Walking Your Talk: The Power of Authenticity

 

 

 

A quote I  was thinking about today is the following by Mark Sanborn:"Integrity is measured by the distance between your lips and your life."

 In a world filled where most of us speak with empty promises and hollow words, "walking your talk" stands as a pillar of true character. It's about aligning your actions with your words, living by the values you claim to espouse, and setting an example through your behavior. When you walk your talk, you build trust and credibility—not just with others, but  most importantly with yourself. It means taking responsibility, being consistent, and showing up as the person you claim to be. Remember, actions speak louder than words. The impact you make comes not from what you say, but from what you do.

It's not as easy to do of course. Our social media accounts are brimming with images of  more beautiful, richer, more successful people, which naturally triggers the need to compare. Inevitably most of us do not even remotely measure up to those, sometimes unreachable, standards. Bear in mind though, the world needs you to be you, not the replica of another human being,however richer or more successful than you.Instead,explore your talents, sharpen your skills, work on yourself and dare to put yourself out there. It is easy to compare and succumb to jealousy. I know from experience, it is easy to  make excuses and break your promises to others and yourself. But at what cost?

Being authentically you, keeping your promises and integrity takes work and tenacity,yes. But the reward of internal peace and pride towards yourself is something too invaluable to replace by petty feelings and void promises. Be brave, be vulnerable and turn yourself into someone you can truly look up to.

With love, 

Lia

p.s. It's Friday, so I decided to share my Friday playlist with you. It's loaded with songs that make me feel good whenever my mood goes sour or if I'm just unmotivated.It's a weird mix and match but I hope you'll like it!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ApoU119UkxL2rxj0zACpK

September Glow Up: Your Ultimate Guide to Revitalizing Mind, Body, and Soul

As the crisp September air signals the start of a new season, it brings with it the perfect opportunity for a personal glow-up. Whether you're getting ready to tackle the last quarter of the year or simply looking to refresh your routine after the summer, September offers a unique moment to focus on self-care, self-improvement, and renewal. I absolutely love all things about fall, and I'm sure there are many of you who do so as well! If you were looking for ways to have a glow up this coming season,here’s your ultimate guide to achieving that September glow-up, from mental well-being to physical rejuvenation. 

 

Reflect and Set Intentions

September is a month of transition, making it the ideal time to pause, reflect, and set new intentions. We are approaching the latter quarter of the year. Now is an auspicious time to think about the goals you want to achieve by the end of the year. Whether it’s improving your health, mental well-being,building better habits, or achieving a work-life balance, write them down. This will serve as a roadmap for your glow-up journey.

Useful tip: I have found that journaling is a highly efficient tool to track your progress and stay motivated. Daily or weekly reflections can help you stay aligned with your goals.

 

 

 Revamp Your Skincare Routine

As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine.This is a must for both men and women. The cooler weather in September can make our skin feel dry and dull, so it's essential to switch up your products for optimal results.

• Hydration is Key: Opt for a heavier moisturizer to combat dryness.
• Exfoliate Regularly: This helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, glowing complexion.
• Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Summer: Continue to protect your skin from UV rays, even in cooler weather.

DIY Skincare Tip: Try a honey and yogurt mask for a natural, hydrating boost.I have personally tried this and I can assure you it works miracles!

Fall into Fitness

If you're anything like me,the lazy days of summer might have led to a less consistent fitness routine, which has led to the unfortunate gain of a few extra kilos.September is the perfect time to get back on track. With the weather being neither too hot nor too cold, outdoor activities become much more enjoyable, so you could start by taking more frequent walks, alone or with friends. As long as you add more movement into your daily routine, you'll immediately notice the difference both in your body as well as in your mood and increased clarity.

• Try Something New: Whether it’s a yoga class, pilates, or a running club, now is the time to experiment with different forms of exercise.
• Set a Challenge: Consider signing up for a charity run or setting a personal fitness goal to keep you motivated. You don't even have to set the bar too high at first. Start small and work your way up to more complex and difficult goals. It's that one small step that you need to take. The rest will take care of itself. 

