Mindful Parenting

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“Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful & magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become – Brooke Hampton.”

In times of a pandemic our lives are surely different. Life is fast & slow at the same time. We are wearing so many hats , working or non working parents. We get extra 4-8 hours with our kids , which was the day care or school time before. Many additional activities they were part of are on halt or online . We are in constant guilt of not meeting the expectation of discipline & learning experiences not being provided to them

Also the cleaning , cooking , random chores comes in package with everything you are trying to accomplish in a day.

I believe practice of mindfulness is absolute antidote for the stress the complexity of life brings in current times.

So how do we start on this journey of Mindful Parenting.

Let me tell you its not easy to break old habits or behavior , so lets have one bite at a time attitude.

Here are some simple changes I have made and still working on , start with one or two and add more as you go. Its a behavior change , it will take time so be patient with yourself.

1- Get aware of your trigger– lack of sleep, hunger, work stress, being tired. Once you know what brings you to edge, you can step back with conscious breathing. Also make sure you prioritize your wellness & self care.

2- Have Patience, Show Patience– Listen and help the kids through their distress , do not add to the chaos. Sometimes fake it till you make it. just think about it , if you cant do it , how will you teach them?

3- Communication– Misbehavior is your kids way of communicating an unmet need or lack of control on situation. Talk with age appropriate reasoning. Trust me kids love to talk , the more the better .

4- Pause & Reflect– little time of reflection on your words & behavior will do tremendous in stressful encounters with kids. Try to control your reaction at the moment and see the bigger picture and consequence of your reactions.

5- Technology Detox- Start with small and then build up. have a Unplugging routine for family and try to stick to it. That could be your family activities time, outdoor time or just catch up time. Digital detox will do more for you than your family. Fix a time and commit to it.

Top of it all be less judgmental to yourself. we all are work in progress and we do it as we live our lives.

Please feel free to share your experiences or changes your made to be a better parent this year.

Shivi

Choice of In Control & Not In Control of Life

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“Control What you Can control not what you can’t “. By Me

Its a hard truth of life that there are circumstances in our life which are very out of control. If you don’t believe in this truth, you can land up as a control freak( One who thinks can control it all) or a worry wart (one who thinks the end of everything is a disaster). Once in a while, we should take an account of our In control & Not in control of our lives.

If something is in your control give it your pure energy, honest effort and see how your efficiency will rise up. For example, Your health is in your control, make good choices when it comes to your diet, regular workout, Meditation, deep breathing & keeping your stress levels down. Organizing your life. Having a work-life balance. Your finances etc

If something is not in our control, try to be a great influence, For example, you can’t make your kid an excellent student but you can give her a healthy environment of learning and growth at home to excel out in the world. another example could be, you want to see some changes in your spouse, start from yourself, be selfless, respectful and he/she will come around. Don’t try to fix people around, advice them once and let them make their choices in life.

Don’t be a problem thinker be a solution thinker. Once you have assessed the problem, don’t go into the loop of repeating it in your head, rather put your energy on the possible solutions.

When you are in a situation where its all out of control, try using positive affirmations to get thru it. Something like, I can Handle it. I am stronger than I think. I am bigger than my problems.

Simple exercise could be to make a list of your In control and out of control in life and be crystal clear on where you can make difference? Your attitude plays an important role on how you react to both.

Mantra’s can be for In Control of life- I will give my Best. Out of control of life- I can handle it.

Also, Check on my Youtube Channel Simple Life Notes to watch a video on the same.

Let’s Live SImple

Shivi

Priorities – Simplify your to do list

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“When you prioritize all the important stuff get done”. Unknown

Do you have a to-do list of all the things you wish to do? How much you actually get done by end of the day. That’s the gap between our priorities and everything else we want to do in a day. A simple method I came up with is to keep my to-do list limited to 3 most important task for the day.

3 Most important tasks which have a timeline and most impact on my life. Usually, these tasks are related to my goals for the year (Refer to my blog, My Simple goals for the year 2018)

I list tasks on my to-do list a night before or first thing in the morning. I have laser beam focus on that first thing in the morning, with few distractions and high energy. Once accomplished I will move on to my second task with more clarity and confidence and so on. Note that I am not talking about my daily workout, meditation, reading or healthy meals. These are healthy habits and should not need a reminder in form of task.

When you write your 3 task for the day on one page, it triggers your subconscious and set your mindset on the task you’ve listed. It had been working for me and this is the simplest way I can track my productivity for the day.

The first task of the day is the one has the most impact on my goals. I usually choose the one needs highest levels of focus & energy.  As I go ahead with my day I keep a watch on the possible distractions and consciously bring my attention to my 3 main tasks for the day.

Planning and following the plan is like a muscle, the more you use it the more it gets strong. End of the day it’s very rewarding to see that all day you have worked towards your goals in life.

Please share in comments if you use any simple technique to keep you focused on your most important task for the day.

Thanks for reading, feel free to leave a suggestion on anything specific you want me to write about.

Also, check out my Youtube Channel Simple Life Notes for more videos on the same.

