Feeling Stuck??

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

                                     -George Bernard Shaw

Often times, we find ourselves at a breaking point, feeling stuck in our daily lives. Our routines seem too predictable, too convenient, and less important. But, those routines make us who we are. People depend on our daily routines in order to complete their own. Whether you are an overworked executive, a stay-at-home mom, or school educator, what you do each day matters.

Don’t allow self-doubt or negativity to creep inside what works for you and make you second guess every decision you make, the decisions you have made for more days than you can count. Know that you are not the only one. We all get stuck at some point, but the question is, what are we going to do about it? No one should stay stuck. Life wasn’t designed that way. The world keeps on turning and so should we.

Usually, feeling stuck leads to overkill, burnout, insecurities, and stress. Never allow your life to create such anxiety. This can lead to health issues you don’t need. Change things up a bit. Switch up your routine. Instead of drinking coffee each morning to start your day, drink tea or orange juice. Take a different route to work. Let the kids help fix their lunches. Dress up a pair of your favorite jeans with a blazer and wear it to work. You’re still accomplishing the same things, just in a different way.

And when you need others things to incorporate into your daily routine, try these:

Sell Yourself…

Show everyone in your life how important having you around is. Even if you need to step back from a few of your daily responsibilities to prove a point, sometimes it’s a sacrifice we all have to make so we don’t feel inadequate. Once they realize how valuable you are, change will commence. The spouse who thinks you always have it together will take on more tasks around the house. The boss you never tell “no” to will reward you as a form of appreciation. The kids will pick up after themselves. And in turn, you get some me time.  

Time for Something New…

Do something new! Plain and simple, try something you normally couldn’t. Take that painting class you have been putting off for years. Start that book club. Join a gym. Take that Zumba class, salsa lessons, or anything else you have secretly desired to do and felt selfish for thinking about. Create enjoyment in your life. Being fulfilled leisurely, will make the stuff that matters most, so much better, why not try it? 

Relax…

Make sure to get a good night’s rest. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your brain sharp and your body working the why it should be. Listen to music to stimulate your mind. Dance around the house in your underwear. Find a quite spot and put your feet up. I sometimes take a blanket outside to my backyard and lie there looking up at the sky. This is very relaxing for me. If you live close to a beach or lake, go there. Spend the day doing absolutely nothing, except enjoying yourself and the tranquil waters surrounding you. When you feel stressed or worked up, stop! Take a deep breath and just relax. 

Have No Regrets…

Live with no regrets. Life is so much better when we are happy with the choices we make or have made over the course of our lives. Living in regret gives flight to resentment, which leads to bitterness. Don’t give anyone that much power over you, not even yourself. In my opinion, there are no bad decisions, just lessons needed to be taught and learned to make us better people. Every decision I have ever made, impulsive or not, made me who I am today. I am a better friend, parent, spouse, and person. There are some things I would go back in time to avoid or re-access, but there is absolutely nothing I would change because I live with no regrets. Take it or leave it…I am who I am!

LOVE LIFE!!!

And that’s all folks…

Live…Laugh…Love!!!

          “IF YOU ALWAYS PUT LIMITS ON EVERYTHING YOU DO, PHYSICAL OR ANYTHING ELSE, IT WILL SPREAD INTO YOUR WORK AND INTO YOUR LIFE. THERE ARE NO LIMITS. THERE ARE ONLY PLATEAUS, AND YOU MUST NOT STAY THERE, YOU MUST GO BEYOND THEM.

                                                                                        --Bruce Lee

I hope these things are helpful. Here is a link to an article that also deals with what to do when you feel stuck.

http://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Feeling-Stuck

Until next time: Be inspired, Be encouraged & Be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Happy New Year!!!

Can you believe its 2016 already? Where did the time go? What do you hope to accomplish this year? Do you make resolutions or set goals each New Year? Personally, I set realistic goals and work diligently to achieve them. This has been my routine for quite some time, and it has worked for me more than I could have imagined over the years. Point being, I have to decide on what’s important to me in order to achieve anything I set out to do.

How did 2015 treat you? I enjoyed last year, but I am ready for change; something brand new. I believe 2016 will bring this for not only me but all of you as well. I experienced a few setbacks with my health last year which resulted in making some lifestyle changes, but I am pleased to say that I am on the right path to healing mentally, emotionally, and physically. Life happens! Some things we cannot control, some we can. The way we handle these obstacles that stand in our way determines the outcome to the problem, so that ultimately, a resolution is produced. Don’t allow trials and circumstances to dictate how you live. If there is breath, in your body, FIGHT!

Here are a few things to remember when you set your goals or make your resolutions for this year. I hope you find them helpful and useful. They have worked for me, and I pray they do the same for you.

Stay positive…

Yeah, I know! It’s easier said than done. But it’s true. Staying positive will produce a positive attitude, resulting in a positive mindset in every area of our life. Not just for us, others will see our positivity and gravitate towards it. Positivity is contagious. Everyone wants a slice of the pie, even if they have no idea what the pie tastes like. Whether we believe it or not, someone is always watching. Some people need guidance. Some need to see the smile on our faces to help them press forward. There are two kinds of people in the world: Leaders and Followers. Which one are you?

Stay focused…

It is one thing to set goals and make resolutions, but in order to achieve anything in life we must stay focused on the tasks at hand. We cannot work hard the first three months of the year and expect positive results in the end. Faith without works is what? Right, DEAD!!! Don’t start one thing, stop, and then move on to something else without at least reaching a turning point. This creates procrastination, which gives flight to “not getting a damn thing done.”

Surround yourself with goal-oriented people…

Often times, people who have the same mindset, flock to each other. They push and motivate each other. They support and inspire each other. They laugh together, cry together, and fight for each other. They see the potential in each other, and don’t give up when the going gets tough. And believe me, it will get tough. Nothing in life comes easy. If it does, run! You won’t have it long.

Be your biggest cheerleader…

There is nothing wrong with promoting yourself! If we don’t believe in what we do, no one will. Speak boldly and passionately about your craft or service. Even when you are taken out of your comfort zone take a deep breath and push that nervous energy to the side. Confidence is key! Have you ever been in a room and someone walked in and changed the dynamics of that room? It’s called perception. The way a person carries him or herself plays an important role in the way we perceive them. Walk with your chest out, your head held high!

Celebrate…

This last one is simple. Reward yourself! Working hard to achieve anything requires blood, sweat, and tears. It’s okay to reward ourselves even if it’s only a new book, new dress, new suit, or bigger items. We earned it! This gives boost to keep fighting, to keep achieving bigger and better things, to never throw in the towel. Accomplishments are our hard work paying off. Embrace them and celebrate big!

I would love to hear what you plan to achieve in 2016 and even the things you accomplished in 2015. Email me kekechanel2012@gmail.com or post a comment below. Let’s make this year our best year yet!

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Happy Holidays!!!

Seasons Greetings,

I'm super excited, yawl! This is my favorite time of year. I love putting up the tree with my kids and seeing my son's eyes light up when we first plug in the lights. Priceless moments, I must say. There is just something about this time of year that brings out the best in people. People seem to smile more, say hello, and strike up a conversation. Now don't get me wrong, there are still those who can give the Grinch a run for his money, but I choose to ignore them and enjoy the happiness that fills the air. 

Here are a few things you can do to appreciate this time of year.

1. Get out and enjoy the fresh air. 

     Take a walk, go window-shopping, call a friend to hang out. You can also spend quality time with  yourself. If you don't like being around yourself... *side-eye* I'm just saying. 

2. Do something new.

    New things can bring new emotions. New things can open up your mind. New things can make you a better person. New things tend to change your perspective. No one wants to be around a sourpuss. Don't be that one person people want to avoid during the holidays because you always rain on their parade. If you are alive and well, you, my friend, have something to smile and be happy about. 

3. Give back.

     We all know someone who needs help. Instead of buying things we don't need and our children don't need, donate to a family that needs help. Do something charitable. If giving back doesn't put you in the spirit of the holiday, I don't know what will. We all fall on hard times, even when we try to hide it. Just because no one else knows, you cannot fool yourself. It's okay to need people. It's okay to help others. But, do it with a generous heart and pure intentions. 

4. Watch holiday-related movies.

     In our home, we have a family tradition with involves watching movies related to the time of year, whether if my Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, we have those preferred movies we cannot do without. For example, I love scary movies so during Halloween (and not) I always watch the Michael Myers flicks and please don't leave of Jason. For Christmas, my husband and I have to watch Bad Santa, Friday After Next, and This Christmas. With the kids, we watch Charlie Brown Christmas, Home Alone, and The Polar Express.  And no matter how many times we have seen these films, we never get tired of them. 

5. Read a BOOK *preferably a KeKe Chanel Novel*

    Now that was too easy! LOL You know I had to throw that one in there. I love books! I love reading! I am a Writer! Books can take you anywhere you want to go, with whoever, whenever, and there will be adventures of all kinds along the way. There are great deals going on right now until after the New Year. Go ahead and get your read on!  

Enjoy! It's not going to kill you...

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Be YOU!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel