I know I’ve stumbled upon these quotes multiple times, but just recently they hit different.
It made me reflect on my purpose, direction and priorities. And also gave me more motivation. Though, I must say, quotes are flaky and can’t always provide inspiration. On occasion they can make you stand up, re-evaluate and take action.
So please feel free to reflect on the words and enjoy the sunflower pics I took at Robintide Farms
What we fear of doing most is usually what we most need to do.
We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.
It’s Never Too Late To Be What You Might Have Been
If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
We all have those days (heck maybe weeks) where productivity wains and we feel less than stellar about the work we aren’t getting done. I have a few thoughts on that, one being that productivity ebbs & flows – it’s all part of the process. Secondly, I ALWAYS say no to hustle culture. I mean, like the rest of us …I want it all (progressive career, great marriage, be a loving mother, hang with my friends, drink 3L of water and workout daily) – but I remember that REST will help me accomplish all the things.
Take a break from your workplace Essentially you want to remove yourself from you current situation. Whether that means taking a walk, going to a coffee shop or sitting on your deck. Changing your environment (and in short order) will provide a new perspective as well as a break so you can come back with a fresh mind.
Put your phone in another room: Staying off your socials, not constantly checking chat/emails or other apps will help to eliminate distractions (which when providing a false/high dopamine fix will further prevent one from getting work done). I’m yet to master this …let alone try it… But we all know mindless doom scrolling and social media comparisons, can put you in a funk. So an easy way to remove distractions is to time block your phone breaks.
Complete the smallest – easiest task: What is important here is create the impression of progress on our minds. One small task could be finishing a bottle of water or sending an email you are dreading. Once you complete that task, and mark it off your list – it will create an automatic momentum and willingness to keep going!
Use the momentum and a focused playlist to keep going: Once you’ve completed one task, use the that feeling to keep you going on to something else. Sometimes it helps to play your favourite music or a brown noise playlist. Keep on single tasking till you get three of your top priorities completed.
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to check out the fantastic roof top patio at the X Hotel.
Valarie is boasted as Toronto’s newest nightlife concept with an innovative Japanese menu, inspired cocktails amidst unparalleled views the six.
What we ate: Cocktails: Single Malt on the rocks, Espresso and Cosmo Martinis Food: Truffle Fries, Maitake Mushroom (bowl) & Truffle Teardrop (sushi roll) Food Menu
The mushroom item was delicious. Crispy and with a truffle flavour.
And the martinis were perfect (flavourfull and strong!)
The entire rooftop is lined with a glass balcony – so you get views of the lake, Mississauga, the downtown core and the lake of course.
And of course I only got pictures of the CN Tower.
The views and cocktails really made it for me, although I wish they had more food items.
Over all it was a great experience (we tried to ignore the early 2000s clique vibes between patrons and the restaurant staff).
We got reservations through OpenTable, but I think a walk in is worth a try!
Yes I am one of those people who has no idea when amazon prime is so makes purchases on the days leading up to it.
I’m very curated with my purchases because Amazon can be dangerous (both from a consumer perspective as well as an environmental perspective). But sometimes you just have to treat yourself.
Sharing a tiny review of my experience at Collision Conference 2022 in Toronto
What is Collision Conf: It’s the leading tech conference in North America. The conference is made up booths, several stages for speakers/panels/fireside chats, master classes and workshops. The topics are wide ranging from human centric AI, diversity in tech to purpose-led products.
What I like best about the conference? The energy by far was a vibe. Idea sharing, Innovation and creativity was everywhere from the conversations between people, the talks on stage or the information learned at booths.
My favourite master class/workshop: I attended a talk about table talk exercises – which delivered both standard IT practices but also innovative testing methods (great information for my current role). I also really really enjoyed a talk about purpose led business (good people doing good people).
My favourite booth? The Women in Tech lounge – obviously! Although technically not a booth it was just a great space to hang out, grab a coffee, meeting people or catch up with colleagues. It was my home base!
Give yourself a goal. Give yourself a deadline. Give yourself a challenge. Give yourself a nudge. When you’re acting with a purpose you’re acting with clarity, discipline, and effectiveness. When there has to be a way, you find a way. Want to get more done? Give yourself more to do. Give yourself some ambitious and realistic expectations. Give yourself the effort, discipline, passion and persistence necessary to meet those expectations. Give yourself a clear and compelling direction. And discover for yourself just how much good you can do.
— Ralph Marston
Even the most organized and inspired individuals feel demotivated and overwhelmed at times. I love setting goals (yearly, quarterly, even daily), I get excited to reach milestones and check things off my list. One thing I’m learning to appreciate more – is the journey.
Today is one of those days … I just didn’t feel productive or excited about what I had set out to accomplish. Well …..that’s not entirely true – I’ve been feel like this for a few weeks now.
So I’m writing this post as a reminder…
It’s not about the destination, but the journey. I’m reminded to enjoy the process, both the highs and lows.
It’s totally okay to have quiet days, off days or days where your feel like you are just in a funk.
On those days, learn to take a break, find rest and lean into your emotions. When you don’t want to work, instead journal, try meditation, take hot girl walks, listen to podcasts and make art. But if that’s too much, read in bed, drink lots of coffee (++ water) and binge your favourite show.
