My favorite! Conway Stewart's Kipling
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Power of Nice: 3 Things That Keep Me Nice
If you could pin someone down and ask them why they might behave badly, I bet you would get a wide range of answers. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, so I turned the question on myself. What makes me behave, uh-hum, unfavorably?
My answers were not pretty, nor mature, nor rational. I was forced into realizations that were even a bit uncomfortable. I am 38 years old and it still puts me in a bad mood when it’s really humid and my hair won’t act right. I think nasty thoughts about my children if they eat all of my favorite potato chips before I have some. I even get irritated about going to church on Sunday mornings if I’ve not had all the coffee I’d like.
Now, since I’ve divulged all this about myself, I’d prefer not to hear another word about it. I’m working on these… and many others.
I do, however, have 3 tactics to share that keep me on my best-behavior toes.
1) I use the myAgenda like I use oxygen. Feeling like I’ve overlooked something or realizing I’m late for an appointment because I’d forgotten about it puts me on the fast track to irritation. This compact calendar offers space to keep up with even the smallest details. It’s Murphy’s Law that says when I’m at my desk, I need what’s in my car and vice versa. Just by having a one-stop-shop for everything from appointments to book titles to passwords lets my mind be free of the burden of trying to remember where that post-it note went. I highly recommend this as a way to keep your thoughts and commitments organized.
2) Finding time for myself nearly every single day gives me the time I need to keep my perspective. Often, when we run across someone who is “having a moment”, we think something like, ‘It’s just a red light. Your screaming and ranting is not going to make it change to green any faster. And, really, doesn’t a red light last only a minute or two?’ Perspective. It’s the magic potion for irrational reactions to everyday situations. Your own strategy for finding and keeping perspective may be a jog, hanging with your children or even reading a book. The secret is to figure out what works for you and do it.
3) I go outside. The fresh air, the sounds, the sights…aahhh. It’s a distraction, pure and simple. To walk outside is to take a break from all the visual reminders of things to do. After a few short minutes of Vitamin D, I’m revived with a new attitude. It is said the lack of Vitamin D contributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder in which people experience depression due to the lack of sunlight. Anais Nin, a French author, said “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Our state of mind makes a difference when it comes to behavior, so let a little light in!
Whatever your own tactics are, just be sure to use them with regularity. Why wouldn’t you use anything at your disposal to put your best foot forward? So, put a smile on your face and a skip in your step and, of course, be nice.
I do, however, have 3 tactics to share that keep me on my best-behavior toes.
1) I use the myAgenda like I use oxygen. Feeling like I’ve overlooked something or realizing I’m late for an appointment because I’d forgotten about it puts me on the fast track to irritation. This compact calendar offers space to keep up with even the smallest details. It’s Murphy’s Law that says when I’m at my desk, I need what’s in my car and vice versa. Just by having a one-stop-shop for everything from appointments to book titles to passwords lets my mind be free of the burden of trying to remember where that post-it note went. I highly recommend this as a way to keep your thoughts and commitments organized.
2) Finding time for myself nearly every single day gives me the time I need to keep my perspective. Often, when we run across someone who is “having a moment”, we think something like, ‘It’s just a red light. Your screaming and ranting is not going to make it change to green any faster. And, really, doesn’t a red light last only a minute or two?’ Perspective. It’s the magic potion for irrational reactions to everyday situations. Your own strategy for finding and keeping perspective may be a jog, hanging with your children or even reading a book. The secret is to figure out what works for you and do it.
3) I go outside. The fresh air, the sounds, the sights…aahhh. It’s a distraction, pure and simple. To walk outside is to take a break from all the visual reminders of things to do. After a few short minutes of Vitamin D, I’m revived with a new attitude. It is said the lack of Vitamin D contributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder in which people experience depression due to the lack of sunlight. Anais Nin, a French author, said “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” Our state of mind makes a difference when it comes to behavior, so let a little light in!
Whatever your own tactics are, just be sure to use them with regularity. Why wouldn’t you use anything at your disposal to put your best foot forward? So, put a smile on your face and a skip in your step and, of course, be nice.
Cocktails & Canape: The Fruits of Your Languor
The leaves of which are widely accepted as the iconic first fashion statement, one of my favorite fruits makes its debut in local markets mid-month. Paired with a clean, crisp white wine, fresh figs are the epitome of sophistication, elegance and abundance.
We weren’t surprised when the oh-so-versatile fruit made a media splash after being featured as the secret ingredient on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.” After all, there has even been some speculation that the “forbidden fruit” was a fig and not an apple.
Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them:
· Broiled with Honey & Brown Sugar
· Wrapped in Pancetta or Prosciutto
· Goat Cheese & Bacon Kissed
· Snuggled up with Chorizo & Blue Cheese
· Garnished with Chèvre & Chopped Cashews
· Dancing on Gingersnaps with Mascarpone & Chocolate Shavings
· Stuffed with Bourbon “tipsy” Walnuts
Entertaining has never been more relaxed, not to mention rewarding. For more recipes, download the Fig Fest 2009 Recipe Book by clicking here!
Page Turner: Christine Eisner
a
One of Ashley's favorite "Tweethearts,"
the ruby-slippered Christine Eisner
brings us a Classic! Amazon says . . .
"With simple tools and do-able steps, Comfort Living will guide you in creating a home that transforms the way you experience each day. No big investment of time or money is required. Filled with exercises, ToolBoxes, photographs and planning pages, this book becomes a personalized experience for each reader, customized to individual needs and wants, much like a wedding planner or baby book. Just as comfort food does more than satisfy hunger, Comfort Living realigns your surroundings so that they support your priorities and feed your soul."
the ruby-slippered Christine Eisner
brings us a Classic! Amazon says . . .
"With simple tools and do-able steps, Comfort Living will guide you in creating a home that transforms the way you experience each day. No big investment of time or money is required. Filled with exercises, ToolBoxes, photographs and planning pages, this book becomes a personalized experience for each reader, customized to individual needs and wants, much like a wedding planner or baby book. Just as comfort food does more than satisfy hunger, Comfort Living realigns your surroundings so that they support your priorities and feed your soul."
Find out more about Christine & this lovely book at:
www.ComfortLivingByChristine.com
www.ComfortLivingByChristine.com
Arbiter Elegantiarum: Nina Restieri
Nina Restieri, Founder/President of momAgenda
Interview By: Kate Lewis
Who is a role model that you have looked to in cultivating your sense of style? What would you consider to be their “secret ingredient”?
My mother. Like me, she was a big picture thinker who goes with the flow. She was also a model to me because she was a mother to lots of kids and a business owner. She owned a marketing business. Her entrepreneurial spirit was certainly an influence.I don’t think you can get away from that when your parents have it. My parents would often talk around the dinner table about this or that commercial and how or why it was effective. That definitely made an impact on me.
Who is a role model that you have looked to in cultivating a life of substance? What would you consider to be their “secret ingredient”?
Again, my mother. She started her own business but was the best mom anybody could have. She possessed those dual values of working hard and building a home.
If you could go beyond a company's marketing chatter, what would you really like to know about them when you are deciding on a business deal? How do you gauge their level of style and substance?
I want to know why they exist. What is their core value? My company exists to help make mom’s lives easier, so I try to align with companies who have the same mission. I can judge their credibility by looking to see if they walk the talk and I use social media for this. Twitter is a great way to get to know people. For me, people can see I have the same struggles with kids and schedules as my customers do.
What is the most important piece of advice that you would offer College Grads entering today's job market?
Know who you are and follow that. It’s critically important to find work that doesn’t feel like work. They should do something that excites them, something they can feel passionate about. Find a career that allows that. Use your gifts!
If you could change one thing about your style, what would it be?
I wish I were more even-keel. I can be a bit of a hot-head. My husband is not that way and talks me down about once a month [laughs]. I think this has contributed to a lot of his business success. Often, I get this way when I’m stressed because I have too much going on.
What is the most important piece of advice that you would offer College Grads entering today's job market?
Know who you are and follow that. It’s critically important to find work that doesn’t feel like work. They should do something that excites them, something they can feel passionate about. Find a career that allows that. Use your gifts!
If you could change one thing about your style, what would it be?
I wish I were more even-keel. I can be a bit of a hot-head. My husband is not that way and talks me down about once a month [laughs]. I think this has contributed to a lot of his business success. Often, I get this way when I’m stressed because I have too much going on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
