Shannon Ables's Blog, page 267
February 10, 2017
This & That: February 10, 2017

Art
—L’Affichomania: The Passion for French Posters at The Driehaus Museum
Dating from 1875 to 1910, five of the most renowned artists to create the iconic French posters that now are playful prints to hang in dorm rooms or frame for the Francophile in her kitchen, will be on display beginning tomorrow in Chicago at The Driehaus Museum. These original posters that advertised common grocery items to stage stars and entertainment of the time infused a passion for collecting these sign of the times and became known as l’affichomanie (the poster craze). If you are in the Windy City, and have a curiosity or even have a print of one of the 50 that will be featured (Steinlen’s Le Chat Noir and Lautrec’s Moulin Rouge: La Goulue, are two that will be on display) in your home, perhaps you will want to stop by.
Blog
—Mari Andrew
Instagram is a favorite means to gather life inspiration and transport me to France at any moment during the day. One of the latest IG accounts I discovered courtesy of author Brené Brown’s recommendation is illustrator Mari Andrew. Offering a daily illustration chronicling her journey and a hopeful, yet real outlook on life, I have been scrolling through her feed and finding endless inspiration. Now based in D.C. but originally from Seattle, follow and be delighted.
Books
—Stretch: Unlock the Power of Less – And Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined by Scott Sonenshein
Just released earlier this week, Rice psychology and management professor Scott Sonenshein reveals the journey to success is often paved with less, so long as we manage it better. A simple concept of which he breaks down in his new book that is already a best-seller, suggests that stretching versus chasing is the best approach. I must admit I am intrigued as he demonstrates that working with what you have is all you really need.
Film
—A United Kingdom
Inspired by a true story, A United Kingdom opens today depicting the emotional romantic story set in the 1940s when Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana returns from London having married a white woman to the chagrin of his countrymen. Starring David Oyelowo (The Butler) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl), it debuted at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival and opened the 60th London Film Festival. Have a look at the trailer below.
Music
—Diana Krall Tour Dates Announced
I was giddy when I heard the news just a few days ago that modern jazz crooner Diana Krall was returning to her jazz roots in her new upcoming album Turn Up The Quiet (to be released May 5th). And I was even more ecstatic when I learned she would be playing right here in Bend, Oregon, this summer – July 25th. And as I dream, reality demonstrates that dreams do indeed come true, as she is returning to L’Olympia in Paris which is where she recorded her live album years ago. If you will be in Paris on October 7th or 8th, go and disregard the price. The theater is iconic (having enjoyed a concert by Melody Gardot in 2013) and her music in the hall . . . ahh . . . needless to say, I wish I could go.
Shopping
—Equipment Ansley Silk Bright White Multi-Floral Floating Shirt
If ever there was a blouse to epitomize spring, Equipment’s white multi-floral silk shirt is it. Sized to be slightly oversized and tailored with a feminine v-neck finish, wear with denim, wear with a simple solid skirt, wear layered, wear it however and radiate fresh, resplendent spring.
Television
—Doubt
Katherine Heigl returns to primetime in CBS’s new drama Doubt. From the producers of Grey’s Anatomy, Heigl stars as Sadie Ellis, a top lawyer at a boutique firm that has been hired to defend a pediatric surgeon accused of murdering his girlfriend 24 years ago. As the drama unfolds, Heigl’s character begins to fall for her client who she isn’t entirely certain is innocent. Take a look at the trailer below, and tune in Wednesday February 15th at 10pm on CBS for the premiere.
~recipe for Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse Cake~
Let’s stay in and snuggle, oh and nibble on that chocolate cake.
February 9, 2017
Subtle Simplicity
~Tory Burch leather and perspex wedge sandals~
~DVF Marci Silk Top (black, olive (on sale) & ivory available)~
~Theory Stretch wool classic crop pant (other colors available) or J.Crew Maddie pant in bi-stretch cotton~
~Kenneth Jay Lane gold-tone necklace and earrings~
~Jil Sander Cut-Out Glossed Leather Clutch~
~SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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~SHOP Outfits of the Week from the Archives here.
Details, Details, Details
The most impressive decor, no matter what aesthetic you gravitate towards, is a result of the decorator, the owner of the sanctuary or the inhabitants tending to the details. A beautifully decorated home reflects thoughtfulness, careful consideration and patience, much like a well-lived life.
