Take a walk in nature

When was the last time you went out for a walk, just for fun?

One way to take care of ourselves is to find the time to just get away from the business of life, and escape on a quiet walk out in nature where you can observe a grounded ecosystem that just exuberates peacefulness and introspection.

I had a surreal feel-good moment today, where I simply took a walk with my friend out in a natural area close to her house. If you were there you would smell the honey from the flowers around, so much so, you could almost taste it. The sun's rays penetrated its warmth through the tall trees, creating a sea, of beautiful shades of green. At one point, I stopped to sit and just listen to the leaves move against the trees from the slight breeze I felt moving across my skin. I heard the birds chirping their different calls, and even observed a worm tenaciously scooch its body across the dirt path. We were hiking on a slope ridden trail for about an hour, yet it was so mesmerizing and intriguing the sights around me, I didn't even know where the time flew.

Moments like these help us realize how much we overwork and just busy ourselves with every day life. It serves as a good reminder of the importance to just be still in the moment, allowing the stillness to just fill our senses with an overwhelming feeling of peace, love, and gratitude.  Permitting our mind to just free itself from the many thoughts, questions, worries, and plans that subconsciously run around.  A form of mental health that enables our mind to quiet down, soak in the good and feel renewed again.

What do nature walks remind you of?

#naturewalk #hikes #hiking #peaceofmind #naturetrails #forest #slowingdowntime #Healthystrongbeautiful  #HSBvibes #HSB #thrive #optimism #lifeperspective #awareness #healthpromotion #diseaseprevention #wholistichealth #healthyliving #nurseselfcare #mentalhealth #physicalhealth #spiritualhealth #selfcare #takingcareofyourself

Simple Steps to Planning a Party

Truth be told, it never seems to be a good time to plan a party. Sometimes, it even seems overwhelming and you don't even know where to start. Yet, you will never be 30 again, your kid will never be 10 again, and you won't always have your parents or grandparents around. Life is an ever changing continuum. Its up to you to help stop it and create a memorable moment. 

With that in mind, the following are simple steps to getting the party from an idea, down to a plan in action: 

1) Make an invite list

• You have to decide who you want to invite. Do you want to invite your friends, neighbors, relatives, kids, couples, only girls/guys etc.? Do you want a big party or a small party?

2) Pick a venue

• Decide where you want to party. Do you want it at your house, at a restaurant, the park, cafe, bowling ally, indoor play center, zoo etc.?

• Then, call the venue and see what their policy is on setting a reservation. What are their prices? What days are they available? Do they have a maximum amount of people they can sit?

3) Send out invitations

• Once you have chosen a day, create an invitation and send them out to all those on your invite list. 

• I used an invitation app called evite to create a fancy, official looking one.

• Tip: Send out invitations preferably one month in advance. Then, follow up in 2 weeks on those who are still deciding. Lastly, follow up the week of.

4) Choose your decorations

• Do you want to have an elegant party with just flowers and a desert table? Or, do you want to have a certain themed party with balloons?

• Once decided, buy the decorations no later than the day before. It will be too hectic for you to try to help host the party and buy decorations the day of. (been there, done that)

• If possible decorate the place the day before, if not, come as soon as you can (1-2hrs earlier) to give you ample time before the party to put things up. 

5) Enjoy the party: Most important step

• Greet people as they come in, relax and just enjoy the event. Don't forget to find time to get yourself ready for the party as well.  If anything comes up unexpectedly, just see it as a nice twist to an epic day. Find time to soak in the moment, and just be yourself. 

6) After the party

• Send a Thank You text/card for your invites that took the time and made effort to come enjoy the special day with you. 
• If you planned a surprise party for someone. Make sure you give them a list of everyone who came so they can call the guests and thank them for coming as well. 

#party #eventplanning #birthday party #creatingmemories #organizingaparty #partyplanningsteps #Healthystrongbeautiful  #HSBvibes #HSB #thrive #optimism #lifeperspective #awareness #healthpromotion #diseaseprevention #wholistichealth #healthyliving #nurseselfcare #selfcare #takingcareofyourself

Social Media illusions

We are increasingly surrounded by social media via Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Facebook and other platforms trying to portray an illusion of "Perfection". And, when we are not on guard and vulnerable ourselves,  you find yourself comparing and somehow feeling less. You start doubting your potential, talents, uniqueness, and value.

At the heart of it we need to realize that we all bleed the same blood.  Behind that photoshopped filtered photo, behind that smile, behind the flowers and picturesque background you would be surprised to see how much those who strive to create an image of perfection hurt on the inside
themselves. Yet, you don't get many followers if your sad, or show your "imperfections". Our society doesn't really want to be bothered by other peoples hurt, and frankly don't really know what to do.  

Just imagine if everyone was exactly the same? I think we can all agree that, it would be such a boring world to live in. We need a variety of people from different backgrounds, shapes, sizes, looks, shades, experiences, tastes and talents. Its what makes the world beautiful. Your originality is what makes the world beautiful.

Who you are, is beautiful. 

In the spirit of HSB, lets take the time to look in the mirror and appreciate our uniqueness. Write down 10 things you like about yourself. And, how you can use your talents to help others.  Share your top three below.

#socialmediaillusion #perfection #socialmedia #insecurities #Healthystrongbeautiful  #HSBvibes #HSB #thrive #optimism #lifeperspective #awareness #healthpromotion #diseaseprevention #wholistichealth #healthyliving #nurseselfcare #selfcare #takingcareofyourself