Achieving Stability: A Realistic Wellness and Self-Care Guide

Guest post by Julie Morris

Image via Freepik

Achieving consistency in wellness and self-care is essential. Each morning presents an opportunity to align your actions with your long-term well-being goals, starting with adopting strategies that support your efforts and foster personal growth. By focusing on areas such as physical fitness, mental clarity, or career advancement, you can use effective tools and practices to turn your aspirations into reality. Maintaining consistency in your wellness and self-care efforts can be challenging; however, by implementing strategic approaches, you can keep moving forward and make progress.

Celebrate Triumphs Tracking Progress for a
Healthier You

To effectively maintain consistency with your wellness and self-care goals, monitoring your achievements and regularly celebrating milestones, no matter how small, is crucial. By keeping a detailed journal, you can catalog your objectives, the steps taken to reach them, and the lessons learned from successes and setbacks. This approach not only allows you to identify areas in need of improvement but also keeps you motivated by reinforcing positive behaviors. Moreover, these small celebrations are a powerful motivator, enhancing your sense of accomplishment and driving further progress.

Revolutionize Your Routine Embrace a Dynamic Wellness Approach

You must regularly evaluate and modify your wellness and self-care practices to maintain effective stress management. By routinely assessing these strategies, you ensure they consistently align with your current stress levels and lifestyle demands. This dynamic approach allows you to make informed adjustments, such as incorporating new stress-relief activities or modifying existing routines, to enhance your overall well-being. Furthermore, research indicates that organizations implementing wellness programs significantly improve employee engagement and job satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of staying adaptable in your wellness strategies.

Elevate Your Career Journey with Online Learning

Staying committed to your professional aspirations often requires continual skill development, and one effective method is pursuing further education through online degree programs. By enrolling in an online computer science degree, you can develop valuable skills in IT, programming, and theoretical computer science—fields experiencing significant job growth. Such programs offer the flexibility to balance your studies with work, allowing you to advance your knowledge without compromising your current job responsibilities. The growing availability of these programs means you can conveniently access high-quality education; look into accredited institutions only when comparing online computer science degree options.

Keep Moving Forward Evolve Your Fitness Strategy

Periodically updating your fitness regime is essential for keeping your body challenged and maintaining your motivation. By making minor adjustments to your workout every four to six weeks, you can break through potential plateaus and continue to see improvements in your fitness levels. Whether you’re an intermediate-level exerciser or an elite athlete, minor tweaks such as altering the intensity, duration, or type of exercise can provide fresh growth stimuli. Remember, consistency is paramount, and while frequent changes can be beneficial, it’s crucial to avoid altering your routine so often that it disrupts your progress.

Sleep Your Way to Sharper Focus and Less Anxiety

A regular sleep schedule can significantly boost your mental clarity and lessen anxiety. Your body relies on a natural 24-hour internal mechanism known as the circadian rhythm, which functions optimally with routine. Aiming to sleep and wake within the same 20-minute window daily, you help train your body to prioritize quality rest, which is crucial for mental well-being, especially when managing anxiety. Consistency is vital; even after a restless night, maintaining your wake-up time prevents “social jetlag,” further disrupting sleep patterns.

Cultivate Calm and Mindfulness for Stress Relief

Investing time in mindfulness exercises can significantly decrease stress levels and promote mental relaxation. These techniques, such as mindful breathing and body scan meditation, are practical tools that help you focus on the present moment, allowing you to step away from the chaos of daily life. By regularly practicing mindfulness, you can experience a reduction in the constant stream of thoughts that often overwhelms your mind, providing clarity and calmness. Furthermore, engaging in these exercises reduces mental clutter and cultivates self-awareness, leading to improved emotional regulation.

Plan for Success Meal Prep for Wellness Consistency

Planning your meals is crucial to maintain consistency with your wellness objectives and dodge impulsive unhealthy eating. By outlining your meals for the week, you gain insight into your dietary habits, allowing you to manage portion sizes and avoid overeating, which is common in restaurant dining. This proactive approach helps you sidestep the temptation of fast-food options when hunger strikes, as you’ll have wholesome, nutrient-rich meals at the ready. Additionally, having a thoughtful grocery list with ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans ensures healthy options are always accessible. Ultimately, investing time in meal planning supports your health goals and keeps your nutrition and stress levels in check when meal times roll around.

