The Nightmare that is Packing

I'm leaving in a few days so I decided to pack from today ( two days prior) because packing has always and will always give me nightmares. I dress according to my mood so packing is difficult for me. How am I supposed to know what I feel like wearing ten days in. For a long time I over-packed and honestly didn't wear half the stuff I carried. I still get reminded about my one-shoe-a-day policy. Imagine traveling for twenty plus days! I know many of you can relate as over-packing is a common problem amongst  us youngsters however, after many ignorant years I devised a plan of action - how to pack for the duration of my holiday and not the entire year. I must say, since seeing the light my anxiety levels have decreased tremendously.

This is my Plan -

• Check the weather of my destination.
• Check itinerary - that way I know what to pack for whichever activities I'll be doing.
• Find the correct bag - remember to consider your holiday shopping, keep extra space.
• Start with one type of clothing - I start with pyjamas, underwear, and socks because there's no thinking required, any type of pyjama etc. will do.
• Move on to the serious business - day wear. Pick a few tops that transition from day to night.
• Find bottoms to match and any inner-wear required.
• Match a neutral shoe and accessories.
• Pack any special event outfits eg. New Year's Eve dress.
• Go through what I've picked and take some stuff out, I usually take more than I need.
• Now that that's done pack shoes in a shoe bag!! (I've seen someone use a Checkers packet).
• Roll clothing tightly, it saves space and minimal creasing.
• Pack toiletries, chargers, hairdryer, medicine (if required).
• Pack money and passport and any other extras in my handbag.
• I'm good to go!!!!

Just Kidding, Please Don't!

Resolutions, Resolutions, Resolutions

What's everyone doing for the holiday? I'm off to Malaysia next week for a much-needed break. This year has been such a busy year for me. Alhamdulilah, it's been good though. 

It's that time of year when we reflect on the year behind us, was it a prosperous year, did we achieve our goals set out for the year, do we even remember our goals? (honestly I don't remember). This year however, I plan to set goals and actually remember them, maybe even try to see them through. The best way to achieve something is by constantly being reminded of what it is we want to achieve and in what time-frame. I read somewhere that a goal without a time-limit is just a dream, it's so true because we constantly find ourselves saying "I'll do it tomorrow" or "I have no time today" but if it's something we truly want then why not make the time for it. 

I have a fitness goal that I've been 'trying' to achieve for about three years now, it just wasn't happening, I even stuck a picture of the body I want in my cupboard and every day I'd look at it and say I'm going to do it but saying something and doing something is really two different things. Two months ago, I decided to take control of my mind and actually work towards my goal. I am no where near the anticipated result but I can see a difference. Its not easy, I often forget about the hot body I so desperately want (especially at Wakaberry) but I forgive myself and try again the next day. Punishing ourselves doesn't help either, we're human, we're bound to fall but we have to dust ourselves off and try again. 

I found a few helpful tips on goal setting:

5 Facts About Goal Setting

These practical tips on goal setting can help make it easier to set and reach goals:

1. Specific, realistic goals work best. When it comes to making a change, the people who succeed are those who set realistic, specific goals. "I'm going to recycle all my plastic bottles, soda cans, and magazines" is a much more doable goal than "I'm going to do more for the environment." And that makes it easier to stick with.
2. It takes time for a change to become an established habit. It will probably take a couple of months before any changes — like getting up half an hour early to exercise — become a routine part of your life. That's because your brain needs time to get used to the idea that this new thing you're doing is part of your regular routine.
3. Repeating a goal makes it stick. Say your goal out loud each morning to remind yourself of what you want and what you're working for. (Writing it down works too.) Every time you remind yourself of your goal, you're training your brain to make it happen.
4. Pleasing other people doesn't work. The key to making any change is to find the desire within yourself — you have to do it because you want it, not because a girlfriend, boyfriend, coach, parent, or someone else wants you to. It will be harder to stay on track and motivated if you're doing something out of obligation to another person.
5. Roadblocks don't mean failure. Slip-ups are actually part of the learning process as you retrain your brain into a new way of thinking. It may take a few tries to reach a goal. But that's OK — it's normal to mess up or give up a few times when trying to make a change. So remember that everyone slips up and don't beat yourself up about it. Just remind yourself to get back on track.

I hope these tips help. Happy Goal - setting! 

Live. Love. Laugh.

Wow. What an emotional week it's been. I've had to deal with a friend's family member's passing, illness, and mountains of work. Sometimes God throws a few punches and sometimes He knocks you out cold. The real test, however, is how we rise after the fall. This week has taught me to value life and cherish my loved ones because life is too short to waste time being unhappy. Enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer and be grateful for every day spent with those who hold a special place in your heart.  Have a wonderful weekend and remember me in your prayers. Jummah Mubarak.

xxx
Z