I naturally have a Type-A personality; I am super organised, ambitious, and I like things to be done well. While that will never change, I no longer call myself a perfectionist. Over the years, I’ve learned that expecting perfection from yourself from the get-go is normally either a recipe for disappointment or paralysis before you even begin. Being comfortable in whichever level you’re at, in your mistakes, and in your need to practice, learn, and grow… that’s the best way to approach life. Giving your best and being the best are two very different constructs.

I’m at my best when I have a routine, and to be honest, it comes naturally to me because of my personality. Still, I recommend establishing a routine to EVERYBODY, regardless of your personality, and this blog post will tell you why … spoiler: there are health benefits, both mentally and physically!

A few months ago, I found myself being quick to anger during my commute or at the store or basically anywhere. I have a colleague who complains often, and I’m not saying it is her fault (correlation vs. causation, right?) that I’ve let my mood be affected negatively more quickly, but I’m also thankful that I’ve come to the realization that that is what’s happening. We are all human. We are affected and molded by our surroundings every day. An example I overheard recently was about a friend who loves listening to crime podcasts and is now startled more easily. This isn’t to say this was a good or a bad impact to her actions, but it is interesting that something she listens to was able to changes her reactions.

Our days can be so jam-packed and fast-paced sometimes, that we all take some things for granted. So, what I often find myself doing is pausing, taking a deep breath, and reminding myself all that I have to be thankful for. Gratitude has been proven to have many benefits, some of which are explained below.

Summer is here! Some perform rain dances, but the birds performed sunshine songs for us, and for that, I am thankful. The summer weather means we get to relax in the sun, but it also means we get to collect that vitamin D via lots of outdoor activities. Below, you’ll find 20 things to do this summer, so go outside and have fun!

During my last year at university, I learned a lot about myself – about how negative and positive attitudes affect me, about how I am in control of my happiness, and about how things are meant to happen a certain way, and we can choose how we react to life. One thing I did every single day from the beginning of my last semester through the beginning of my first job out of university was choose a quote that represented happiness for me every single day for 365 days.