As you embark on consistent wellness and self-care, remember that the journey is a profound exercise in self-discovery. The strategies discussed are merely the beginning—the real magic lies in the unique process you carve out for yourself. Embrace every moment, adapt with grace, and celebrate your evolution. Each step forward, however small, is a testament to your dedication and courage. By weaving these practices into your life’s fabric, you maintain consistency and create a vibrant tapestry of growth, resilience, and transformation that enriches your life and inspires those around you.

Discover tranquility and creativity with Be as One — subscribe now to receive your free Harmony coloring book and explore a world of relaxation and inspiration!

Be sure to visit Julie’s website at juliemorris.org.
Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

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NEW MUSIC!
Susan’s
new release, Amazing Grace” is now available!
Available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and YouTube

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Purchase Susan’s books.

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp.
Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

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Pink Umbrella book interview: Little Women Legacy: Getting Bookish with Susan Bailey, Featured Author

Look who got featured on Pink Umbrella Books for “Alcott’s Imaginary Heroes: The Little Women Legacy”! Thank you Pink Umbrella Books for the honor and privilege of being featured in your new book.

In this blog post series, we’ll feature contributing authors from our new anthology, Alcott’s Imaginary Heroes: The Little Women Legacy. Today we’ll catch up with Susan Bailey, author, Louisa May Alcott devotee, and proud New Englander!

Contributor Susan Bailey cozies up with The Annotated Little Women in Massachusetts.


What is your favorite scene from Little Women?My favorite scene is when Beth runs over to thank Mr. Laurence, impulsively puts her arms around his neck and kisses him, and ends up sitting in his lap. I thought that took a lot of guts to do that! I am a typical Yankee (“frozen chosen” as they call us in New England) – quite reserved, especially when it comes to showing physical affection, and I know I would have been far too self-conscious to do what Beth did. She totally forgot herself in the spirit of love and gratitude towards…

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My essay on Louisa May Alcott is part of a new book: “Alcott’s Imaginary Heroes: The Legacy of Little Women” — and you are invited to the book signing September 30th at Orchard House!

I am pleased to announce a new book coming out in honor of the 150th anniversary of Little Women for which I am a contributor; that book is called Alcott’s Imaginary Heroes: The Little Women Legacy from Pink Umbrella books. I wrote an essay titled “Louisa May Alcott as Muse, Guide and Grief Counselor”

Release date and book signing

I will be part of the official release and book signing at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House on Sunday, September 30 from 1:30-4. This will be a fun day with lots of great activities for the family. Stay tuned for details …

A great way to do that is to follow Orchard House on Twitter – @LouisaMayAlcott

“Like” and follow their Facebook page too.

Books for sale

Books will be available for sale for $10.99 each. Contributors will be on hand (including me) to sign your copy. 10% of all book sales will be donated to Orchard House.

Alcott’s Imaginary Heroes: The Little Women Legacy

Alcott’s Imaginary Heroes: The Little Women Legacy is also available for pre-order for $10.99:

Pre-order on Amazon
Pre-order on Barnes and Noble

Hope to see you at Orchard House on September 30!

 

Susan’s latest CD, “Mater Dei” is now available!
Purchase here.

Many people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

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From the pen of an empty-nester: The season of comings and goings

NOTE: This is my upcoming column in the Catholic Free Press (for Friday, January 13) and it is currently running on Catholicmom.com.

Before I share my column, a few words.

It’s been a while since I’ve written regularly for this blog and this is because I am involved in a mammoth writing project which you can find out more about here.

from http://nextcenturypublishing.com/
from http://nextcenturypublishing.com/

This is the book I was working on when I was offered the opportunities of River of Grace and Louisa May Alcott Illuminated by The Message; these works (thanks to excellent editors and publishers) taught me how to write professionally, making this new book possible. It is the work of my heart, the book of my life. And it being all consuming, it’s been difficult keeping up with my two blogs.

A new direction for this blog

While prepping for River of Grace, I read a book of essays about the adjustment to an empty nest (I had originally intended to include a chapter on that subject). In writing for Catholicmom I thought I might focus on being an empty-nester as I have many thoughts on this stage of life; I will share those columns here as well.

rpphotos I'm beginning to feel the empty nest syndrome, Flickr Creative Commons
rpphotos I’m beginning to feel the empty nest syndrome, Flickr Creative Commons

My first column, “The Season of Comings and Goings”, was published this week on Catholicmom and I invite you to read it:

Another Christmas has come and gone. The tree is outside on the deck for the birds to enjoy; the wreath, brown and dry, is feeding the soil on the other side of the fence.

All the lights are wrapped up (with their extension cords this time!) and put away.