The moment we step into our homes, we cannot snap our fingers and materialize the sanctuary we dream of. No. We must live, experience and exist in the home first and then, the right details, with a careful eye, fall into perfect place. Featured in San Francisco Cottages & Gardens in 2014, this Mill Valley home just outside of the Golden Gate destination reveals the subtle details make the finishing touch. From a family heirloom 19th-century French barometer clock in the entry (see just below), to a burst of yellow in each of the common rooms on the first floor, even the upholstery while subtle offers the encouragement to smile and find your happy place. Upstairs as well, with the Kneedler wallpaper, matching wooden twin beds and even in the powder room finished with blue faux-bois wallpaper is from Nobilis, the details make the difference between a living in a home or a house. Enjoy the tour, and learn more about the master mind behind the interior design, Benjamin Dhong and his approach here.
~View more Decor Inspiration here.
Images via San Francisco Cottages & Gardens
February 8, 2017
Why Not . . . Celebrate Valentine’s Day All Year?

“For true love is inexhaustible; the more you give, the more you have. And if you go to draw at the true fountainhead, the more water you draw, the more abundant is its flow.” —Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Let me begin by saying, I am not someone who completely dismisses Valentine’s Day. A day to celebrate love. What a wonderful thing to celebrate. Often we do become far too engrossed in our everyday lives that we forget to hit pause and do something out of the ordinary for those we love. Such a pause is nary a bad thing.
And as someone who savors the anticipation prior to a special occasion, a meeting with someone we most look forward to seeing, or any event that we cannot wait to experience, seeing Valentine’s Day just down the road transports me back to my childhood in elementary school when cards would be exchanged in class with each student, and the image of our Valentine’s boxes full of red, pink and white envelopes, candy and simple notes was a the day’s decor.
Perhaps the excitement for Valentine’s Day’s arrival now that I am an adult needs to be let go, and since I have always shared with my students (as this particular date on the calendar tends to be more emotional than others for students in high school, good and heart-breaking) the perspective of Valentine’s Day being a day with a post-it placed upon it reminding us to do something we should do on the other 364 days throughout the year, I am cognizant that one day does not a relationship make.
However, why not take a look at what we most look forward to on February 14th and identify how we might be able to bring that same energy, thoughtfulness and excitement into our everyday lives and relationships throughout the year.
“Real love ought to be more like a tree and less like a flower.” ― Mya Robarts
In particular, the quote above notes a perspective on love to consider. After all, if the love we wish to build and cultivate is analogous to a flower, it won’t last long, however beautiful evanescently. Contrarily, if the love is synonymous with a tree, consider the giant sequoias for a moment. With the longest living sequoias documented to have lived 3,500 years (the average is 2000), it is their ability to endure and thrive for century upon century that holds our answer. Able to gain moisture from not only their roots but the tips at the top from the maritime fog in northern California, they are nourished doubly, continually and therefore thrive. Why not approach love in much the same way?
Why not express your love, grow ever more loving and be the love that your partner needs as well as discover the love you seek as well each day of the year? It may sound exhausting initially, but when we look at the little things we can do each day, the habits we can incorporate into our lives with those we love, this daily approach becomes quite possible indeed. And worthwhile, absolutely. After all, IG we accept the first quote mentioned at the top of the post, exhaustion is impossible if true love is involved. Let’s take a look at seven ways to incorporate celebrating love every day of the year.
1. Invest in intimacy with yourself
“You are very powerful, provided you know how powerful you are.”– Yogi Bhajan
In other words, dive deep into who you are. Get to know yourself, understand yourself and revel in the amazing person that you have the potential to be and are becoming. Don’t run from it, don’t try to fit in because you feel left out. Celebrate understanding your uniqueness and gradually begin to build your confidence to express your most authentic self to the world, but with regards to what we are talking about today, with your love, your partner.
2. Become an extraordinary listener
“It can only be true love when you enable your other half to be better, to be the person they’re destined to be.” —Michelle Yeoh
Sometimes our loves, the special person in our life, doesn’t know how amazing or capable they are. Sometimes, often, it is easier for others to see what is possible. And it is with listening that we unearth what truly sparks and enlivens them, what they wish to pursue. As well, through observation, it becomes quickly clear what makes our love comes to life. As a partner, be a part of the foundation that lifts them, that helps reveal to them what they cannot see for themselves. Whether through encouragement, support, or thoughtful communication, begin by being an extraordinary listener and then apply what you hear (and what you see) to help them rise.
3. Strengthen the bidding culture in your relationship
In episode #140 of the podcast, Emotional Intelligence was discussed in-depth, and one skill those with high EQs have is responding to their partner’s bidding and making bids toward their partner which are reciprocated. Bidding is turning toward your partner when they reach out, however simple or grand. It is giving of yourself, your time, your attention: being present.
