As we kick off a new week and a new month, I would like share what I posted on Instagram yesterday for #SelfCareSunday. It actually serves as a good #MindfulMonday reminder too about being mindful with whom you allow into your inner circle and personal space.
It went like this…
This weekend, I took Saturday afternoon away from my family to attend a yoga, meditation and stress management Masterclass with Bram Levinson. I don’t like leaving Hilly and the kids on the weekends, so in the odd time that I do, I have to make sure it’s for something important. You know– the good ‘ol cost/benefit ratio.
It is my life’s mission to learn and share, and so while it’s all still fresh in my mind from the weekend, I’d like to share some aha moments that woke me up:
Spring is official here! No matter your style, here are some spring fashion trends that you might like to wear. I think you all know by now, my daily fashion usually consist of sweats, tees, bun, no makeup and glasses when I’m home writing, but when I am out and about working, on TV, coaching a client, or enjoying a date night with my man, I am LOVING some of these cool spring fashion trends!
I figure, if I WEAR spring fashion, maybe it actually might bring WARM spring weather! That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.
Whenever March rolls around (my hubby’s birthday), I always know it’s time for me to take stock of my life. It’s the time I start sweeping out the cobwebs; literally and figuratively. Winter’s snow starts to melt away, and all the things we’ve been ignoring in our lives, start to present themselves again. Aaah, I forgot about you! Spring is a great time to deal with these things head-on. And that’s not a bad thing– spring is about rebirth, renewal, regeneration.
If you take a look at my social media feed, it’s been covered lately with spring inspiration. I have been aching for spring.
So today, in honor of the first day of spring, and also in honor of International Day of Happiness, a SPRING CLEAN YOUR LIFE blog post and tv segment! Today, we are spring cleaning your HOME, your relationships, your FINANCES, your MIND, and your BODY! There’s more to spring cleaning than just cleaning out your basement and closets. You should be approaching your spring cleaning as an emotional cleanse, just as much as a physical cleanse.
Spring is almost in the air! Springtime is about renewal and rebirth, and therefore a perfect to take stock of your life, and take charge of your finances. It’s time to get off the fence and spring clean your finances, ladies! It’s also #FinancialFriday!
1. No Blame, No Shame
The foundation of a financial fresh start actually has nothing to do with money or specific financial dos and don’ts. The first, and most difficult, step is to absolve yourself and your spouse or partner of any guilt. So you need to make a promise to me. I need you to agree that the past is past, and we are going to focus on the future. Whatever mistakes you feel you have made with money, whatever moves you wish you had or hadn’t made, are irrelevant. We are free to move forward only when we remove the emotional shackles of regret. This cleansing step is especially important for couples. You are in this together, so no finger-pointing or arguing about any past decisions. Do we have a deal? Deep breath, everyone. Exhale. Now you are ready to put your financial house in order.
We talk a lot about self-care– it’s a very 2019 word. I talk a lot about self-care as a Certified Life Coach, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Parenting/Lifestyle Correspondent on TV. When we think of self-care, we often think of hot baths, or massages, or this picture I posted yesterday on social media – I shared it in my instagram story.
Self-care for me two days ago was the gift to myself of $8.00 tulips I put in my kitchen window sill to look at while I’m doing the dishes or sipping my coffee, to help me channel spring and radiate sunshine.
Our Montreal winters are rough, I tell ya, people.
And I realized that even in my yoga class, when I have my yogis on the mat, I often say to them as they are lying calmly on their backs in sivasana at the end of class, I invite them to channel the good vibes and keep them going after class— a nice hot bath, a warm cup of tea, a nice book, a show on tv that makes them laugh. Something just for them that is pleasurable to end off their evening. That they cannot give form an empty cup.
But here’s the thing: self-care isn’t limited or limiting.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all! A different kind of post today… maybe one that might be a wakeup call.
I was once in a relationship with a wonderful guy who treated me like an absolute princess. In return, I treated him like he was second to my cell phone.
Charming, right?
Seeing those words on the screen, I doubly realize how incredibly pathetic that sounds. After all, if you have a great guy spoiling you, who wants to spend all of his time with you, why do you still need the lure of a cell phone to keep you entertained?
For some reason, I did.
I didn’t know when the right time was to announce this. So why not today? I was an early adopter of social media, one of the earliest mommy bloggers, I would have liked to have gotten in earlier on the podcasting front, but I wasn’t ready.
2019 is the year that I said I would plan a conference and start a podcast.
I’ve gotta be honest, I cannot wait. I love listening to podcasts and I love interviewing cool people, and marrying those two loves is really exciting for me.
The Erica Diamond Podcast will be coming end of spring, early summer. If you have any requests as to who should be on the show, write their name in a comment below!
In true Wordless Wednesday style, why not show some amazing Valentine’s Day fashion to get you in the mood for tomorrow.
When it doubt, say it with RED.
Our mindset on learning and trying new things is one of the fundamental skills that guide us from a young age to adulthood and continues to develop throughout our lives. Beyond academic intelligence, research suggests that having a growth mindset has other advantages, including coping better with transition, higher abilities to regulate, learning grit and pro-social behaviours.
The use or misuse of praise can encourage both a fixed mindset or growth mindset depending on what or how we praise and give feedback. To develop the growth mindset, we must remember to praise the process and NOT the person. Praising the process helps remind children that we are constantly learning. The problem with praising the person, such as “you’re so clever” or “you must be so talented,” is that it doesn’t tell children what they need to do next time, and therefore it will become more challenging to develop past a fixed mindset.
I help busy women (like you!) prioritize self-care so you can experience less stress, more calm and greater joy every day!
