stuff before. So, it was funny seeing them selling and trading with their clothes :) 

Oh, okay, I have to admit, I did buy something.. but it's from my friends and 1 € each. It is a grey scarf and a shirt/dress, so yeah I don't really count these items ;-) hope that you're okay with it! But I still need to figure out what I am going to do with the leftover stuff I brought back home.. maybe my 3rd flea session this year or should I sell some on the Internet? Do you have any recommendations? :)

What's more important is that I do not have the need to go shopping anymore. It's like: whenever I stroll on fashion blogs or shopping sites, these pictures trigger my need to buy, buy, buy, but if I stay away from those, I don't even care and hey, I feel much better about it :) I think that I am really saving a lot of money and reflect more about what I want to spend it on. 

For example, I saved some money..

1. to buy me a new Camera:

Yes, finally got myself a Canon DSLR EOS and 

I am still superduper excited about it because taking pictures, 

especially food pictures ;-) is waaaay more fun!!! :) 

Check out my instagram :-P 

2. to join a regular Yoga Class again:

I've also started a new Yoga class this morning to get back deeper into it :) 

because I know, it makes me happy and calm.

3. for the special moments:

activities with friends'n family,

 and travelling :) 

Oh my, that's actually why I am saving for.. travelling this summer :) :) Cannot wait to tell you about my big plans, but what about your New Year's Resolutions? Did you have any, do you stick with it or did you already quit?

Mindful Monday: Let's go for a run!

Long time no post, huh? Well, a week I guess :) But that's not too bad because you know what? I've started working out and eating healthier again!!! This year we had barely no winter here in Germany, except from a week full of snow in Berlin, but this amazing weather and the early signs of spring just made me go out and put on my running gear again :) So, the last week was packed with my studies, but also 5 times of exercise. I have to say it has been really tough for me to get back on track since that crazy year in the U.S. in 2011-2012, why? Because then, I had sooo much time to care for myself, like really. I would workout every single day, being outside, having loads of activites and read about food, health and trying out new stuff, experiencing the super-healthy-American-way of life :) Actually experiencing the best and healthiest ME I could ever be and reaching limits, but more of my transformation in this post.

What did I do last week? I went for a run, did some weight training and yoga :) I think now it's really time to get back on track. Remember, being healthy, eating mindfully and being active is not just a trend, which comes and goes, it is a lifestyle decision. As soon as I've started running outside last week, I felt more alive, more energized and motivated to keep all this -yes life- going! Therefore this week's motto is simply:

You're only one run, stretch, skate, swim, play.. 

away from being happy. 

That's just how it is. Move your butt! For example yesterday when I didn't feel well because I was a bit stressed out with Uni and several other projects, I've turned away from my desk, put on my running shoes and went for a run. How did it feel? It's like meditating, I am by myself, fully focused, clearing my mind and the only thing I am doing is: breathing.

Inhaling 

I breathe in all positivity and light which nature gives me. 

Exhaling

 I breathe out all negativity and worthless thoughts.  

And also during the run, I was grateful for having the ability to actually walk, run, and breathe in this fresh air. Friends and other people tell me that they don't like working out because they feel tired afterwards, but what it does for me is, it actually relives me and gives me more strength for the upcoming tasks and challenges life has for me. A dear friend once said: Energy creates energy. Give it a try, I promise you will feel better afterwards when you get the hang of it! Or better yet, wanna meet up for a run? :) 

Here are tips on how to get back on track and 
here's one on how to deal with your muscle ache the day afterwards ;-) 
Enjoy reading them! 
Keep up the light guys and stay positive ♥

Mindful Monday: Stress as my Friend?

             

As everyone of us, I am still dealing with stress and I guess, this will not pass away that easy and fast, but I am definitely feeling better now because I listen more and more to my body's needs. Today, I've just found this super interesting Ted Talk in how to turn stress to your best friend as the Health Psychologist explains. Please take 15 minutes of your time to learn about how to deal with stress. It might save your life and the only thing you have to do is: believe. 

Chasing meaning is better for your health than trying to avoid discomfort.

Mindful Monday: Let's hit RESET.

It's been ten days since my last post and I have been struggling and coping with stress. I am not going to tell you and complain about how busy my schedule is but rather give myself and you the best tips ever to reset the clock and breathe. This will be quite different to my last destress-post because THIS actually works better for me, will it for you?

1. Delete the s-word from your vocabulary.

2. There is never a must-do,

but rather an 'I CAN' do.

You do not need to run errands, clean dishes, 

writing papers, going to the doctor etc. 

Switch your thinking and the world will look better. 

What about: Hey! Today I CAN write the paper if I want to.

 Maybe.. I am and you are grateful for that?

Even the possibility of doing so?

3. Do not listen to others,

only YOU know what is best for you.

If you do not want to be social, don't be. 

Your best friends will understand when you need time for yourself. 

Why pushing and forcing? 

You don't want to go to school? 
Skip a day, no, not the entire semester, 
but honestly, if you really really feel like it, do it then.

Inner drive?

Yes, then work.

Do not distract yourself with Facebook, 

twitter, instagram, yes, I know it's hard. 

Set timers or have a log? Who wants to spend his/her whole life on a social network platform rather than being outside with actually real people, right?!

 

4. Turn away from negativity,

embrace positivity and smile more.

5. Take a day off, or two, or three, ..

to listen to YOU and YOUR needs.

6. Go out and play.

For me that means having the freedom to say: 

Okay I have done enough for today, I go skating now! 

Everyone of us has to find his or her own balance in life, but when my heart races, I feel pressured, and finally my back hurts from sitting too much at the desk, it's time to RESET and find my inner focus again. What are your tips on resetting and how do you keep the balance of working and playing? :) More tips are welcome, but go out, enjoy some sun and have cake! :) xx

Mindful Monday: Shopping Challenge Month #1

I'm back!!! Yes, why is that?? Well, I have been working on papers the last weeks and college just took over my life, but now I'm back on the blogosphere (this word is so! weird, but kinda like it =D) Anyways, how was my very first month without shopping so far? I have to say it wasn't that bad.. I'm trying to stay away from any stores, but honestly I had a moment when I couldn't say no to step into the Zara store, just to have a look. Yes, a tiny little bit of the past sale season. What happened??? I've started whining and told my friend: why?? :-( Why can't I shop RIGHT NOW? =D Okay, I felt like a dog, who was waiting for my owner to pick me up and leave this place again. I've told her: please don't show me your items, I will wait at the front door. Ridiculous right? =D 

By the end of the month, friends came up and asked whether I wanna join them to sell stuff at a flea market and if you know me, I'm always in when it comes to fleas and second hand ;-) So, I picked out clothes from my closet which I haven't worn in ages or which were new, but never worn, especially clothes from my time in the U.S. ;-) and the three of us had a blast there. Many girls came to our table and fell in love with the items. We've also sold shoes, unused beauty products, jewelry and handbags, oh and we've had a 1 € basket for scarves and shirts :) It was so much fun! How did it feel afterwards?

Oh my, I felt soo relieved that lots of my unused clothes got new happy owners because honestly they were just hanging around.. Besides I made a good amount of money to save up for a big trip this year!!! It is definitely easier to save up and to spend less when you have big plans. Travelling is always something I want to spend more money on rather than spending it on clothing! Therefore it was totally worth it and the next flea is waiting for me :) What about you? Are you into fleas, too? Do you own stuff that you don't really touch or wear? Sell them! Oh and at the end, I didn't buy anything this month, but swapped something! More to come, so stay tuned xx

Happy New Lunar Year ♥

Hey guys! :) 

Long time no post from me, why?! Well, as a media and communication student you're always busy with studying, papers, and classes and yay, I have been working on last papers until the next semester starts - actually next week =D But anyways, I just wanted to keep you updated and say: 

Happy New Lunar Year ♥ 

In Vietnamese: 

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới :)

Therefore, last weekend, I just had to take a few hours off to enjoy a bit of celebration with my family and asian loved ones :) It's crazy how much food vietnamese people can eat! So, we had big dinners for three days in a row like christmas, you know ;-) I've enjoyed spending more time with my parents and eating super-delicious food :) And see what the fortune cookie had in store for me:

Always smile in the morning and 

fortune will smile on you! 