Fitness Hack: Again, if you're anything like me,time can be tight.Try to incorporate short, high-intensity workouts that can be done in 20 minutes or less. Even a small amount of movement per day is better than doing nothing.

Nourish from Within

What you put into your body has a huge impact on how you feel and look. September’s harvest brings a bounty of nutritious foods that can enhance your glow-up and make you feel amazing in your body.

• Seasonal Superfoods: Try to incorporate apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens into your meals. These foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that promote healthy skin and boost energy levels.
• Hydrate: I know all too well that cooler weather can sometimes reduce our thirst, but staying hydrated is key for maintaining glowing skin and high energy levels.If you can't consume 3 litres of water daily, than aim for the 8 glasses of water recommended by doctors and nutritionists alike.
  

Recipe Idea: I am a big fan of soups. A great idea is to make a warm bowl of butternut squash soup with a side of kale salad.It is a perfect fall meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. If, however, you do not have access to these foods or if they are not your cup of tea, any kind of soup is amazing for those cool fall evenings!

 

 

 

 Declutter and Organize

It is an indisputable fact that a clear space leads to a clear mind. September is a great time to declutter your home, workspace, and last, but not least, your digital life.

• Tidy Up: You know it all too well. Our closets are full of clothes that are either too old,too small or just not useful anymore.No better place to start —switch out summer clothes for fall attire and donate items you no longer wear.
  
• Digital Detox: Clean up your inbox, organize your desktop, and unfollow accounts that don’t bring you joy or inspiration.

Organizing Tip: I find  the “three-box method” for decluttering extremely useful: one box for items to keep, one for donations, and one for things to toss.

 

 

Mindful Practices for Mental Glow

A glow-up isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good too.After all, our glow-up starts from within.Aim to incorporate mindful practices into your daily routine to nurture your mental well-being.This, in turn, will have a ripple effect in all other areas of your life, making it more wholesome and healthy.

• Meditation: Even just five minutes a day can reduce stress and improve focus.So far, I have managed to meditate for 10 minutes daily. It's worked wonders in my mood and efficiency! 
  
• Gratitude: Start a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re thankful for each day. This simple practice can shift your mindset and boost positivity.I can definitely attest to this. I have a previous blog post on the subject of gratitude, with much more of the benefits it brings. I hope it is of use to you.
  
• Gratitude and goal setting
• 11 Journalling benefits and prompts to get you started 
•  
  

Mental Health Tip: In our technology crazed era, try to limit your screen time, especially on social media, to reduce anxiety and comparison.It has been proven that excessive exposure to screens is conducive to limited focus span and depression, among others.Opt to have a discussion with a friend, call someone you haven't spoken to in a while, or just go out for a walk.

 

 

Refresh Your Wardrobe

With the changing season, September is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe. Embrace the cozy, stylish vibes of fall fashion.

• Layer Up: Invest in a few versatile pieces like a chic trench coat, cozy sweaters, and stylish boots.
• Play with Textures: Mix and match different fabrics like wool, leather, and denim to create a dynamic look.
• You can also play around with colors or techniques with your nails or make-up or try a fresh, fall hairstyle.
  

Style Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with autumnal colors—deep burgundies, burnt oranges, and forest greens are all the rage this season.

 

 Conclusion: Embrace the September Glow-Up!

September offers a golden opportunity to reset, recharge, and rediscover your best self. Whether you're focusing on skincare, fitness, or mental well-being, remember that a true glow-up comes from within. Embrace this month as a time to nurture your body, mind, and soul, and get ready to receive compliments as you radiate confidence and positivity for the rest of the year!

 

With love and light,

Lia

 

 

 

Sunday Musings: When you find yourself at the end, there's already a new beginning in sight

 

It is safe to say that this summer has been my most unproductive yet. I was utterly unable to discipline or even coax my unruly and disorganised mind into bringing all the plans I had made after schools closed to fruition. 

Now, nearing the end of the summer holidays, the only thing I can say I did successfuly was finding amazing music and choreographies, watching soul-stirring movies and dramas and doing a bit of reading. At other times I would just blankly stare at the night sky, thinking of nothing and everything at once, however ridiculous or paradoxical that may sound. I can only justify this as being the result of an exhausting school year, plus all the other obligations that needed handling.Maybe it was my body's or brain's defense mechanism,forcing me to rest for a change.

Another new beginning is around the corner with schools opening in a few weeks. It is only now that I can bring myself to do more and prepare for the school year ahead plus  starting all other ventures I had planned on doing. However much I chastised myself, there really isn't much to be done about it now. I decided to consider it as precious time spent on me, as that seemed to be what my body needed most.

I daresay I have no regrets (well, maybe a few...) being this lazy. With body and soul fully re-energised  I can view this new beginning in a more positive - and productive- way. Fully embracing this fresh start, even though I feel a bit insecure and deal with mixed feelings, I can humbly  say I am ready. 

Enough self-reflecting and rambling. I 'll leave you with the wise and profound words of Jennifer Ritchie Payette:

  "It’s humbling to start fresh. It takes a lot of courage. But it can be reinvigorating. You just have to put your ego on a shelf & tell it to be quiet.” 

Have an amazing Sunday evening everyone.

Lia

 

 

Word of the day:Motivation

 "Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear"

Those are wise words indeed and I know them to be true from experience. My personal nemesis, and I know it to be true for many people as well, is not fear per se.It's finding the willpower to do what must be done. It's what we also refer to as motivation. What do you do when that crucial ingredient to success is lacking in you?

First of, it's important to acknowledge that motivation cannot and will not be found in situations which are too comfortable or pleasant to you. When human beings are too comfy they become complacent and self-indulgent and become oblivious to their dreams and goals. It's the adverse, the difficult, even offensive circumstances that stir up the fire in your belly to get your motivation engine roaring again. I hate to admit it, but that also goes for me as well. I can get completely immersed in my music, movies and all things that are pleasurable and I completely forget what goals I set out to achieve. Excuses I can easily come up with, just like anyone else, as to why I am not going after what I truly desire instead of slacking off. To be fair and objective, it is basic human nature to want to run as far away as you can from pain and discomfort. It's how the human race survived from saber tooth tigers after all. But herein lies the paradox. It is normal to secure safety and comfort to ensure survival but not to the extent that it holds you down and away from going after your dreams ans pursuits.

With that being said, it has been my experience that motivation is born from having a grand,lofty dream for your future. A dream so big it will make you jump out of bed in the morning and be prepared to work hard and do anything it takes to realise it. But there is a catch.You can expect there will be difficult days, painful obstacles and harsh comments.The biggest opponent is you yourself as the urge to fall back on your previous self indulgence is always there.It is persistent and extrelemely tempting.Running from painful experiences is basic human survival instinct as mentioned above.It takes strength and resolve to see past the painful emotions, see past your need for comfort  and use them as fuel to fire up your motivation so you can work relentlessly until you achieve success. 

To finish this short post, allow me to ask you the following questions:

-Do you remember a time in your life when you tried to avoid painful emotions? What did you learn from that experience?
- Are you perhaps experiencing a painful phase in your life right now? How could you use these uncomfortable, painful emotions to fuel your vision?

As much as I love being comfortable, I know first hand how excruciatingly painful it feels to be stuck in a place where you know you don't belong. It takes courage, every single day to choose to do something, even if small, in the direction of your vision. But I know it is worth it. So, no matter how messy my journey will be, even if my goal is not achieved the way had initially envisioned it, I know I will like the person I will have become much more that the person I am now. 

I hope this post will be of use to you.

Love and light, 

Lia 

11 Quotes that'll make you appreciate the value of learning and education

 We are on the cusp of another school year here in Greece. It is a dreaded moment for many students, signalling the end of carelessness and freedom to do as they please. For us teachers it is the beginning of an endless effort to get our students to appreciate the value of the knowledge we're offering while at the same time we're called upon to also play the role of parent/confidante/psychologist/negotiator/problem solver. We wear many hats but, however exhausting it may be at times, it is an assignment I joyfully carry out.

