Focus

The universe has been trying to tell me something over the last few weeks and finally I’m listening.


It slowly came to surface when I thought about doing a post on a few personal items (jeans, bag plus a jacket) that contained more than just beauty and practical use to me, but rather invoked emotion and fond memories, along with attitudes about myself “if I can fit into my skinny jeans then I feel better about me”.
Like a lot of my ideas, I got busy ‘living’ and the post never eventuated. However, my spirit must have been ready for a new message because a few things have happened in the last few days:

• My dear friend Miss Y came over and we got talking about what really fulfils us and the consumerist culture we live in

• Miss Y and I decided to go to church the next day (something I haven’t done besides for christenings and a funeral in a very, very long time), and to our surprise but not to dismay the preacher discussed ‘consuming what is really important, letting go of the rest’

• A few blogs on slow living and de-cluttering came to my attention such as shedmom.com with the tagline ‘Create space for what matters most’ and slowyourhome.com

• I noted myself wanting to shop to get a high in a depressing kind of day

• I have spent time with my Great Aunt, who is quite wealthy and lives smack bang amongst the action in Sydney, but lives a life filled more with giving than possessions


All these situations have got me thinking. I know it is OK and even nice to have lovely things. I also think it is important to work hard and provide a home, transport and opportunities for your family and loved ones. But I am guilty of hoarding things I don’t use and putting too much emphasis on stuff that doesn’t really matter.


This applies to the use of my time, not just focusing on ‘stuff’, and yet they are linked. If I have less stuff in my house to keep organised and clean, I have more time to do something with my son. So I have started de-cluttering my home, with the help of lists/tips on the above mention blogs.


Likewise, when hubby was on a work trip I got into a bad habit of not getting to bed on time and spending hours surfing the web. Doesn’t seem too damaging, but this habit was robbing me of much needed sleep and time doing something more beneficial, like finally reading that book on my bedside table. So now I make a conscious effort to be in bed by 9pm and no phone or ipad in the bedroom.


Ultimately, we are only given so many resources in this life every day, time and money being the big two. The question is how do we want to spend them??

*image credit: noushka_styling Instagram account

YOLO

YOLO is my new motto.

You
Only
Live
Once

Nothing like your mother having a life threatening illness* to get your YOLO swagger on.

I was introduced to this phrase by my guilty pleasure 'Keeping up with Preggas Kim'** and my sis when she went partying five nights in a row. I instantly loved YOLO, how is sums up an attitude in a cute word.

Now I have chosen to make YOLO my daily mantra and so has the rest of my family. What is great about YOLO is that you don't have to do something incredibly exciting to embrace it (although this is def allowed when YOLO is involved). All you have to do is WHATEVER YOU WANT!

So here are some ways I'm getting my YOLO on:

Wearing lipstick:
Might as well start with the most earth shattering of them all right?!?! LOL***. I have always been scared to wear lipstick because I barely have any lips whatsoever. I've always admired from afar the lovely lassies pouting those juicy bright lips while I stuck to my 'heavy eye, no lippie' look. But now I am YOLOing it. Seriously, who cares if it isn't  the best look for me?? YOLO demands we enjoy ourselves and have fun! So now I sport a bright lip****. Hubby is not a fan as he thinks it is ageing,but I don't care, YOLO is being true to yourself and having a go (insert a big smiley face with red lips here)!

Getting inked:
Sis and I went and got inked. We have matching lotus flower tattoos in honour of our mummy and what the lotus represents. That beauty comes through growing and rising above the mud and murky waters. We both talked about it for a long time and finally got them done, well half, still gotta get it coloured. Will I regret it? Not sure but I doubt it because I want to be reminded every single day to keep up the beautiful struggle. Besides, what is a tattoo compared to child birth and stretch marks? I'm already tiger striped for life, might as well add to the canvas ;) Note: the tattooist did tell us he has had multiple requests for YOLO tatts and has refused to do them.

Choosing experiences over chores:
Little L was in child care the other day. I could have done the usual 'clean the house, cook up his meals, washing etc' routine OR go to the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition at the National Gallery. The spirit of YOLO compelled me to choose the latter and I'm so glad I did. Was such a treat to feast my eyes on those masterpieces and discover a new found love for a great artist. Afterwards I took in the view of the lake while eating my lunch and drinking a hot choc. Any mum knows what a great such a solo mission is. Life is short, chores will always be there but exhibitions move on and you miss out.

Creating new habits:
Went into Kikki.K and saw the 'Weekly Good Habits' pad and now giving it a go. I'm aiming to eat more fruit (more of a veges girl), increase my exercise and make sure I do something creative or nurturing for myself.

So there you have it. Of course I also am Applying YOLO to spending lots of time with loved ones and appreciating the simple things, but this is just some small examples of how I'm honouring the short time we have here.

YOLO! Embrace it and start making those changes for a happier and better you!


*My mummy has aggressive brain cancer.
**You know what show I'm talking about.
***Mum, this doesn't mean Lots Of Love.
**** thanks to rusabs.blogspot.com.au for picking a shade out for me.