Lets Live Simple

Shivi

Readjust your goals

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“Be Ready to readjust your goals and not give up on them. If they are too easy they won’t be worthwhile and if they are too tough, you will start thinking that idea of goal setting is worthless. Small wins lead to big ones.”

We have approached the 2nd quarter of the year and its time to re-evaluate our goals and actions associated with them. How much have you achieved, is it too low or more than you thought. That’s where readjustment of goals come into the picture.

It’s very important to readjust your goals because it gives you a new opportunity to look at your goals in the light of your current efforts. Also assigning new numbers to the ones already achieved or looks way too unreal than they should be.

This month I sat down and read all my goals many times and assessed my actions around them. I did find that I was doing very good at some of them but not attending to some of them at all. Which was a surprise for me? I have come up with a revised new plan of action and I plan to keep a check on all my goals weekly basis.

I have also come up with a plan to balance my time commitment to my goals in different aspects of life, for example, health, finances, self-development, family, travel etc

That also helped me to raise my bars on some of my goals as some of them are already achieved and incorporated into my routine organically.

I plan to continue to evaluate my goals quarterly basis, which gives me enough time between two evaluations. Also helps me to know if my plan of action works or need readjustments.

I would love to know how do you keep a tab on your goals and how often you tweak them to make sure they serve you the best.

Shivi

Enter into My Simple Life

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I am a wife to a loving husband and mother to my precious daughter age five. For work, I run a home-based business and love to spend a lot of time with my family. Reading, Writing, Yoga & Travel are my ways to reflect on life.

My journey of simple life started with a swift mind shift back in 2016. This blog came as an expression of sharing it with others who seek the same. It’s my quest to help others find the mindset to Simplify and enjoy their life to fullest inside out. To know that it’s not that tough as it sounds. In today’s word simplicity is the power to cherish your life. Everyone’s life is different and same goes for the challenges & victories. I hope you find some ideas to customize & use on your own.
I love to write about Simple Mindset, Declutter your Space, Good Health & Effective Goal Setting. I believe in living mind fully.

I always remind myself that simplifying life is a marathon, not a sprint and I take it one day at a time. Reflection and Meditation help me to assess my surroundings, what serves me or not.

Check out my Videos on Good vibes, Positive mindset & Simple Living on my YouTube channel Simple Life Notes. Currently, I am posting videos on  31 Days of Positive Thoughts.

I look forward you to join me on this journey and help each other live a simple yet beautiful life.

Let’s Live Simple.

Shivi

3 Tips on Accountability to your Goals

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“A Dream becomes a Goal when Action is taken towards its Achievement.” by  Bo Bennett

You know the difference only when you write your goals down. They Should be meaningful, measurable & attainable. Writing them down make it clear to you otherwise you are all over the place.

I have decided to work on accountability to my goals this year. It’s Still too early to say but I have crossed the threshold of the excitement of new year. Now its accountability and discipline in action. These 3 practices are helping to be accountable to my goals on daily basis.

1-Write Your Goals –

I have written down my goals in very details this year. In the format of what I want to achieve-when, I want to achieve in what measure-what will I do every day to achieve them. I also have milestones to how I will track my progress (Weekly/Monthly etc).

Dr. Gail Matthews from Dominican University in California found that you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams, simply by writing them down on a regular basis. It brings more clarity if you associate it with some measurable numbers (Ex deadline/ frequency or amount) .Your subconscious gets involve if you write your goals down and read them often.

2-Visualisation–

Seeing is Believing, First thing in the morning I visualize each goal and action associated with it.  Sometimes I do it in form of meditation or just simply close my eyes and go thru all I want to achieve . I have also put a vision board with pictures & quotes related to my goals. It puts me in mindset of doing things in alignment to my goals. It increases the chance that I will follow my action plan thru out the day. Visualization comes with practice but I feel  when we visualize our desired outcome, we begin to “see” the possibility of achieving it. One thing to remember here is that you need to act in accordance to your written goals, visualization helps but its not complete unless your action supports it.

3-Accountability Partner-

When you are accountable to someone or a group of people for doing what you said you would do, you can get stuff done because you want to keep up the commitment. This one was tricky for me. If you are new to goal setting and writing them down, it can be tough to announce or share with anyone. but if you do not share it with anyone its easy to make excuse when it gets tough to move on.  Do something easy or comfortable rather stick to your goals. I have committed my goals to my spouse. I asked him to hold me accountable if he sees me getting distracted from my deadlines. Sometimes in my slow times this declaration of goals to him helps me to focus better.

This helps me to stay motivated & keep me on track.  It also helps me to review and evaluate my goals consistently and give me clarity.

Build a plan for yourself which includes some of these practices and see the difference.

Thanks for reading, also check out my Video on Simple goals for the year 2018 on my Youtube Channel Simple Life Notes.

Let’s Live Simple.

Shivi

Simple Goals for Year 2018

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“Do something every day what brings you closer to your goals”

My mantra for this year Take Action every day towards my goals & live a balanced life.

Sharing my simple goals for the year 2018,

1- Health goals Healthy should be a way of living.

mental health with meditation 5-10 Mins / 2 times a day. It helps me to have clarity, focus and peace thru out the day.

