New Years Resolution: No Shopping Challenge

Inspired by Leo Babauta and his Buy Nada Challenge I wanted to challenge myself as well. This past year I've thought a lot about Clearing my Clutter and me wanting less, because materialistic things do not make me happy. Read my first I want less, here and now post here and the second one about clothes and clutter here. 

Last week, I came up with the idea: well why not stop shopping for half a year since I've also wanted to save up money for a big trip in the summer. I thought it over and over again and was like: hmm.. I might not be able to do it, but maybe step by step? One month, then three months and then finally six? However, this morning, I just read an article about The Trouble with 2nd Hand Clothes by BOF and the very last part was really insisting:

“It doesn’t do justice to us or to fashion. Fashion should be about cherishing clothes and creating an identity, [but today it's] based on constant adrenalin and the excitement of purchasing. There is no anticipation or dreaming. Nothing lasts or is looked after. We each have a mini-landfill in our closets.”

As I mentioned before: I want less, here and now is a work in progress, so this will be Step #2 about clothes and clutter. I've set up myself five rules to follow by for the next few months.

1. Today, I am making a commitment that I will not shop clothing, accessories, beauty products for myself until June 30th, 2014.

 2. Except necessities like running shoes or underwear, if they break, or essential products like shampoo, which ran out. 

3. If I need a sweater or a cardigan or something super badly, 

I will find other ways to get it. Maybe borrowing,

trading with friends, making my own?

4. Be creative: I try to be creative with my 'old' clothes as much as possible. Try to create new and different outfits and to try out some Do-It-Yourself-Projects. 

5. If I should give in, I will not be too hard on myself. I will reflect my consumption and move on with my commitment.

What do you guys think about the rules I've set for myself? Are you into it, too? What is your new year's resolution? Do you have any? I would love to hear from you and what you think about my No-Shopping-Challenge :) Of course, I will keep you updated and tell you about my experience :)

Mindful Monday: Thoughts on 2013

I actually wanted to show you guys a lovely book, which I got for my birthday, but this will be for next Mindful Monday then ;-) So, I came across these 25 questions to ask yourself before the end of the year by MindBodyGreen and tried to answer a few of them. Now, I want what I've thought while answering the questions.

What lessons have I learned?

You are NEVER too old to learn something new. JUST DO IT.

No doubts, no fear. Embrace yourself, do whatever you want. Stay strong, everyone else is going through the same feelings and the same issues, they are going as far as you do, 

but can and will you make it further?

Always be nice and grateful, be the best version of yourself!

Do not hang around too much with people who don't understand you or drain your energy. Turn to those who inspire and bring out the best in you.

Always be open and stay curious, you never know what will happen next. 

Stay true to yourself and don't regret decisions and situations. 

How did I spend my free time?

With new hobbies. I've started a new passion called Longboarding in May this year. 

Read my longboard story here ;-)

Additionally I've found my way back to blogging.

When did I feel most creatively inspired?

When I met strangers, some became friends and the 2nd half of the year was very inspiring: with my internship at LesMads, with longboarding and fellow skaters,

with Off Color and Dreams, 

with small moments in life like taking a walk with my mother

or doing random acts of kindness :)

When have I felt the most alive?

Longboarding ♥ 

How can I improve my relationships?

More patience, my dear. 

Learn to let go of the past, forgive people and you have a decision to change your behavior every single day. 

Read my Flexible Mind post :) 

What would I like to cultivate?

Do more of what I love, have more fun. 

Don't take life toooo serious, but hey,

play hard, work hard ;-)

I want less and clearing clutter.
Trusting my gut more, decide intuitively.

How can I be kind to myself?

Stop watching and comparing to others, 

start doing and be the best YOU you can be!

As you can see, one of the best moments was getting into longboarding, which gave me so much. More freedom, more creativity, more action and more fun :) I truly love it and after the small tour today, I don't want to miss it anymore. Other than that I'm still learning, it's a lifelong journey and I am grateful for all these magic moments that happened this year, next year it will be even better ;-) Do you have any new year's resolutions? I will post mine soon, so stay tuned!