And the letdown after Christmas begins. Every ornament carefully placed in the box, each stocking taken down reminds me of the family time I still crave and so cherish.

manger

Continue reading …

 

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Click to Tweet & ShareFrom the pen of an empty-nester: The season of comings and goings http://wp.me/p2D9hg-1Q1

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Susan’s latest CD, “Mater Dei” is now available!
Purchase here.

Many people find coloring to be a wonderful way to relax and experience harmony in their lives. Is that you? Join my Email List to subscribe to this blog and receive your free Harmony coloring book (and more).

River of Grace Audio book with soundtrack music available now on Bandcamp. Listen to the preface of the book, and all the songs.

Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read my other blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

 

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River of Grace on CatholicTV — grace and grief

OCTOBER 28, 2016 – Wonderful interview on CatholicTV today — this explains better than anything just what River of Grace is all about! Still available on Amazon if you want a copy, especially during the month of November as we pray for our beloved dead. Thank you Kate and CatholicTV!

Introducing The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion A Book of Daily Reflections

I am excited about a new daily devotional coming out from Ave Maria Press called The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion A Book of Daily Reflections, edited by Lisa M. Hendey and Sarah A. Reinhard. I was asked to contribute 4 devotions to this wonderful book and am honored to be included in this distinguished group of over 80 leading Catholic authors.

I just got my advance copies and I can now share with you one of my reflections:

inside book-640

Continue reading “Introducing The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion A Book of Daily Reflections”

Writing lessons. Creative lessons. Living lessons from St. Paul.

I love St. Paul. And I am a woman. Yes, I am fully aware of the famous passages in which he instructs wives to be “submissive to their husbands” and how they are not to speak in public. I believe these passages need to studied carefully for their true meaning for nothing is ever as it seems, but that’s for another day.

Why St. Paul?

Remember my post on deliberate intent? St. Paul embodied that in everything he did. It began with a zealous persecution of Christians (for he was a Pharisee) and ended with himself being persecuted and killed for the faith he sought originally to destroy. Continue reading “Writing lessons. Creative lessons. Living lessons from St. Paul.”

Owning our grief and why this is helpful to others–Virginia Woolf and Louisa May Alcott as guides

I wrote a book about loss and grief. In a second book, I included passages from an author who guided me through my loss and grief.

And yet, I am afraid to share that story with others.

Sounds absurd–after all, both books have been published and are available for the public to see. But I am glad I don’t have to be there when the book is read. Well aware that grief is uniquely tailored to the individual, I feel utterly unqualified to say anything about it, face to face.

Mysterious … unpredictable …

Grief is mysterious, unpredictable, you might even say, capricious. I can’t tell you how many times grief has decided to drop in when I am in front of other people. It has often visited in the form of tears and I have to hide away until it passes. It has also visited on too many occasions when I’ve sung in public, crippling my voice or simply rising up in the form of irrational fear.

Mike Schaffner Angel of Grief, Flickr Creative Commons
Mike Schaffner Angel of Grief, Flickr Creative Commons

Important to share

When I read this story by Claire Fallon, Virginia Woolf’s Guide To Grieving, and how she connected her grieving over the loss of her mother to that of Woolf (both lost their mothers near puberty), I realized it is, in fact, important to share our grief stories.

woolf books

Comfort through companionship

Fallon derived a lot of comfort from Woolf, not because Woolf offered consolation or answers, but because she was a companion on the journey. Fallon found a like mind in Woolf which helped her work through grief that had been bottled up inside for many years.

My companion

Reading Louisa May Alcott did that for me. Alcott offered no quick answers, no “5-step plan,” and certainly no skirting of the truth of suffering and death. Instead, Alcott shared her beliefs about death through her stories and they just happened to match mine. I was numb with grief at the time I took up reading and found that turning the pages of my mother’s antique volumes of Little Women, Aunt Jo’s Scrap-Bag and An Old-Fashioned Girl (all marked with her personal nameplate) and reading Alcott’s words helped me remember my mother when she was healthy and vital.

alcott books

The best way to help

My process did not take as long as Fallon’s but it reminds me yet again that the best thing I can do to help someone who is grieving is to just be there to listen. And when it’s appropriate, share a few stories.

The value of writing

Alcott and Woolf had the courage to write it down and share it with the public. Writing has a way of uncovering what is really going on inside of you. Writing doesn’t have to be public to be helpful–keeping a a journal and writing letters to others (handwritten, as opposed to email) can help a great deal. But if you choose to share stories through the written word or through conversation, you have to own it.

