Why do you do what you do?

It’s a serious question and one you’re likely not asked all that often.

Take a look at what you do each day and ask yourself “why am I doing this?”

On a typical day I’m up with my kids, playing with them, tending to them, teaching them. Why do I do it? Because I love them, I want them to have our values, I want to teach them and I want to experience what it’s like to be a mom. I could choose to go back to a job outside of the home and earn a fairly good income, but I choose to stay home because it just feels like the right thing to do … for me. I realize that this isn’t a luxury a lot of people have despite wanting it and believe me when I say I am grateful for being able to stay home with my kids.

I write. Why? Because it allows me to get in touch with my creative side, something I didn’t get to do too often when I was heavily embedded in the sciences. Writing helps me gather and focus my thoughts. It allows me to

I coach/consult people. Why? Because it allows me to work in a way that I’m passionate about, I am able to contribute financially to my family, and it’s helping me get closer to my goal of personally funding 2 children’s wishes for the Children’s Wish Foundation. Since one of my son’s is a wish kid this is near and dear to me and at $20K a wish I have a VERY long way to go. But I don’t doubt I’ll get there in my lifetime.

These are just a few examples of what I do and why I do them.  They may not sit well with everyone but I do what I do in these respects with purpose and reason.

I could also mention that I watch TV from time to time. If you asked me why I do it, I wouldn’t have a very good answer – to curb boredom, to relax and just sit at the end of the day.  There are a lot of better things I could be doing with my time but occasionally TV is okay.

I think doing things without purpose, a plan or the bigger picture in mind can be fun but it may be wasting your time, effort, energy, talents and skills.

So what are you doing and why are you doing it?

Take inventory of what you’re doing in major life areas and try to understand why you’re doing them.

Does what you do play to your strengths? Do you get great joy out of doing it? Is it helping you get closer to a goal or a dream you have?

If you spend too much of your time focusing on things that don’t really matter, that don’t really excite you and you don’t have a reason for doing what you’re doing you could be missing out on a lot of great things.

Think of all the opportunities you could be missing out on if you’re tied up in activities that don’t matter to you. Wouldn’t you hate to realize one day that what you wanted all along passed you by because you were too busy doing other things. Menial things.

So my question remains: What are you doing and why do you do it?

You may also enjoy:

I Love My Family

How To Live The Life You Want: Follow Your Dreams

Creating A Budget That Works

Photo courtesy of: * Zara

Why Do You Do What You Do? is a post from: Serene Journey

I have always loved helping people. It never occurred to me that that was my passion, my actual purpose in life, until this past year.

This year however, I’m going for it. I’m going out on a limb and doing what I know I was meant to do, what I’m good at.

Today I’m letting you all know about my consulting business here on Serene Journey and giving you a feel for what you can expect when you work with me. I’ve done this unofficially for years and I’m now putting some lines around the whole process and taking it live.

Are you ready to take back control?

I’ve worked with a lot of smart, motivated people who simply want to live a simpler, less-stressful, more positive life but don’t know how or where to start. I’ve also work with passionate people who have started projects but are now stuck and need motivation, inspiration and strategies to get them going again and get it done.

Most commonly discussed topics in my consulting sessions:

• Strategies for getting organized at home (meal planning, daily routines, time management and simplifying) and striking a balance between work and home life.
• Create action plans to effectively minimize, simplify and declutter home or office space.
• Overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed by too many tasks or ideas and get focused on setting priorities to get things done.
• Reconciling what you do with who you are or who you want to be. Working through specific strategies to get you feeling better and being happier in your own skin than ever before.
• Developing contingency plans to get back on track when we inevitably fall off the wagon.
• Becoming un-stuck. We all get in ruts (exercise, eating, boredom etc …) and it can be really difficult to break free.
• and more which you can read about here.

We will work together to get you un-stuck, motivated and excited about taking your life in a new direction.

What is consulting?

Firstly, let me tell you what it’s not. My consulting is not therapy and I don’t delve into your past except where it helps us to go forward. It’s not a bunch of happy talk or fluff and it’s not generic one-size fits all advice.