What else did I learn this year? 

Take the good, leave the bad. Making new friends is so inspiring and YES, life is good.

It ALWAYS depends on how you look at it.

Be KIND to strangers, life is full of surprises

and magic moments ♥

Mindful Monday: Inspired by Pharrell Williams

Every Mindful Monday I'm sharing my thoughts with you about actually anything, but sometimes it's just something inspirational for me. So, these days I'm all into Pharrell Williams, his music, his videos, his designs and his words. How come? Not only did I accidently watched some of his 'How to suceed in life' videos on Youtube, which I strongly agreed on; a dear friend just reminded me of his great work with N.E.R.D. when she gave me a CD-mix as a birthday present. 

His words made me really think. Think about my doubts, about my future, about the fear of managing life and dealing with all the shit what's going on around. And also how you treat yourself. Listen to what he says and let him inspire you.

This is what I wrote down in my diary and here I'm sharing it:

Create your own world. Don't wait for it.

Always be curious and keep on chasing. Feed your curiosity.

There's no such thing as nothing. Nothing is a perception, things and reality are changeable. You just have to reevaluate it and love what you do in life.

Ego. It's a funny entity. It's on your side when you're doing great, but leaves you when you fail. So DO NOT listen to and get rid off it.

Failure. Switch failure for lesson or better: it's useful information for the future. 

It's acutally R'n'D: Research and Development. 

It has to be about YOU because if you spend time doing things for other people, you will think: what about ME? 

If you don't pay attention to who YOU ARE, you possibly cannot be good to the next person.

Don't be afraid, go get it!

You have the idea, do it!

Organize your own crew of girls and guys that think like you and start your own movement: people who believe in and represent YOU.

Imagine. What would you do all day long when your bills are paid? Find respective jobs.

If you're not learning you're wasting your time.

These words helped me so much during the last week, and I will always return to these whenever I'm doubting about myself. Really love yourself first and then you can love others. And hey, I've already met up with some creative heads to just sketch together, talk and exchange ideas. Love the idea of a creative Think Tank or a Crew to start my own movement ;-) In the next few weeks or better for the upcoming year I will rethink what I really want in life and how to focus on it better :) It's time for a new Vision Board ♥ Have a happy new week guys!

Finding Focus

With this post I'm going to say Thank You so far and Good-Bye for a two-week break from blogging and surfing through the world wide web. This is the time of year that I really have to focus on my studies at college since exams are coming up :) So, I'll be back around the 10th Dec. and be sure to check back then ;) There is so much more to come, cannot wait to play with the keys again and let my mind flourish.

In the meantime: read and dream a bit with Dreams by OFF Color, it's such a nice magazine full of dreamers, believers and thinkers ♥

So how do we find focus?

Take a step back. Back away from the browser and the phone, and give yourself a moment’s space to think.

What do you really want to do right now? What’s most important? What kind of person do you want to be?

Maybe you have 5 things you want to do. Pick one. Subtract.

Read on here if you want to find focus by Zenhabits.

See you guys back in December ♥

Love, Minh

Mindful Monday: Winter Blues x Move!

I have to admit that I haven't worked out since weeks now, I think it's been two to three weeks. Why? Well, a big lack of motivation as well as uni-stress and being sick for a whole week weren't helpful. And how come that I've did it today? 

I've wanted to do something for my soul, being alive again since I had a 'depressive' week before. Being thoughtful is okay, but DON'T SUCK IN THE NEGATIVITY. MOVE AND TAKE ACTION. Knowing this didn't really help. I've told myself on and on: I'll do it tomorrow, but haven't done anything. So, I was struggling with motivation until I sat down and asked myself, what do you like about jogging? I love the feeling afterwards, having accomplished something, being able to push harder and just move on. I've pulled out my running gear, left it next to my bed, prepared for the next day and it helped me to remind me of 'Oh, I've wanted to go for a jog today, no excuses'.

During the jog I kept talking to myself: You can do it, just move and move and don't look back. Don't have judges, someone might pass you, but you don't know their background, they might be a marathon runner and you've just started. No judges, focus on yourself. Push yourself through it, you already know how it feels to finish. Speed doesn't matter, consistency is key!

And these words kept me running and moving on. I just LOVE what exercising does with me, those words wouldn't have such a big effect if I weren't exercising. Starting to jog back in the U.S. gave me so many life-lessons :) So, this wasn't it! I want to keep on doing, you can always start, but you have to keep on doing every single day. Do what you love and love what you do, more of it everyday! What about you? Do you exercise in Winter?

Tip: A friend just said: It's never too cold, there are just bad clothes. No excuses. So get yourself prepared for the winter months and buy some high quality winter gear!

Mindful Monday: Vision Board

 

I remember that one of my American friends from college suggested me to do a Vision Board. She said that she did one in class and told me how amazing it was to pull out this piece of paper after several years, and then realizing that most of the things have happened to her. This motivated me to make one as well. At the beginning of this year I sat down and pulled out all my fashion magazines to create a Vision Board. A collage of all things I've wanted to do or to achieve this year and as you can see I haven't finished since then. 

My thought was: Often you have ideas, dreams and goals, but you never write them down and then these ideas will pass away. This little thought or dream is then not real anymore, well, was it ever? Besides putting in words, it's far more easier to put your thoughts into pictures, actual visualizations. So, sit down, think of what you really want in life or for the next year and cut up bits and pieces which equal your dreams. Put your Vision Board away and maybe pull it out half a year later, it's super interesting to see whether or not these special events or 'dreams' occurred :)

My goals for this year 2013 were: 

Enjoying: Yes, I still try not to overwork myself and take time to really slow down and enjoy life. Beach: For now, the Baltic Seas it was. Still thinking of vacation though-Tenerife? :) Dancing until the rising of the sun: Check @Cookies Berlin during Fashion Week this summer. Eating healthy food: It's a process :) but doing good, I guess. Fit like never before (muscles instead of fat): Not the case, but won't give up on that aspect. My fittest year ever was the year in the US :)

Soul: Slow down, sit back, meditate. Working in Berlin turned out as an internship! Taking care of myself and drinking lots of water: still doing so. Having a romantic relationship: What a coincidence, but yes, indeed ♥ Yoga: Trying to incorporate as much as possible, but looking for a class to get deeper into it. 

And as of now, almost at the end of this year I'm thinking: Yes, this is still such a great year and I've almost achieved everything I've wanted to :) The idea of a Vision Board works wonder, don't know how but I believe that once you write or sketch it down, you visualize yourself doing something, and then it becomes reality! Next year is coming up, so sit down and make your next Vision Board ;-)

Stop being normal and start being awesome

Reasons why:

Nobody is normal. Stop trying to fit in some standard, that standard doesn't exist.

You are draining your power. You are NOT average, stop sucking your life out of your own spirit.

You are EXTRAORDINARY. Shine your greatness, it is so worth being brave to be yourself. 

Thank God, you are not normal. 

Mindful Monday: Earthlings

This ongoing topic which concerns everyone of us is still on my mind. Yes! It concerns YOU, ME and anyone of your friends and family. A friend of mine recommended me this documentary called Earthlings which shows in full length how dependent we actually ARE on animals. Be it pets, food, clothing, entertainment or scientific research, this movie really goes deep and let us rethink our consumption and being on earth. 

With hidden cameras the producers go into large factories, they illustrate how people 'treat' animals for mass production, entertainment and scientific purposes. While the movie was on, I sometimes had to look away since the pictures are really horrible! But honestly do not hesitate to watch it, in my opinion everyone who is on this planet should know what is actually going on behind closed and unknown doors.

There are many food and meat documentaries, but this one is highly worth-watching! It lays out different aspects and sums it all up in one and a half hours. After that I rethink if I really need meat for dinner tonight, as well as leather products and fur materials on clothing. Think about it and make the connection!

Mindful Monday: Shopping and its impact on us

A very dear friend once said:

'Do not follow loud goals, listen to your inner self.' 

In the last several years my shopping habit has changed a bit, maybe you saw this transition yourself, too. Three years ago, I used to buy clothes and accessories excessively, working as a waitress by the side made it possible to buy anything every time you received your tip. Then, being in the U.S. clothes were super cheap and yes, I have to admit, I bought stuff I didn't even touch there because I thought 'Well, I buy them here, but will wear them in Germany.' Did I then? No, not at all, being back here I had a total different style and wasn't as colourful as in the U.S. anymore. 

Now, this year and especially after my internship I look for quality than for quantity, but have to admit, you start looking for designer brands, as well. My personal project of 'I want less. Here and now.' concerns shopping as one of the most important issues and I'm trying. I'm trying to stay away from cheap clothing because I think. I think that it cannot be that I pay 3€ for a t-shirt and it cannot be that there is so much stuff on sale whenever the season is changing. 

A few weeks ago I've just attended an information event of the Clean Clothes Campaign which showed me that most of the produced clothes end up in developing countries, in which they try to sell them, but these will actually find their way to landfills. Furthermore I don't have to say that many seamstresses in Bangladesh etc. live in poverty and can hardly afford their homes, food and education for their children. 

My call is: Just be aware of what you buy and don't consume clothes blindly, look and inform yourself. For example, this is a very good German documentary of the British retailer Primark who sell super cheap clothes and I have to say: has super bad quality (from my own experience). There are more negative reputation about H&M, Zara and so on, just google it.

Back to the quote: sometimes I find myself wanting something because others want it and not because I've wanted it myself. So, other people voice out their thoughts and needs and I would be like: hmmm.. Yes, I want shoes and bags and stuff, whether I need it or not. Same thing happens when I stroll through blogs, magazines and shopping sites. If I listen to my inner self, it would be like: No, I really do not need all that and be honest, don't find excuses to need and want them. Just stick to your own ideal and you already know that material things won't make you happy. 

Shopping is like a vicious circle, if you feed your closet or room, you won't be able to stop it. You always want more and then, at some point you'll try to find happiness through materialistic things. Let's altogether think about what we buy and why we have to consume so much nowadays. I would love to hear from you, did you already cut back on your shopping habits? :)

Documentary-Tip: 'Gift auf unserer Haut by ZDF, unfortunately in Germany, but totally worth seeing, it's about the leather industry and how its produced in bad conditions in Bangladesh. Stay aware!

Mindful Monday: Stay Inspired!

How do I feel right now?

In the middle of Unistress and many more activities I feel tired, overwhelmed and I'm longing for something new. Something fresh, something inspiring, something motivational. It might be the case that I didn't skate for two weeks and now I feel sluggish. This cold weather doesn't help either. 

So what? The other day I've talked to a dear friend from the U.S. and she sent me this from tinybuddha.com. It's a list of 50 ways to open your world to new possibilities by Lori Deschene and I've picked those of which I think are the most striking in my situation right now. There are five categories and I'll explain why I want to get into these new ways of thinking and acting.

GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD

3. Have a vision session. Write in a journal, create a video, sketch—anything that lets you explore what excites you most.

Yes, I have a journal, but didn't write anything in since two or more weeks and I feel like whenever you do not write down or sketch down your thoughts and ideas, they will fade. Thoughts won't become real if you cannot visualize them, so write them down and make your dream happen :)

 

 6. Commit to something you always say you’ll do but always fail to start—and then take the first step right now.

I want to eat less meat. I had my ups and downs with this aspect and couldn't erase it from my plate for good, but maybe I'll manage to reduce it more and more. So far, it was easy to not have it when I wasn't thinking about eating less. Now, that I really try to have less, it's like I'm not sticking to it. No forcing allowed here, I should definitely free my mind of that thought and it will come naturally.

GET OUT IN THE OPEN

 18. Start something you always assumed it was too late to do. Take gymnastics, learn guitar. If it moves you, get started today. It’s never too late.