That’s what I have to learn how to do.

Here is the link to Claire Fallon’s article. I think I will try a little Virginia Woolf; she is showing me the benefits of ownership.

00 twitter profile 400x400both books river first-640Join my Email List (special surprises just for you!)
to subscribe to this blog.
Keep up with news and free giveaways regarding Susan’s new books, River of Grace
and Louisa May Alcott: Iluminated by The Message!
Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read Susan’s blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

Find Susan’s books here on AmazonPurchase Susan’s CD.

Book signing at Boucher’s in Worcester, Sat., Nov. 21 from 11-1 with live music! Come and say hello

I will be at Boucher’s Good Books, 254 Lake Street, Worcester for a River of Grace book signing and impromptu live concert featuring the music from the River of Grace Soundtrack CD! The book and CD would make a great gift for someone you love. Come on down and say hello!

boucher's

 

Recently Lisa Hendey, best-selling author of The Grace of Yes and the Chime Travelers series reviewed  River of Grace:

Susan Bailey has faced her fair share of challenges and “difficult times” and yet she’s emerged not only a survivor, but also even stronger in her spiritual commitment and joy. In this book, learn what made the difference for Susan in her spiritual journey, but even more so how to face your own struggles with a faith that will renew and support you. A perfect gift for any friend or loved one facing a time of loss or difficulty, or for yourself when you need the companionship of a trusted friend. The “Flow Lessons” contained in this book are the perfect tools to help you more fully rely on God’s love in your life. Highly recommend!

Paulist Press editor and author Jaymie Stuart Wolfe (Adoption: Room for One More?) had this to say:

In this EXCEPTIONALLY well-written book, Susan Bailey shares some of her most challenging moments and shows others how to find the grace hidden in life’s difficulties. This book inspires Christians to pursue the paths of authentic faith amid the currents and seasons of life. The “flow lessons” that accompany each chapter provide readers with simple, hands-on, experiences that move the author’s reflections into concrete and practical application. With both eloquence and humility, what River of Grace offers is a deeper answer to personal struggle, and a healthier alternative to the fake-it-til-you-make-it mentality. Above all, this is a book that gives hope.

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday–spread the word!

river of grace featured

00 twitter profile 400x400both books river firstJoin my Email List (special surprises just for you!)
to subscribe to this blog.
Keep up with news and free giveaways regarding Susan’s new books, River of Grace
and Louisa May Alcott: Iluminated by The Message!
Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read Susan’s blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion

Find Susan’s books here on AmazonPurchase Susan’s CD.

Wonderful review of River of Grace!

InTheBookcaseA dear friend from my Louisa May Alcott is My Passion blog wrote a wonderful review of River of Grace! This is a really comprehensive review; if you’re wondering what this book is about, Tarissa (the reviewer) summed it up beautifully! Here’s a portion of it:

Susan Bailey shares about the trials and triumphs in her life in her new book River of Grace. She tells how God’s mercy has shown her a greater kind of essence, once she let herself glide along with His unending grace.

A running theme that you learn all throughout this book is how creativity and spirituality go together, hand in hand. Susan illustrates this time and again. Susan pauses to personalize the reading and ask you how you can create new life in your surroundings as you allow the river of grace to run through you. In each chapter, she takes time (and allows you to take time) to reflect and focus on your emotions, thoughts, and defining events in your own life. If you take a few moments to perform the suggested activities, and allow creativity to lead the way, you will be blessed with fresh insight and positivity.

For people struggling with grief, this book shows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Freely, the author doles out the pain she encountered on the deaths of her parents, and how greatly her life changed under those circumstances. She then dispenses the successful tools and mental thought process behind obtaining victory over death. Triumph is available to anyone! This is not a story of how to get over grief fast — but how to deal with it and give your afflictions to the Almighty. You will get through your time of sorrow, and when the grief cycle has ran its course, you will become a more complete person.

You can read the rest of the review here. Be sure and treat yourself to the rest of her blog for reviews and other interesting posts.

Thank you Tarissa!

You can pick up your copy of River of Grace here.

00 twitter profile 400x400both books river firstJoin my Email List (special surprises just for you!)
to subscribe to this blog.
Keep up with news and free giveaways regarding Susan’s new books, River of Grace
and Louisa May Alcott: Iluminated by The Message!
Susan Bailey, Author, Speaker, Musician on Facebook and Twitter
Read Susan’s blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion