Homework, laundry and the dishes

As a new CreComm student I’ve noticed my agenda book has been filling up at an alarming new pace. I’m definitely up for the challenge and excel when I’m busy. Actually, I enjoy being busy. Who wants to have nothing to do? Life is so much more exciting when you’re experiencing it at full speed. I even tackled three jobs at once while still going to university.

I’m also good at procrastinating. Procrastination, prolonging the inevitable, does not mix well my agenda book, which reminds me I have another project.

Earlier this year I had the amazing opportunity to go to Cuba for two weeks. Before I left for the first week I picked up “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin at the University bookstore. I figured it would be a nice easy read for the beach, and I was right. I discovered a lot of interesting ways to feel happy, even in tougher times. Throughout my blog I’ll be referencing Rubin as I share new ways I found to feel happy and also the little things that make me smile.

My copy is a bit worn, but that's how you can tell it's a good book. It's great to reference and lend out. 

One of Rubin’s ways to feel happy is tackle a nagging task. I found this tactic especially useful. There appears to be a positive correlation between my ever growing to-do list and the clutter in my room. My jobs add up and weigh on my mind. One way I make myself feel better is get started and don’t stop. After I finish my chores and assignments, the ones I've put off for a couple of days, there's a sense of relief. It's a win-win situation: house is clean, homework is done, and now I have free time.

Last night I cleaned my room, vacuumed, did the dishes, wash and folded my laundry, and scrubbed my bathtub. I contacted my employer about shifts and completed one project and started another. Finally, I had tackled my to-do list. After a lovely productive evening, I feel great. Better yet, I have the time for the things I enjoy. 

Some nagging tasks will always be there, like vacuuming. It’s a part of my routine. Rubin said, “One of the best ways to lift your mood is to engineer an easy success, such as tackling a long-delayed chore”. Next up is cleaning out my closet! Sit down and write out a list of tasks that need to be done. Cross out each one as you do them. It’s a simple, easy way to feel happy. 

P.S. I added a new page! Junk from my iPod! Check it out -> the jam for this week is Tongue tied by Grouplove

Slow down and take care

Tension, pressure, aches and pains, is our body trying to tell us something. It can be something as simple or complex as stress. In order to feel better it’s crucial to listen and respond to our body. That’s why I went to Natural Pains Solutions on Broadway for help.

It may not be very scientific but after only an hour of peace away from the chaos of Cre Comm I felt renewed. Not only did she work out the kinks in my back, she also gave me exercises for the ‘pond scum’ that had built up around my muscles. I came out of feeling like I could do anything.

It’s essential to take a few moments out the day for you. We need to remind ourselves that’s its okay and important to book ‘me’ time. When you’re happy on the inside it shows on the outside. Do what makes you feel good. This could mean volleyball, rugby, dance, meditation, or a lovely mani pedi. Listen to your body. As Carl Honore praises: Slow down.

Check this out if you haven’t seen it à http://www.ted.com/talks/carl_honore_praises_slowness.html

When we take care of ourselves we increase our productivity. Being low on energy looks like me having one eye open still trying to write down notes that are indecipherable the next day. Why didn’t I get more sleep? Mediocre work is not appreciated. If we get the right amount of sleep, eat right, take our vitamins, and be proactive about those pains and aches we operate in an optimal state!

Being proactive about health can reduce congestion in waiting rooms. Remember the emergency room and how long it took? People often let their symptoms get worse, thinking they’ll feel better soon enough. I’ve been one of those people. I’ll own up to it. I learned, waiting doesn’t fix your problem and pain doesn’t magically disappear.

Get a massage, see a chiropractor, have a bath, do whatever it takes to for you to feel better. Exercise even a little. I’m not an avid ‘gym go-er’ but I do feel awesome after a workout. Plus: you get endorphins out of the deal and your body is happy. Win-win situation.

Today I remind everyone to listen to his or her body. Personally, I get caught up in deadlines and who wants what and this shift or that errand.  If you’re not sure what to do, ask. It’s best to ask the right people such as your doctor. Don’t let your body scream at you. Slow down, listen and respond or your body will talk back. 

Earth Wind Fire Water

At the heart of optimism is living life to the fullest: feeling alive.  Eleanor Roosevelt said “Do one thing every day that scares you”.

As a volunteer at CKUW 95.9FM I interviewed Chad, a master herbalist at Hollow Reed Holistic.  He told me how life is about balance. He began by describing different personality types: water, fire, earth and wind. Each personality type has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, a water personality is easy going but almost to a fault. He said "we want the Red River but we don't want the Red River spilling over the entire city" Sometimes a water personality needs a little bit of fire in their lives to get things done. "In nature the elements need to be in balance - we are an ecosystem - a mini earth" said Chad. 

Here is my interview with Chad on Habits: 

http://soundcloud.com/alex-wenger/chad-cornellpart1

http://soundcloud.com/alex-wenger/chad-cornell-part-2

Learn more about Hollow Reed Holistic at:

http://www.hollowreedholistic.ca

Which personality type are you?

Earth:

Strengths - Predicable, logical, structural, calm and focused

Weaknesses – Stubborn, perfectionist, can loose sight of goals

Wind:

Strengths – Spontaneous, energetic, optimistic, handles change well

Weakness – Restless, unpredictable, hard to get to know, nervous

Fire:

Strengths - Passionate, fearless, enthusiastic and confident

Weakness – Impatient, bossy, impulsive, dramatic

Water:

Strengths – Patient, problem solver, team player, sociable

Weakness – People pleaser, over identifies with others, hard time saying no

http://www.astro.com/astrology/in_elements_e.htm

My personality type best corresponds with wind. Although I identify with water as well. On a regular day I might shy away from being in front of a large crowd of 5,740 Goldeyes fans; but never again. I decided to add a bit of fire to my day. Carpe Diem. When given an opportunity like this one I couldn’t pass it up:

The family activity this week was the Goldeyes baseball game. Janessa fellow classmate, friend and Goldeyes employee asked if my sister and I wanted to participate in the field game. My mission: to spin ten times then run to the finish line. Sounded easy enough. Wrong.

Here I am spinning...

Here’s me doing a belly flop…

…and here’s me at the finish line collecting my diploma!

You can’t see how I fell or how many times. You also don’t hear the booming laughter and the fans cheering for us. Before the ‘Bat Spin’ game my heart couldn’t stop racing and the anticipation kept building. My sister Dani turned to me and asked ‘how did I ever let you talk me into this?’ She knows as well as I do that her curiosity got the better of her. What an adrenaline rush. I won after my sister fell on her bottom and was unable to get up.  

 My message today is ‘challenge yourself’.  It’s exhilarating to step outside your comfort zone or personality type and experience something new. If you’re a water, wind or earth personality bring a little fire into your life and liven things up. Try zip lining, rock climbing or get up on stage for some Karaoke. What is there to be afraid of? I counter whatever you think with Ms. Frizzle from the Magic school bus: “take chances and make mistakes”. If you never try you’ll never know.

Welcome!

Optimism is “an inclination to put the most favourable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome” – Merriam Webster.

The inspiration for this blog came from a cup of optimism: a Maxwell House commercial.



 

This blog is about promoting the positive, seeing each day as better than the last. My posts will include studies, relationship recommendations, with some pop culture mixed in and anything that makes me smile; which I hope in turn will make you smile.

As a communications major, I discovered that being positive is a must. People are attractive to positive people and it’s more or less contagious. When I come home to my dog Rosco he’s overjoyed that I’m back. I can’t help but smile and get excited to see him too. Of course I have my bad days; we all do. Those days I complain about my lack of sleep, lack of energy, and my pet peeves. This blog is about a change in focus. 

The video you (hopefully) watched was Jessica’s affirmations of the day. What if we all woke up this happy? I like my dog, I like my hair, I like my mom, I like my dad…..I like my whole house!!!!! I want to be this girl. She’s only four years old and I love the way she thinks!

Here is where you will find your ‘cup of optimism’ for the day.