Yes, I totally agree with this phrase: It's never too late. Before starting with skating I was all about: 'Oh my, I cannot skate, haven't done it before and I feel super insecure.' I really felt like I was too old to start something new. Like it's always better to start with a hobby when you're a kid since you don't care about the risks, dangers or whatsoever. NO WAY! You're really never to old and honestly, who cares your age?? As long as you're having fun and love it, DO IT! Go for it, start today :) If I haven't started I wouldn't be able to feel the freedom I'm having when I'm with my longboard, so go ahead and live! 

GET IN WITH PEOPLE

23. Compliment a stranger on something you notice. Everyone likes to be appreciated, and it’s a great way to start a conversation.

I want to try this out right now! Haha, cannot wait for all the people who will be like: 'What? Why is this girl saying this?' :) 

Oh, just remembered, I'd compliment strange people because of their style or their shoes etc. and they'd be like: 'Hey thanks' (e.g. Fashion Week Situation) or 'Okay...bye' (at random places), hahaha =D I assume that they thought something like 'Weirdo!'.

28. Bring enough lunch to share with other people at work—particularly childhood favorites. Nothing bonds like shared nostalgia.

I always bring a lot of food!!! I just love sharing my fruits and vegetables with others. Bring some cut up veggies to school or work and share with your neighbor :) They'll definitely have a smile for you!

GET INTO YOUR WORK

32. Speak up in a meeting, even if you don’t feel confident or you’re afraid you’ll be embarrassed. Your ideas can only take shape if you put them out there.

Oh, that's a real challenge for me since I'm not the one who'd raise the hand to say something. I'd rather observe and think about it. Maybe, this is the time that I have to speak up for my ideas and opinion about stuff.

GET CAUGHT IN THE WEB

47. If you blog, find other bloggers in your niche and email them to introduce yourself. 

Oh my, if I had time, I would do all this stuff =D Well, but sooner or later I really want to do this! No procrastination anymore, I've wanted to focus on me and my blog more, so get it on!

The list is long and there are another 40+ways to open up for new possibilities, but it's definitely worth reading if you're lacking some inspiration and motivation as well! Now, I know what to do and I love challenging myself! What are your favorite ways or things you'd like to challenge yourself?

Here's another tip, don't overwork yourself and pick one thing out and then try it instead of setting yourself too many goals at once, just saying ;-)

Mindful Monday: I want less. Here and Now.

I want less, here and now started with my decision of becoming more and more aware of what I buy, use and really need. I've wanted to clear my clutter, to get rid of things which weigh me down and I'm still in this life-long process. You're very welcome to join me, to give me tips or we could help each other. I'm just trying to practice and test myself in consuming less.

Step #1:

Two weeks ago I've managed to look through a bunch of clothes, sorting them out and actually selling them. It wasn't me selling my clothes; I was at school when a friend of mine took my clothes and sold them at a big flea market in town. Again, thank you very much for that!!! She herself was moving and also wanted to get rid of a bunch of stuff she doesn't need anymore. This year I've already sold some stuff at different fleas and I'm always glad about the fact that my stuff will find a new and good owner. 

Yes, it's strenuous to stand there from 5 or 6am until 2pm to see people strolling by, stopping by, not buying and just looking. However, it's super funny when there are actually people wanting your stuff and immediately loving it. Be it scarves, bags, clothes, accessories, pick them all together and go look for the next flea market to sell them! 

If you haven't worn anything in one or two years: Say Goodbye and leave it for someone who will wear it and appreciate it! I'm also thinking of opening up a FB-Page to swap my stuff, be creative, call a friend who'll join you for a flea and you'll have a lot of fun, I'm sure! :)

Watch this now: When you're from France or Germany, you definitely have to watch this documentary: Less is more from ARTE. Super interesting how a few of us live alternatively, completely without the need of others and happily together.

Less meat, more vegetables, less plastic, more paper or reusable glasses, less driving, more biking and so on. I'm looking up to those; I think this video is up for seven days, so don't wait!

I want less. Here and now.

Yes, I've returned a week ago and now I'm back in my small hometown in the southwest of Germany. I'm back at college and unistress, back in my room full of clothes and stuff and the only thing I want to do is: Clearing my Clutter!

Back in spring a friend gave me this book to read and after that I was just in desperate need of clearing my clutter and getting rid of everything. She lives very minimalistic and I'm very looking up to her and still learning. 

The reason why I want less is because I want to change my shopping habits as well as the thinking of wanting, getting and longing for more. Although I'm posting clothes and also these fall essentials, I try to be aware of what I really need or just want, want and want. I want less because there are so many things which weigh me down, do I really need shorts in six different colours? I don't think so. 

When I was packing my suitcase to leave Berlin, I was like: What the hell do you actually own? You didn't even wear these clothes for a year now. Additionally, I think a few girls can agree, I still have clothes with tags on and there are a bunch of stuff I don't wear because it doesn't fit into my actual style now. It's hard when your style is evolving and changing year-round but I think for the first step I want to break down my closet into just essential pieces, which you can always wear differently or add accessories to change it up.

If you want to, check out Karen Kingstons book and read about how to not just declutter of stuff but also from the past and negative energies. It's super motivational and I would recommend it to everyone, it answers questions like: Why you keep clutter, how to identify and clear it in your home and workplace, how to clear it from your body, mind and spirit and then how to stay clutter-free! Happy reading! :)

I want less, here and now is a work in progress, so I've just started and if you're also into it, follow me and let's see how it will change us mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Flexible Mind

Today I'm sharing with you one of my biggest weakness and I'm still learning. It's a long process and I learn from myself every single day. Do you know these moments when you get angry or irritated by such small things like: someone walking too slowly in front of you, friends turn you down one hour before a meeting or your loved one is saying something and you just freak out, get angry and react explosive? Yes, I admit, sometimes it happens to me, too! I'm not always stable and when things get in your way because you cannot control things outside of yourself, my system breaks down. 

What do you do then? For my part, sometimes I'd not think much, react too fast and might hurt people. Other times I just leave, go away and run. Then I have some ME-time and try to focus and think before I take sudden decisions.

The other day Leo Babauta had a new post online: The Flexible Mind. I was so blessed and since then I write this down on my wrist every single day to remind myself to practice a flexible mind. This is a paragraph of the whole post:

Why Develop Flexible Mind

The root cause of frustration, irritation, anger, sadness is an inflexible mind — one that wants to hold onto the way we wish things were, the ideas we’re comfortable with. When things don’t go this way, we are then frustrated, angry, sad.
So developing a flexible mind is a way to be open to anything, happy with change, prepared for any situation. Think about it: if there’s a major disruption in your life, it’s only a bad thing because you’re holding onto the way you wish things could be, what you’re comfortable with. If you let go of that wish, the change isn’t bad. It’s just different, and in fact it could be good if you embrace it and see the opportunity. It’s about developing the ability to cope with change, to be flexible, to simplify.

Feel free to read the whole article here and to write down the same things on a sheet of paper, in your calendar, in your diary or on your wrist as well to remind you to practice. So far, it does help me a lot and I can say that I'm more calm now. I'll see, but for now, I've decided to do this every single day. 

Love,

Minh

86,400 seconds every day

Duct Tape Surfing

Listen to and watch this video about Tyron Swan helping Pascale Honore to follow her dreams. Strolling through one of my favorite blogs about 'simple wisdom for complex lives': Tiny Buddha I came across this inspiring video of those two.

Pascale Honore has been on a wheelchair for more than 18 years now due to a car accident. She was diagnosed paraplegic and wasn't able to walk anymore. Her two sons grew up surfing in the ocean and she was always watching them until one day a family friend came up with an idea. Tyron Swan, professional surfer, was thinking of duct taping her to his back and to surf with her. As a result they are now travelling through Australia, surfing the coast and trying to spread out the word: Have a dream and make it happen!

Follow their Facebook page and see what they are exploring on their travels.

It is possible to reach your dreams regardless of any limitations. - Pascale Honore

Nature x Longboard x Me-Time

This saturday I really felt like being alone for a bit. What to do best in this summer heat? Get out, hop on your longboard, bike or whatsoever, go for a tour and swim in a lake, all by yourself! Yes you've heard me!

For me being alone does not mean being lonely. These are two different words and also different meanings. Sometimes I like being alone to just enjoy myself, to do stuff for myself and being just me, my thoughts and my dreams. Nobody to influence or to talk to. Often I tend to ask people to do stuff and then if they are not 100 % into it, I have to wait and wait.. and nothing happens. So better, I just go by myself and do not have to wait for others. If you really want to do something, just do it. Do not wait for others!

Additionaly ask yourself: Are you able to take yourself as you are? Are you able to spend time by yourself and just do stuff you and not others like? I feel like a lot of people cannot stand the idea of being alone because they will feel lonely then. In my opinion I think that those people are too dependent on others because what I've learned so far is that you cannot be dependent on others because they might be gone soon. Be dependent on YOU. The only best friend will be YOU, forever. 

My friends do get that, so whenever I need some downtime to focus and to get back to the present I'd call it: Me-Time. People surrounding you should always understand that.

I've decided to go to Schlachtensee Berlin, to again, get out of the city! It is so beautiful to get up early and to be in nature then. The air will smell and feel fresh, there are not as much people around and the water is still cold from the night before. I didn't take the train to the lake, instead I got off 8 km ahead, rode that route to the forest, walked through the woods and then swam for a bit. You do not want to imagine how much sweat my body perspired! After the 8 km and a 30 minute walk I've reached some water and got myself comfy at a waterfront. 

Greens and water everywhere!

My mind-tip: Do not say 'yes' to others by saying 'no' to yourself, believe me you're worth it and no, it's not egoistic. And yes, JUST DO IT!

Beat the summer heat x let's skate

What to do when the thermometer shows 38°C (100°F) and you still want to stay active? Get out of the house and get your butt moving! In the heat? How? Spend some time in nature, go hiking in a forest, it will cool you down or go to a lake and swim a bit. When you're an early bird, get up before work and go for a run.

Working from Monday to Fridays I'm always longing for some get-aways over the weekend. Sometimes I just want to get out of the city and see some trees! A bit of nature, a bit of fresh air to rejuvenate my mind and soul. What did I do this weekend? Well, I met up with some friends, took a train to a station close to a lake and then we rode 8 km to the swim spot. Riding my longboard on big and empty streets is so much fun although the sun is burning on my skin, but there's nothing better than feeling some freedom! After a good ride I'm always feeling superduperüberamazing, haha. It's like: Rolling, swimming, yoga, sports, sun bathing, eating healthily, rolling, swimming, yoga, sports, sun bathing, eating fresh and repeaaaaaat!!! :)

The other day we also went up to the Berlin Teufelsberg and it was just nice to have an overview of the city and being on top of it. I love being out in nature, it's a nice contrast of working in front of the computer all day. You can suck in some fresh energy and just enjoy the present moment of it. No rush, no hectic, no electronics, just being here and now.

Yes, I am enjoying Berlin a lot!!! :)
Hope you guys can get some fresh air and enjoy the summer as well ;-)

xx

P.S.: Here are 12 tips from health.com to stay active when it's too hot to workout, try them! Next time I'll try to take some pictures of the road, the lake and will show some nice spots of Berlin to have your city-get-aways ;-)

Good morning beautiful ones!

I just came home from a run, yep, BEFORE work. How do I feel? Superwomanish =D Why? Because I kicked my butt to get out of the door and I'm pretty proud of myself that I did a 40 minute run. Right now I'm having some oatmeal with peanut butter, banana and almonds. 

Furthermore I feel like:

Today is a brand NEW day. A FRESH start. 

Replace any negativtiy with POSITIVITY. Think HAPPY thoughts. Exercise. Drink lots of water. Nourish and fill your body with fuel and LOVE. Healthy is happy. Inspire yourself. CREATE. Laugh lots. Play around. GO FOR A RUN. Give someone a compliment. Smile to a stranger. Make a new friend. Tell yourself you are BEAUTIFUL. Spread LOVE. Be kind and create good KARMA. Take chances. EXPERIENCE. 7

While running I like having no music with me, listening to nature and just letting my thoughts come and go. Something popped up: I AM READY FOR CHANGE.

Are you? Start today :)

Happy Thursday! xo

Getting back on track: The time is NOW!

# 1: Food habits

Oh wow, after binging on food and having a döner here and there it's just super hard to get back on track. I mean going for a run once in a while is okay, but keep doing it is the real thing. Being dedicated to your actual lifestyle is hard especially when you're stressed out, having friends over who'd eat fast food and so on.

Here's the deal: I've been eating 'badly' for my standards for like three weeks now and I do feel unhealthy. I'm always tired, feeling sick and sluggish. Additionally there was the Berlin Fashion Week three weeks ago and then I had friends over from home for like.. yeah, they stayed three weeks long. Result: No meditation, no strength workout, bad food choices and being inconsistent with my routines.

You know what I really do not like? When people around you say things like: Hey, don't be hard on yourself, you can have that once in a while... Well, what if that 'Once in a while' happens every other day?! NO MORE! I do not understand how people would be like: Hey, yes you should definitely eat fast food when you actually know that's bad for you. I get that it tastes good and stuff, but it slows down your metabolism and you'll feel like me: Sick. 

I think it's not worth it when you pay with your health, so I rather stay away from fats and sugar.

I'm lacking of energy, so what my body really needs is: REAL food meaning vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seeds. Tons of water as well!   

It's so easy to just give in and to indulge in food cravings, but what I ask myself right now is: Do I really want this long-term? Did I start eating healthier and mindfully to give up after almost two years? NO! And this is not a diet, this is a lifestyle change. Let's get back on track starting NOW.

Here are some tips if you want to get healthier and read my weekend food shopping post for a refridgerator-makeover!

YES, call me a health-freak ;-)

Rest.

The reason why I haven't posted anything over the weekend or not as much as I'd liked to, was because I was busy caring for others and doing so many things all at once. I'm not going to talk about my problems here but the only thing I have to realize once more is: Listen to your body.

Listen hard. When your body is showing you signs like a bad headache over days, bad mood or you're just exhausted, stressed out and easily annoyed, something IS wrong.

Your body then is telling you to pull the handbrake! Slow down. And this moment right now, I need to admit that my body and my mind need a rest, I have to take responsibility of myself. If not, I can tell you that your body will force you to stop. How? You'll get sick, get a fever and will stay in bed for days. Back in April/May I had a really bad fever I've never had before. My lymph nodes were totally swollen and I was just weak.

Weak to even get up and to dress up myself. After the first day of staying in bed I was like: Oh my, I do not want to stay in bed all day and waste time doing nothing. You're actually NOT doing nothing. Your body is trying to heal itself by forcing your mind to keep calm. Although the doctor told me to take medication, I did not. I've wanted my body to heal itself, not depending on medication, how I cured myself? Next time I'll tell you. 

Do not push too hard. Yes, being ambitious, having high expectations of yourself and all is good, but do not push against your health, your well-being. Take rests if you need it. Really! I know we're all young and there is this stupid saying 'You can sleep when you're dead' but what's the point of pushing to the limits, so that you have to stay in bed for three weeks (or even longer) and then be annoyed of yourself that you've let it come to that. Honestly, who wants to be sick, weak and not being able to step outside of the bedroom? Slow down, do not rush, breathe. Time flies anyways whether you're rushing through life or having some rest once in a while.

So, I'm very much looking forward to some down-time this coming weekend, let's see if I can stay unplanned for the whole weekend. No plans, no schedule, just living in the day and resting. 

Take care :)