Right now, I'm honestly trying to slow down, to breathe and to take breaks because my body is telling me to pull the brake again. I am back on meditating and yoga again, are you into it, too? :) xo

Mindful Monday: Speed - In Search of Lost Time

                  

Last week I came through this movie by Florian Opitz about our precious time and how life is becoming faster and faster. Why I've watched it?

Often, I find myself stressing out and rushing throughout everyday life. Just recently, when I had to catch the train back home from Berlin, I was super nervous and rushing my boyfriend to move, I really stressed him out and at the end, we had another 20 minutes of waiting for the train. Yeah, poor me, I'm always like this. How to get rid of? Well, I usually meditate and do a lot of yoga to calm me down and on my smartphone-screen it says: Slow down. Breathe.

But I forget, you know, I honestly forget to breathe. My heart is racing, I am short-tempered, I feel inner stress and the only thing, I want to do is: be on time and get things done. On time for what? I pack my day full of to-dos and it's just hard to keep the right balance of resting and working. So, I really recommend you to watch this movie. For all Germans: click here, it is for free until Wednesday, spare 97 minutes of your life and let it inspire you and make you think about what is really important! For all English-speaking readers: the above movie is only a trailer.

This movie reminded me of a few important things again:

Take care of yourself.

When I'm sick, it's actually because of my stress, 

I overwork myself and than I'm stressed again because I am unproductive. 

Now, I'm telling myself: hey! 

It's good to do NOTHING sometimes 

and to take time to heal myself.

Focus on the most important task of the day.

Have it your No.1 priority and do it.

Have digital breaks.

No smartphone, no internet, no distraction. 

No facebook, no instagram, no twitter,

no checking mails.

Slow down and really breathe.

Your to-dos can wait, 

your body and mind cannot.

My mantra for this week: 

dear stress,

let's break up ♥

Mindful Monday: Wishcraft by Barbara Sher

Today's Mindful Monday post is a small insight into the Book Preview: How to get what you really want. Wishcraft is the actual, bigger book for how to discover and to realize dreams and professional aims. Both are written by career advisor, life coach and author Barbara Sher. When I first received this book by a dear friend as a birthday present, I wasn't sure about this. Because I thought that I definitely kinda know what I want in life, but she meant it in a positive way and thought that it might help me to focus better.

Indeed, when I was studying for exams, I took a break from blogging, but also couldn't resist to dive into this book and read it. It has four main chapters and is divided into: an Introduction, Wanted: My own Personal Style, Wanted: My own Personal Dream Goal and Dream Goal Found - What Now? 

First, it will tell you that it is never too late to change the route you're on and that you ARE able to follow your dreams. Now, I will give you a few examples of the specialties of this book. It has a few exercises with which you will learn so much about yourself and your dreams.

Wanted: My own Personal Style

Pick a colour:

You have to spontanuously pick a colour and describe it as being the colour yourself :)

Mine turned out like this:

I am green because I am happy and vital,

I am full of hope and I love to grow like a plant.

I am green because green means life.

I live from water, earth and air.

Green means nature.

I am green so therefore I am happy, easygoing and cool :)

20 Things you love to do:

This one was actually REALLY hard

because when you're at number 12 you're like.. hmm..

okay, what else do I like to do? =D

An ideal day:

Imagine yourself that all your bills are paid and you don't have to take care of anything, imagine the perfect day:

...

It does not matter how old you'll be then,

just pick any day with family, friends, the perfect job, whatsoever.

I really like this exercise because it makes you think of 

how you can get closer to your dream day.

Wanted: My own Personal Dream Goal

Be precise with your goal. 

How to set up your goal and how to live it one by one, at the same time or alternating.

Dream Goal Found - What Now? 

The last chapter talks about Ups and Downs.

I promise, in only two hours you'll know more about yourself and what you really want and need in your life to achieve the things you've always wanted to do. For me, it opened up my eyes and for example I know that I do not need a lot of money to do the 20 things I love and like, except from travelling ;-) And now I am working towards my ideal day and want to embrace my green side more and more, always staying vital, happy and alive. So, if you're interested, try this book and it will enligthen your life :) 

Happy new week xo!