While yes, a tremendous amount of bidding will take place on Valentine’s Day, why not continue to do the bidding the entire year. From a simple note left in their phone case to discover when they open it, to tending to a task that will lighten their busy schedule. Such simple gestures, but it requires both partners be present to initiate as well as respond.
4. Choose to grow
“True love brings up everything – you’re allowing a mirror to be held up to you daily.” —Jennifer Aniston
Choosing to grow as an individual, to improve upon our weaknesses and strengthen our best qualities is an admirable pursuit, but as Jennifer Aniston reminds, when we enter into a relationship, a relationship of vulnerability and hope, we observe even moreso how we can improve. Why? Because it is far simpler to be our truest selves in our own company as there is no one to observe; however, to let down our defenses with someone we hope will accept us and we fear losing, we begin to see our growth as well as what we can still need to improve upon.
Maybe it is learning how to better communicate, maybe it is learning how to be more vulnerable, maybe it is learning how to be comfortable in our own company. Whatever it is, choose to grow and never stop learning. Maybe it will be inspiring to your partner, maybe you two will partner up to learn something together from time to time. Either way, never stop and your future will delight you.
5. Let go of the past
“Dear Past, thank you for all the lessons.
Dear Future, I’m ready.” —Mindset is Everything
As we move forward into new relationships, we often will bring with us our experiences from the past. Frequently done so as a means to protect ourselves as we don’t want to be hurt or trip over the same crack. A mistake happens when we allow our intuition to be guided by our past experiences of either pleasure or pain. Too often we assume that through our singular journey in love the past occurrences, however slightly similar to the present, will result in the same outcome. The good news is, this is not the case. Yes, we can learn from our past, but because we arrive at our new relationship a different person who has chosen to grow and evolve, the variables are too vast to assume the same events will happen simply due to a unique individual parallel that we observe between the present and the past.
Sometimes, the past is held on to as comfort, no matter how much pain it rendered. Absurd you might first think, but consider this. What we were hurt by in the past was often the occurrence of the unknown, the unexpected, and so if we choose to believe that it could happen again, no matter how slight the parallels are to our present, we choose to err on the side of knowing rather than risk the unknown, and in so doing, cling to what we know, even if it pushing away what we seek. Unfortunately, by choosing this approach we miss out on the great possibility of love. So, let go of the past, be thankful and step bravely forward.
6. Make frequent positive deposits
“Every time something positive happens to either of you, you have made a deposit, whether it is good sex, a kind exchange, a nice chat over lunch, or a satisfying vacation.” -Dr. Elaine Aron, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love,
The phrase, good relationships take work is often a misnomer. A misnomer because the term “work” carries with it often a slight negative connotation. Technically, yes, it is work to consciously put effort into something in order to see it thrive, but much like a passion we choose to pursue for our career, it is done without hesitation, without worries of time and provides its own fuel, so to speak. Making the positive deposits is an expression of love, of thoughtfulness, of support for the individual who sparks this passion, and while you may be too exhausted or short on time, it is when you make time, set as a priority and protect what you love that reveals to your partner your affection for them: positive deposits.
7. Get out of the routine regularly
How is that possible if you are doing it regularly? Simply put, mix it up a bit and not just on Valentine’s Day.
Instead of solely focusing on February 14th to express your adoration and affection for the one you love, why not choose to invest throughout the entire year. Imagine the growth your relationship will undergo. And while it is absolutely understandable if you want to partake in the consumer spending that last year topped $19.7 billion on this one holiday (NRF), be mindful that you do so and you give so that your partner feels loved.
Wishing you and yours a lovely Valentine’s Day next week and all the days in between this year’s occasion and next.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~14 Ways to Enjoy Valentine’s Day: Single or Coupled
~Learn How to Love: 26 Ways to Love Fully (podcast)
~Romantic Love: What It Is & How to Maintain It (podcast)
Image: source
February 7, 2017
Signature Shoes
Valentino’s Rockstud Red Slingbacks certainly offer a signature look as well as being available at a signature price. But the truth is, shoes matter. From slingbacks to pumps, boots to sneakers, the pair of shoes that are chosen to walk us out the door each morning offer a punctuation mark to our mood, as well as speak to the weather or work or play environment we are headed toward. And don’t forget the personality and signature style of the person donning them.