-Practice gratitude everyday.

-Being mindful of my surroundings & actions.

-Physical Health- Less Salt & Sugar. Healthy food choices.

-10-20 minutes of stretching or Yoga or cardio everyday (You miss a day it becomes tougher to start next day).

– Nature Walk

2- Family goals To spend quality time with my family.

-Quality time/Date with my spouse every week.

-New experiences as a family via travel and new activities.

-Having one to one 15 minutes one to one talk time with my daughter & husband every day.

-Reaching everyone close in my extended family  & friends circle at least once a week via text or call.

3-Self development “old ways won’t open new doors”

Reading & Listening  15-20 books on mentioned topic, 20-25 mins reading everyday.

Marriage & Parenting, Planning& Productivity, Health & Fitness , Travel & New Cultures, Simple Life & Mindfulness

4- Money- Money is Freedom.

-35% additional household income on what we made last year.

-Adding more 2 income streams (foundation work) this year.

-Strictly following written budget & menu for every month.

-One Spend Freeze of a week every month(except perishables).

-Mindful spending. Practicing delayed gratification on new purchases.

All my goals are written and I do follow them by reflecting & evaluating them. Every day is not same, life comes with its own surprises but goals do help you to control the part you can.

If you have your goals are written, way to go. If not, today is the best day to do your rough draft and follow it from there.

I have come up with some best practices to stay accountable to my goals which I will share in my next blog.

Thanks for reading, feel free to leave a suggestion on anything specific you want me to write about.

Also, check out my YouTube Channel- Simple Life Notes for more videos on the same.

Lets Live Simple

Shivi

Find your Zen

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“The only Zen you find at the top of the mountain is the Zen you bring with you ” Zen Proverb

By Dictionary- zen is a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts.

In a layman language- Zen is the space where you are mindful, content and in peace with your life. It’s your happy space in all goodness.

Zen is different for different people. It differs in different phases of your life as it appears.

When I was in search of my Zen, I found it in and around my family life. What I give or get in that space. I found how focusing on one event at a time gives me more fulfillment than constantly running after next one. I was more aware of my present surroundings. Also making a choice of doing what I love & good at rather following the norms

My Zen time included meditation, exercise, stretching, reading or just a simple cup of tea made with intention

Question is, are you hurried or always consumed with the very next event.  Missing the essence of present moment. Are there any habits you know that will help you to be more present and productive, you have experienced it but you can’t commit to them yet.

Have you ever experienced simple exercise of conscious breathing and the awareness followed by that. The feel of open space and clarity .

I found some for me,

1- Meditation

2- Practice mindfulness & gratitude

3- Reflection

4-Living balanced life

5-Reading

It helps to be consistent. Its a marathon for sure but I see the difference in overall well being and the life I live now.

What is your Zen , what makes you content?

Please share in a comment section I would love to read about it.

Thanks for reading.

Lets’s live simple.

Shivi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 favorite You tuber’s

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Along with my reading & experiences,You tube videos & Blog reading had a big influence in finding new information on simplifying my life. Here are few I visit often.

They all have a their unique expression of sharing simplicity in their lives. Hope you enjoy watching them as much as I do,

The Minimalists-

Very first insight into living simple life was with help of The Minimalists. They have an amazing way of putting information together to help you start whichever level you are at. This is one of the series they did recently of very short simple videos.

Go Downsize-

They share their journey of simplicity in a most authentic form.

Break the Twitch-

Anthony is an expert when it comes to sharing about intentional living, and building a life in alignment with our values.

Jenny Mustard-

Minimalist, fashion bloggers, vegan food vloggers, and design lovers.

 

Pick Up Limes–

By Sadia, a Canadian foodie and Dietetics graduate currently living in the Netherlands. Amazing tips on Healthy living & eating.

Maura Malloy-

Maura is a screenwriter who moonlights as an organizer and stylist, while sharing her path to simple living on her blog. This is a her Ted X talk left an serious impression on my thought process .

Hope you enjoy watching some of them. Do share your favorites in comments below to help each other learn it from the people who are making it happen .

Regards

Shivi

On my Journey to Simplify.

 

Minimalist Kid

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“Less stuff more fun”

When it comes to kids nowadays stuff is an expression of love. All advertising & toys shops are trying to feed in the message that if you care about your kid buy this or that.

I live with a 5-year-old girl. She loves her soft toys. She loves to collect dinosaurs figurines. One time I had 3 different places in the house with a box full of toys. The irony of that was that this abundance used to end in boredom for her. To make it easy I started rotating toys weekly which means storing away most of it. That worked only for so long. After some hits & trials, I understood it was more about conscious buying & also letting go of some when one comes in

Results are that my daughter is more content & clear about what she owns. She loves to keep her play area organized and appreciate each and every toy she owns.

Do you have any experience in simplifying your kid’s life? I look forward to reading it.

Please Connect with more with My Book “Simplify Now” on Kindle to Read in Detail on this topic.

You can also connect with me on twitter@Dailysimple2016

Logging out

Shivi