My consulting is to-the-point with no nonsense and it won’t waste your time. My consulting is results oriented and I focus on the here and now as well as the future to get you to a place you’re happier with. My consulting is customized to you. I will work with you to develop plans and tools that are right for you.

Let me be your mentor, your cheerleader, or your sounding board to help you achieve success in your personal life.

What now?

If you’re interested, YAY! I can’t wait to meet you and start working together!, please click here for more information, including packages and pricing.

If this isn’t something you’re interested in right now no worries at all and as always thank you for reading! If at some point in the future you do feel you could use a little nudge you know where to find me!

The way I am introduced to clients is through word of mouth, so if any of the things I’ve described above sound like it could benefit someone you know please let them know where to find me.

Here’s to your success, happiness and a simpler life in 2011!

Photo courtesy of: AmirK

Are You Ready To Take Back Control? is a post from: Serene Journey

Smoothies are really easy to make – great for those rushed mornings when you’re trying to get yourself ready and the kids out the door for school. In our house we occasionally have smoothies for lunch and as snacks later in the afternoon.  Here are 5 of my favorite smoothie recipes. Try a new one out every morning this week if you like it’s an easy (and tasty) way to get you going and out the door fast.

1. Super Simple Banana Smoothie

• 6 ice cubes
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• skim milk to desired thickness

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Start with just enough milk to get everything mixing together. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Test thickness and add milk as required. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

2. Sensational Strawberry Smoothie

• 6 ice cubes
• 12 strawberries
• 4 Tbsp Vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
• skim milk to desired thickness

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Start with just enough milk to get everything mixing together. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Test thickness and add milk as required. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

3.  Choco-nut Smoothie

• 6 ice cubes
• 1/4 Cup plain yogurt
• 3 Tbsp Peanut Butter
• about 1 Cup chocolate milk

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Add more milk a little at a time if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

4. Strawberry, Banana and OJ Smoothie

• 6 ice cubes
• 1 ripe banana
• 12 strawberries
• 1/4 vanilla yogurt
• orange juice to desired taste/thickness

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Add orange juice a little at a time (I start with ~1/3 C and then add a bit more if needed). Pour into a glass and enjoy.

5. Choco-latte

• 6 ice cubes
• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 tsp instant coffee (TIP: crush the coffee crystals as well as you can before adding to the blender there’s nothing worse than chewing on coffee crystals in your smoothie).
• Chocolate milk  to desired thickness

In a blender crush the ice and add the remaining ingredients in order. Start with just enough milk to get everything mixing together. Mix on high for at least 1 minute. Test thickness and add milk as required. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

There are 5 easy smoothie recipes that you can easily make before you head out the door in the morning. The oatmeal may sound a little odd but trust me it’s delicious. It adds a bit of texture and thickness and makes you feel fuller longer.

Other ingredients you may want to consider experimenting with:

• almonds, walnuts or pecans
• flax seed
• ricotta cheese
• nutmeg
• other fruits like kiwi, passion fruit, apples etc …
• use coconut milk and pineapple for a tropical smoothie

You really are only limited by your imagination.

Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe? Please share in the comments!

5 Smoothie Recipes – A Tasty Alternative To Toast is a post from: Serene Journey

We don’t see each other everyday, in fact we can go for months without catching up. The funny thing is that when either of us do pick up the phone and start chatting, it’s as though no time has passed.

What I love about this friendship of ours is there are no games, no making the other feel bad or cold shoulders for not keeping in touch more.

We’ve been there for each other through deaths in our families and she’s been there to meet our kids when they were just a few hours old. She was the maid of honour at my wedding and I was hers this past weekend. I can’t wait to meet her little babies when they make their grand appearance … one day (no pressure ).

It’s been great helping D plan her wedding this past year. We’ve gotten to know each other better and I’ve been able to get to know her (now) husband and he’s such a fantastic person, to say I’m happy for both of them would be a huge understatement.

So what’s our secret?

To be perfectly honest with you, I don’t know. It just works and it’s great.

• We’re there for each other to share good news, bad news and anything else.
• We can count on each other when we feel we may not be able to count on anyone else.
• We don’t judge or put each other down.
• We encourage and are genuinely happy for each other.
• In short we’re respectful and nice to each other and we’re remarkably similar (as I’ve come to learn especially over this past year).

Sometimes things just work and there is no further explanation than that.

If you want a relationship or friendship to last be grateful for that person in your life, do things that make you both feel good, share the good and the bad, be understanding and caring, withhold judgement and laugh together.

I’m incredibly grateful to have D in my life and that I was there this weekend able to join in the celebration of her wedding. Here’s to the past 33 years and to many more in the future!

Photo courtesy of: zoerochelle

The Secret To 33 Years Of Friendship is a post from: Serene Journey

This post was originally published in December, 2009.

The humble Christmas stocking, a very fond memory of mine and a tradition I grew up with. Every Christmas morning my sisters and I would wake up far too early and raid the stockings that Santa had left for us. There was always really neat and interesting stuff to be found and two things that were always there without fail: a candy cane and a Christmas orange.

It was the best. There was never anything really expensive or elaborate but it was just so much fun. This is a tradition that we are keeping strong with our kids and I hope they will develop fond memories of their own.

Despite this being one of my favorite family traditions, it’s something I have the hardest time doing. What do I put in them?

Over the past couple of years I’ve kept adding ideas to a list to help me out each year when I’m a little low on inspiration. I’ve now compiled my list into the ULTIMATE stocking stuffer guide.

I’ve separated the stuffers into 7 categories which include:

• Beauty
• Gift Certificates
• Snacks
• Crafts
• Practical
• Toys
• Miscellaneous

A few ideas you’ll find inside are as follows:

Foot lotion
Perfume
Cologne
Scented hand soap
Hand sanitizer
Trial size toiletries
Massage
Taxi vouchers
Bus or train tickets
Jar of honey
Microwave popcorn
Jerky
BBQ sauce
CD
DVD
Magazine
Fabric
Book light
Gloves
Scarf
Sushi set
Apron
Candles
Sewing kit
Picture frame
Brag book (photo album with pics already in it)
Bubbles
Travel games
Cards
Figurines
Skipping rope

So keep your loved one in mind when you’re filling their stocking this year. Make them personal and you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Get creative and have fun.

You can download the complete version (pdf) of the Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Guide here or by clicking on the the image under recommended resources on the right.

Photos courtesy of:

Stocking: massdistraction

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Guide is a post from: Serene Journey

Today I’m excited to be over at Dietriffic sharing some simple dietary changes that can reduce your caloric intake everyday.

There are so many of us who are looking to live a happier and healthier life. But if you’re anything like me, the idea of going on a diet has you a little less than enthused.

To be successful in weight loss, as with any other big change, starting small, going slow, and being consistent is the key to success.

So instead of starting another fad diet,start small with dietary changes that you can sustain, that you enjoy, and that are good for you.

You can read more at Dietriffic.

Photo courtesy of: ilmungo

10 Small Steps To Cut Calories Everyday is a post from: Serene Journey

Canadian Thanksgiving marks the end of harvest and is a day to give thanks.

I thought I would share with you a few things that I’m grateful for on this day.

• I am grateful for my little family and the fun we have just the four of us.
• I am grateful for my dad’s retirement and being able to spend at least one day a week catching up over coffee, just me and him.
• I am grateful for my mom and my sisters with whom I’m able to do “girly” things, which if you are a girl living in a house of boys you know why this is important
• I am grateful for my extended family who continue to accept me and love me as one of their own.
• I am grateful for the time my Grandpa took to build things. He inspires me now to build and make things for my own kids.
• I am grateful for my alone time when I can actually complete a thought.
• I am grateful for the time I’ve been given to spend with my family and friends so far, hopefully this extends well into the future.
• I am grateful to be a Canadian and live in such a beautiful and friendly town.

There really and truly is so much to be grateful for that I could go on for days listing every little thing. I’ll stop now and ask that you spend a little bit of time thinking of what you’re most grateful for today.

You may also like:

7 Things You Can Be Grateful For Today

The Grass Is Always Green Right Under Your Feet

I Love My Family

Gratitude Journal

Happy Thanksgiving is a post from: Serene Journey

Today I’m over at Dumb Little Man with my post 30 Ways to Make TV Watching More Productive.

Do you ever hear yourself saying “I just don’t have time” yet find yourself plopped in front of the TV for the better part of every evening?

As our to-do lists grow so does our stress and anxiety over getting everything done. While we can’t add any more time to our day (unfortunately) we can use the time we do have in a more productive manner. Let’s face it watching TV isn’t that interactive or demanding. Below are 30 simple little ways to make the most of your TV watching time.

Things you can do while watching TV:

• Fold laundry – Plop the basket beside you and fold while you watch.
• Iron – Drag the ironing board and iron out into the living room and turn that mundane task into something that’s a little more bearable.
• Give or get a massage – Lay on the couch or get on the floor with your significant other and give a back rub or foot massage. At each commercial break switch it up just to keep it fair.
• Stretch – Get down on the floor and stretch your legs, your back, and your arms. You’ll feel great and if you’re an avid TV watcher I’m pretty confident your flexibility will improve in a matter of a few weeks.
• Write out a meal plan for the week – Brainstorm some meal ideas for the coming week. You can take it a step further and create a list of go-to meals or meals you can make ahead and freeze.
• Brainstorm for a new business, a holiday, or activities to do with the kids – Don’t filter ideas just write them down as they come to mind. Sometimes the best ideas come to us when we’re not focused on finding the best ideas.
• Write out your Birthday cards or Christmas cards – Don’t wait until the last minute to get your cards done. For most of us it takes quite a bit of time, so doing even a few each evening can lighten the load.

To read more ideas and to share your own please head over to Dumb Little Man!

Photo courtesy of: obo-bobolina

30 Ways to Make TV Watching More Productive is a post from: Serene Journey

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that the general population is more over weight than it’s ever been. Consider the following statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Percent of adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 34% (2007-2008)
• Percent of adolescents age 12-19 years who are obese: 18% (2007-2008)
• Percent of children age 6-11 years who are obese: 20% (2007-2008)
• Percent of children age 2-5 years who are obese: 10% (2007-2008)
• Percent of adults who engaged in no leisure-time physical activity: 36%

I don’t know about you, but these numbers scare me and the obesity level in children just make me sad.

Weight control needs to be part of our lifestyle. Exercise, portion control, and what you put into your body all work together in keeping you healthy overall but also at a healthy weight.

The two questions that could stop you from gaining another pound.

When you go to eat something (good/bad or otherwise) ask yourself:

1. Am I hungry? Are you really hungry or are you simply bored or even thirsty? Be honest and feel for signs within you like a growling stomach for instance. Think about the last time you had a glass of water if it’s been a while (or you can’t remember) start with a tall glass of water, wait 10-15 minutes and see if you’re still hungry.

2. Is there something better I could be eating? If you decide after the first question that you are indeed hungry, look at what you’re going to eat and see if there is something better that you could be eating. Instead of chips try popcorn, instead of chocolate try an apple with some peanut butter.

One thing you can do to help impulsive eating is have snacks like almonds, trail mix, cashews, cranberries, raisins etc … separated into individual portions. Then you can simply grab that snack out of the pantry or fridge and you’re good to go.

What these two questions boil down to are simply mindful eating. Sitting in front of the TV with a bag of chips or pretzels etc … and mindlessly consuming the whole bag is not mindful eating. There are some great resources on mindful eating around the web. Here are a few articles I’ve personally enjoyed.

How to Master the Art of Mindful Eating

A Simple Guide to Mindful Eating

Combating Mindless Eating How to Eat Mindfully, Not Mindlessly

Obviously there are a lot of factors that contribute to weight gain, but these two simple questions can really help reduce the weight put on by eating by getting you to think more mindfully.

Have you ever practiced mindful eating? Will you try asking yourself these two little questions before you eat something again?

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Attention stressed out and frazzled moms:

My friend Lisa at Well Grounded Life has a course starting this Saturday called Designed for Wellness. This is what Lisa has to say about the course in her own words:

If you are ready to move into a new level of health and well being, I would love to share with you an online program that is beginning soon, called Designed for Wellness.

Week by week you’ll learn tools and strategies that fit you personally so you can bring about real change in your life.

You get the fundamentals of excellent health down by understanding what your body needs and how to best feed it and care for it, and you do this in a rich community of like-minded women who are there to grow, learn, and get healthier along with you.

If you’d like more information please check out the course page here. I’d love for you to join us this September for a life-changing 12 weeks together.

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Photo courtesy of: ~C4Chaos

Two Simple Questions That Could Stop You From Gaining Another Pound is a post from: Serene Journey

Time to do a fall clean up and put away all traces of summer. For most, fall also marks the start of a lot more time spent indoors.

Whether you’re retired, a stay at home parent, or just a busy body who enjoys the great outdoors, now is the time to start thinking about what to do when a day of leisurely puttering around the yard isn’t an option.

1. Make a list of indoor projects that could be done. Include things like:

• painting
• decluttering each room
• organizing what’s left
• minor repairs – caulking, tightening hinges or fixing a door bell.
• major projects – building a bookcase, a wine rack or remodeling a room.

2. Plan a holiday. Being stuck indoors can be a good thing especially when you use the time to plan vacations. Although it’s nice to travel to far off exotic places you can make your travel budget stretch a bit further by staying local. Book a couple of weekends at a hotel in the city. Spend some time exploring your own city or relaxing by the hotel pool. Sometimes it’s just a change of scenery that’s needed.

3. Plan a games night. They say misery loves company so invite family and friends around to be miserable with you Planning a games night isn’t difficult and it can be a lot of fun. Team up with a number of people and make it a weekly or monthly event alternating who’s place you go to. You can use this checklist for ideas on hosting your own games night.

4. Spa day at home. Treat yourself to a tranquil spa experience in the comfort of your own home. Get rid of the kids and the spouse and settle in for a day of pampering. Set the mood with some soft music and scented candles then run a hot bubble bath and soak while reading your favorite magazine or a new book. When you’re done curl up in your favorite chair with a cup of herbal tea, glass of wine or a bit of water.  Spend the afternoon watching your favorite movies, listening to music or reading.

5. Learn something new. Think about something you’ve always wanted to do, learn or try but never got around to doing it. Now’s as good a time as any. Spend time creating and perfecting your signature dish, a recipe you can make from memory and that you’re known for (or could be known for).  Learn and perfect a soufflé recipe, learn a new language, create a website, start a blog, or take a college course.

6. Get your finances in order. Let’s face it personal finances is not an area where most of us devote a lot of time to or even have a great handle on. Spend time while you’re indoors to get you financial situation under control. Know what your net worth is, create a budget, create a savings plan that is aligned with your long and short term goals.

7. Start exercising at home. Spend part of your day being active indoors. Buy or borrow a yoga, pilates, or aerobics DVD and get moving. If you have  a treadmill or exercise bike, now is the time to dust it off and put on a few more miles. Summer will be here before you know it and so will the bathing suits, shorts and tank tops. Don’t use the cold weather as an excuse to become completely sedentary.Get up and get moving.

There are a lot of things you can do while stuck inside over the cold winter months.

What are you planning to do this winter to make sure you don’t suffer from cabin fever?

Don’t miss Amazon’s:

See also:

8 Tips For Effective Budgeting

50 Things To Do With Your Kids When It’s -50C

Gratitude Journal: 30 Days To Happiness

House Maintenance: Winter

Photo courtesy of: Wonderlane

How to Avert Cabin Fever This Winter is a post from: Serene Journey