Similar to our signature clothing style, the shoes we shop for, the shoes we bring home, the shoes we wear and twirl before a mirror with a grin that elevates our mood if only for a moment, make a difference. Not every occasion will expect heels. Nor will every event need sneakers. Choosing what works as well as wearing what makes each of us feel confident as we stride toward the appointment, job, date or event we have scheduled, while a small significance, is still significant.
~Click any of the images to be redirected to the original source and shop the outfit if possible.~
~View more Style Inspiration posts here.
February 6, 2017
Taking a Risk In Order to Have It All: Author Isabelle LaFleche
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio
Montreal author Isabelle LaFlèche has been an inspiration to me for many reasons. One of which is her tenacity to let go of what she knew and leap into what she loved. All it took was a nudge from an unexpected stranger to remind her of the creative talent patiently waiting to be released. J’adore New York was first published in 2011 to great success and was immediately followed by her second novel following the journey of her protagonist with a conscious when it came to fashion and ample intelligence in J’adore Paris. Two more J’adore journeys have followed taking her readers to Rome and Montreal.
J’adore Rome
J’adore Montreal
Tune into the interview where Isabelle shared the fateful meeting that changed her life in a matter of months, what it means to have it all, the gift and discovery of taking a risk and much more.
Quotes, books and other ideas discussed during the interview:
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”-Anaïs Nin
Learn more about author Isabelle LaFleche::
Website: Isabelle LaFleche
Instagram: @isabelle.lafleche
Discover more about her chance encounter with the psychic in this article
~Discover more interviews with inspiring women on The Simple Sophisticate podcast:
Paris, Relationships & Our Truest Selves: My Interview with Eleanor Brown
A Discussion About Quality Over Quantity in Fashion & Life: NYC Stylist Tiffani Rogers
Everyday Living in France: My Interview with Sharon Santoni
Petit Plaisir:
~Hidden Figures
Book: Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
Film: see trailer below
~Sponsor of today’s episode is Plum Deluxe teas.
Based in Portland, Oregon, and offering handcrafted, fresh, organic fair trade teas. Join the monthly tea club and receive an exclusive seasonal tea, free shipping and more for only $10/month. Learn more here.
February 3, 2017
This & That: February 3, 2017
Books
—Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path by Erin Loechner
HGTV star and the woman earning the title of “The Nicest Girl Online”, Erin Loechner’s new book Chasing Slow will offer inspiration to reflect, pause and remember what living a quality life is truly all about. After the fame she attained by the age of 30, she shifted gears to find the joy that the external attention didn’t provide. If you too are looking to turn 2017 into the year of your personal revolution to quiet the world and focus inward, perhaps this book is for you.
—Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk: A Novel by Kathleen Rooney
Released just last month, the Independent international best-seller, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk will intrigue history buffs, lovers of the city of New York City and those who appreciate a well-told story. The journey 85-year-old Lillian Boxfish takes as she strides around the city one evening introduces readers to past and present moments and memories and reminders that the journey may just be what is worth living for.
Shopping
—Iris & Ink Cashmere navy sweater
Iris & Ink is The Outnet’s own clothing line, available exclusively on their site. Recently they revealed their own collection of classic staple items, but really more of a revamp of what they have always offered. I have been perusing it to see what caught my eye, and much indeed did (check out this week’s Weekly Finds below on the home page). The navy v-neck and back cashmere sweater especially caught my attention as while warmth is necessary we also want to feel feminine, and this neckline does just that.
—Saint Laurent leather-trimmed rubber rain boot
While forever a lover of Hunter wellies, Saint Laurent’s rubber rain boot with a sophisticated leather trimmed finish is in the same price range and offers a classic neutral olive color. As spring is certain to come soon, having the proper footwear and knowing it can be worn for style as well as function is a purchase worth the investment.
Television
—The Collection, Season 1
Set in a post-war Paris fashion house, The Collection has already aired in Europe and England, and finally will be available for state viewers on February 10th. Produced by Amazon, the first season has been been on my waiting to watch list for months, and next week, I am diving in. Depicting the struggles behind the glamour, and of course, taking viewers to Paris, what a wonderful escape during these winter months. If you are a prime member you can check out a peek here.
—The Witness for the Prosecution, starring Kim Cattrall
Upon tuning into NPR’s Sunday Weekend Edition, Lulu Garcia-Navarro’s interview with Kim Cattrall offered a wonderful surprise. Starring in Agatha Christie’s The Witness for the Prosecution as Emily French, the movie aired on Acorn earlier this week. If you don’t have Acorn, be sure to check it out. An online television network for Anglophiles and lovers of British and French television series both new and classic; the monthly fee is $5 a month and similar to Netflix, you can watch at your leisure anything in their library.