 

 

Much ink has been spilled, aiming to convey and highlight the significance of education and learning in our lives.Below I share some of the best in my view, from some of the most respected and celebrated human beings, each in their own field of expertise. Let's dive right in, shall we?

 

 

1.

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.

-Benjamin Franklin

 

 

 

2.

Learning never exhausts the mind.

-Leonardo da Vinci

 

 

 

3.

The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.

-B.B. King

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.

- Henry Ford

5.

We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.

-Peter Drucker

6.

One learns from books and example only that certain things can be done. Actual learning requires that you do those things.

-Frank Herbert 

7.

Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.

-Anthony J. D'Angelo 

8.

One hour per day of study in your chosen field is all it takes. One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within three years. Within five years you'll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do. 

-Earl Nightingale  

9.

True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross;then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.

-Nikos Kazantzakis 

10.

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.

-Alvin Toffler

11.

Change is the end result of all true learning.

-Leo Buscaglia

What captivated me in all these quotes is the emphasis on the undeniable reality that lifelong learning and growth is what is required these days. By becoming a lifelong learner, one stays abreast of changes in society, grows both as a person and as a successful professional. Simultaneously a love for learning ensures that we  maintain a healthy and flexible mind.It is also stressed that in order to be able to adapt and keep up with the rapid changes and developments, one has to become accustomed to unlearning any obsolete knowledge and relearning, thus securing both the desired growth as a person but also becoming much more successful -and useful- in their chosen field.

We have come a long way from the time when all it took was the knowledge of reading and writing to be considered an educated person. A lifelong adaptability and growth is required now in learning and education, and we as teachers are responsible for our students' growth, for as long as they are in our care.A heavy but honorable duty.

That's all for today. Let's make this an educational, productive school year, but also one of joy, inclusion, tolerance and love.We need more of these in our uncertain times.

As always, sending you ripples of positivity and love,

Lia 💓😀

Enjoy the silence

 Silence is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge, and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core of inner silence. – Deepak Chopra

It is undeniable that today's world is insufferably noisy. Our everyday obligations aside, blaring television sets and sound systems, heavy traffic and the constant pinging from the notifications on our phones are ceaseless. This creates extended periods of time our brain is in stress mode, which in turn leads to chronic stress, insomnia, you name it.

 

Today I would like to challenge you to come out of your comfort zone and carve out one hour-or if you are daring, three hours- of silence. It can be any time of your choosing, morning or evening.Go technology free and switch off  your computer, ipad, phone, even your music player. Concentrate on the inner silence.No doubt your hand will reflexively reach for your phone but try to resist the urge. We are all so addicted to watching reels, consuming what the media feeds us. I am as guilty as anyone else on this. I work for hours on my computer and I do love watching a good movie on TV or listening to my favourite music. Our lives are imbued with electronics and media-related information. And while it cannot be avoided altogether, it would be a healthy and balanced choice to set some boundaries once or twice every week, for the sake of our overall well-being.

What can you do with one to three hours of  technology silence? Well, I've got a list ready for you, with activities we have thrown in the river of oblivion.Let's remember some of them, shall we? 

*Read a good book, whether fiction or non-fiction, it's up to you.

 

 *Take a long bath and enjoy the silence.Light some candles and focus on your breathing. It works wonders if you want to de-stress. 

*Draw or paint. I've recently started drawing again. Actually, I used to be quite good and I plan on spending more time on it. Who knows what will come out of it? I can tell you it relaxes me and gives me great satisfaction and joy.

*Make some tea or pour yourself some wine and sit on your balcony, garden or in your living room. Surrender to the silence and heed any insights or a-ha moments that come up for you.

*Do some yoga or work out.

*Spend some time on self care. Hair, nails, massage, whatever you like, or need. It will be a time well spent with yourself and for yourself.

*Hug your spouse, your children and just sit together. Maybe have a conversation, play a game or read together. 

*Go out for a long walk. If you're lucky to live close to nature, take a walk in woods. If you live in a concrete city, go to the park or just a walk in your neighbourhood. Either way, you'll be benefitted both physically and mentally.

Silence is a great teacher and a source of valuable insights. A couple of times per week in silence should benefit you immensely and you'll be grateful that you did.

I'm really hoping you'll give this a go. It's not easy I know. It's just so sad though that we consciously have to make such an effort to turn off all electronics and do all those things that once gave us so much joy and pleasure.Now is as good moment as any to start. 

Well, that's all from me. I sincerely hope you'll try setting those boundaries and find yourself again in things and activities that have been set aside if not altogether forgotten.

As always, sending you ripples of positivity and love,

Lia💓
   

Inner peace: a dreamer's wish or attainable goal?

 

 

 Painting: Inner Peace by Brenda Morgado

 

 

 

Connect to the inner peace within. 

 Those were the words of the yoga instructor during my yoga practice this morning. Even while being totally blissed out, the memory of me during this summer flashed through my mind.

 What?Inner peace? Really? I most likely resembled a boiling pot of water threatening to blow its lid off while waiting for any announcement regarding my placement. Thankfully, all turned out extremely well. But until that moment I was utterly unable to feel calm, much less peaceful. 

Isn't it remarkable how disconnected most of us are from even a faint connection with our inner peace? The many obligations we all have to carry and see through on a daily basis weigh us down to such an extent that we end up disconnecting from ourselves, forgetting our needs and desires, even who we truly are. It is so sad to witness this in myself as well as in other people in my life.This disconnected state deprives us not only of the necessary balance needed for our brains and bodies to function optimally but also robs us of fully experiencing life. Our default setting has become to merely exist, performing, doing, as if our conscious mind is absent from our bodies. We have forgotten what it feels like to just be, fully present in our bodies and our lives.

There are numerous ways to reconnect to that feeling of inner peace. Most are mindfulness practices that have been thoroughly analysed in previous posts, like

* meditation

* keeping a daily gratitude journal

* yoga

* setting daily time aside for yourself, even time for solitude. 

*Going back to nature holds amazing benefits for overall well-being and gaining inner peace. 

*Practising forgiveness towards ourselves and others is a determining factor.We all know how excruciating it is to hold a grudge, it can quite literally eat away at us.  

*Accept what you can't change or control.This is a biggie for me. Even today when I'm presumably older, and therefore wiser 😂... I still find it immensely difficult to relinquish control and just accept what is. I still have some more growing up to do it seems...

There are undoubtedly many more and you can choose which fits you best. As long as you are able to reconnect with your inner peace, it's still a win for you, whatever way you chose to get there.

Below you'll find some of my favourite quotes on inner peace.

1.

"When you do the right thing,you get the feeling of peace and serentity associated with it. Do it again and again."   -Roy T. Bennett

2.

Painting:Grateful by Luzdy Rivera

 

 

 

 

 

"It's a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of  the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things you lack."   -Germany Kent

3.

 

 

Painting:Forgiveness by Adele Joubert

 

 

 

 

 

Inner peace can be reached only when we practise forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past,and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions." - Gerald G. Jampolsky 

4.

 

 

Painting of George Michael by Richard Garnham 

 

 

 

 

 

"You'll never find peace of mind till you listen to your heart." - George Michael

5.

 

 

 

 

Painting :Four stages of acceptance by Ryan Louder 

 

 

 

 

 "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them;that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." - Lao Tzu

 

There are many, many more such quotes, words of people far wiser than me, that you can seek out if you wish to delve further into the subject. These speak to me on a personal level, that's why I chose to share them with you. Hopefully they'll be of help to you in some small way. 

Well, that's all for today's post. It is my sincere wish you find something in it that will serve you in some way. Enjoy a calm, loving weekend!💓😀

Sending you endless ripples of positivity and love, 

Lia