~recipe for Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese & Figs~
The groundhog has seen his shadow and that mean six more weeks of winter. Oh well, what does Punxsutawney Phil know? Either way, I am just tickled February has arrived, and that means an abundance of love and being that much closer to spring.
Speaking of love. Have you seen this video by director Asger Leth? Truly inspiring and uplifting. It was just posted on Facebook a few days ago and is already becoming its own sensation. If you need a pick-me-up, if you want to be reminded of how we are all far more alike than we are different, be sure to take a look.
The weekend. May yours be gloriously long, no matter how many hours it involves. May each minute pass slowly so that you can savor each second, and may the arrival of Sunday evening find you rested and ready to begin anew, excited for what the new week has to share. Thank you for taking time to stop by the blog, and until Monday, bonne journée.
~20 Things That Will Matter A Lot Less to You in 20 Years
~Couture in the Shadow of the Women’s March
~Mary Tyler Moore’s Guide to Leaning In
February 2, 2017
A Sag Harbor Stunner
In a lesser known neighborhood in Sag Habor in the Hampts, Redwood on the east end, nearly on its own little island offers a glimpse of times-gone-by. With the vision of a husband and wife team, an architect and a garden designer, the couple took the 1952 three-bedroom ranch-style home that was in need of more than a little love and remodeled and added on creating a five bedroom, five-and-a-half bath two-story home for their family.
Not only were the interiors brought back to life, the outdoor living areas as well are just as large, open and welcoming. Having hosted between six and 100 people on different occasions, this Sag Harbor home is a sight to see. Enjoy the tour of the home below and learn more about the home, the couple and the items in each room here as it was featured in the July 2016 issue of Cottages & Gardens.
February 1, 2017
One Month at a Time: January Wraps Up & Kicking Off February
The first month of the year has wrapped up which means it is time to check in to see how the singular small change each of us made went as the Year of Welcoming in Quality and Reducing the Quantity began: Reduce or eliminate entirely one food or food type that does not serve you well.
As was shared at the mid-way point, the progress on my quest to reduce or eliminate refined sugar began well, but it wasn’t perfect. With a few slips and nibbles of items that had refined sugar in them, I continued with a similar track record the rest of the month, albeit without enjoying as many crackers which I will count as progress.
What I learned by limiting/reducing refined sugars:
Simply by not buying refined sugars and bringing them into my home, I rarely eat them.
However, items with refined sugar tend to be the food of choice at work for gatherings, meetings, etc., which means I have to plan my lunches and snacks wisely.
Bloating and feeling insatiable is the effect of eating refined sugars as a snack or meal.
My reduction approach has helped me become more hyper-aware of highly refined sugar items.
I can enjoy a croissant without jam.
Currently in the middle of reading The Case Against Sugar which is eye-opening.
Moving forward, my approach of reducing refined sugars will continue. While I won’t be able to abstain completely, my mood, my figure, my palette and my mind were balanced, natural and something I became very comfortable with. The simple awareness of paying attention to the additive that we either know or don’t know is in some of the foods we eat heightened my curiosity to learn more which reaffirmed that yes indeed, refined sugar deserved to be limited.
Now to February . . .
February:
~Letting go or limiting use of a social media app that isn’t serving you as you strive to build relationships
At some points during my day, I find myself holding my cell phone and absent-mindedly checking my social media apps for the second or third time in a matter of minutes. It isn’t until I stop, am brought back to the present and step out of my unconscious habituation of tapping, swiping and “liking” that I realize I’ve wasted time, missed an opportunity to have a conversation with someone or been far more productive on a task I had wanted to complete.
Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate immensely the tools that are my social media. After all, it is how I communicate with many of TSLL readers, but what if I refrained from using one social media app that is perhaps causing more stress than it is improving the quality of my life?
So which one would it be? Twitter has crossed my mind only because it is how I learn more about current news events, which can lead me to more news stories and more stress and more angst and then, well, lately, it hasn’t been a positive addition. I can absolutely say I will be keeping Instagram. It is probably one of my favorite apps for inspiration, beauty, and being taken virtually to Paris each and every day. What about Facebook? Hmmmm.
Okay, as a blogger, I need to be able to stay in contact, but this is the change I want and need to make. No checking of Twitter upon waking up in the morning and going to bed at night. No scrolling and no seeing what has occurred while I was asleep. Nope. I am just going to start and end the day without the world’s alarm until I am ready and out of my bedroom.
How about you? What social media app would you like to reduce or let go of for a month? Feel free to share in the comments below. I will be checking in on February 15th and sharing my progress. As well, I am beginning to read Irresistible: the Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter which is released next month and I look forward to sharing with you want I discover. May February offer an opportunity to reconnect with people face-to-face and cultivate deeper, more quality based relationships at work and at home.
What’s ahead in the year of Welcoming the Quality and Reducing the Quantity:
March
~Letting go of busy mentality
April
~Reducing mindless eating
May
~Mastering the use of credit
June
~Understanding and reducing self-doubt
July
~Curtailing the negative commentary (internal and external)
August
~How to approach staying informed but not overwhelmed by the news of the world
September
~Designated no work zones
October
~Smart shopping for clothing
November
~Recognizing, understanding and eradicating self-imposed limitations
December
~TBA
One Month at a Time: January Wrap Up & Kicking Off February
The first month of the year has wrapped up which means it is time to check in to see how the singular small change each of us made went as the Year of Welcoming in Quality and Reducing the Quantity began: Reduce or eliminate entirely one food or food type that does not serve you well.
As was shared at the mid-way point, the progress on my quest to reduce or eliminate refined sugar began well, but it wasn’t perfect. With a few slips and nibbles of items that had refined sugar in them, I continued with a similar track record the rest of the month, albeit without enjoying as many crackers which I will count as progress.
What I learned by limiting/reducing refined sugars:
Simply by not buying refined sugars and bringing them into my home, I rarely eat them.
However, items with refined sugar tend to be the food of choice at work for gatherings, meetings, etc., which means I have to plan my lunches and snacks wisely.
Bloating and feeling insatiable is the effect of eating refined sugars as a snack or meal.
My reduction approach has helped me become more hyper-aware of highly refined sugar items.
I can enjoy a croissant without jam.
Currently in the middle of reading The Case Against Sugar which is eye-opening.
Moving forward, my approach of reducing refined sugars will continue. While I won’t be able to abstain completely, my mood, my figure, my palette and my mind were balanced, natural and something I became very comfortable with. The simple awareness of paying attention to the additive that we either know or don’t know is in some of the foods we eat heightened my curiosity to learn more which reaffirmed that yes indeed, refined sugar deserved to be limited.
Now to February . . .
February:
~Letting go or limiting use of a social media app that isn’t serving you as you strive to build relationships
At some points during my day, I find myself holding my cell phone and absent-mindedly checking my social media apps for the second or third time in a matter of minutes. It isn’t until I stop, am brought back to the present and step out of my unconscious habituation of tapping, swiping and “liking” that I realize I’ve wasted time, missed an opportunity to have a conversation with someone or been far more productive on a task I had wanted to complete.
Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate immensely the tools that are my social media. After all, it is how I communicate with many of TSLL readers, but what if I refrained from using one social media app that is perhaps causing more stress than it is improving the quality of my life?
So which one would it be? Twitter has crossed my mind only because it is how I learn more about current news events, which can lead me to more news stories and more stress and more angst and then, well, lately, it hasn’t been a positive addition. I can absolutely say I will be keeping Instagram. It is probably one of my favorite apps for inspiration, beauty, and being taken virtually to Paris each and every day. What about Facebook? Hmmmm.
Okay, as a blogger, I need to be able to stay in contact, but this is the change I want and need to make. No checking of Twitter upon waking up in the morning and going to bed at night. No scrolling and no seeing what has occurred while I was asleep. Nope. I am just going to start and end the day without the world’s alarm until I am ready and out of my bedroom.
How about you? What social media app would you like to reduce or let go of for a month? Feel free to share in the comments below. I will be checking in on February 15th and sharing my progress. As well, I am beginning to read Irresistible: the Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter which is released next month and I look forward to sharing with you want I discover. May February offer an opportunity to reconnect with people face-to-face and cultivate deeper, more quality based relationships at work and at home.
What’s ahead in the year of Welcoming the Quality and Reducing the Quantity:
March
~Letting go of busy mentality
April
~Reducing mindless eating
May
~Mastering the use of credit
June
~Understanding and reducing self-doubt
July
~Curtailing the negative commentary (internal and external)
August
~How to approach staying informed but not overwhelmed by the news of the world
September
~Designated no work zones
October
~Smart shopping for clothing
November
~Recognizing, understanding and eradicating self-imposed limitations
December
~TBA