TIPS FOR STAYING STRONG DURING HARD TIMES

Earlier today I had a conversation with my brother about a former classmate of his. What was interesting about his classmate was how he personally struggled with poverty. My brother recalled how as classmates they all would share their lunch with this young man because he most times did not have his own. However, he never complained, always wore a smile and excelled in school. My brother wrapped up that conversation by saying " hard times produce strong people". 

Here are some tips for staying strong during hard times:

1. Hold on to your faith- pray more, trust God more.

2. Exercise gratitude- there is always something to say thank you for, make a habit to highlighting the positive. 

3. Form new positive habits- like exercising. 

4. Find your support system- many of us find our support system in church. It can also be a book club or a group of friends.

5. Stay away from negativity- The news is number one on my hit list for making me sad. I stay away from it as much as possible. 

 

One Love

Danni

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE

 

DETERMINED AND DEDICATED

Today as I watched my two year old ride her bike, I could not help but be impressed with her dedication and determination. 

As I sit thinking of all the things I started and stopped, the many blessings that came my way and the many times I dropped the ball only to restart and stop again, I can only attribute my failures to one thing, lack of determination. 

Half way through the year as we reevaluate the progress of our goals, lets push forward with renewed strength, focus and drive. If you want it badly, then its worth working hard for. 

Push yourself like your child's life depended on it.

One Love

Danni

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE. 

 

IT GETS BETTER WITH TIME-The Shelly Ann Fraser effect

Mom and dad aging like fine wine

 As we get older we begin to slow down and modify our dreams and goals. Instead of desiring growth we adjust and make assumptions that this is all that life has to offer us. We become accepting of less and that drive for greatness diminishes. 

This month I set a new goal. I am training myself to run track. I desperately want to compete in track competitions and push my body to the absolute limit. 

My motivation: Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce. I have been so inspired by Shelly's career because she has broken the stereotypes and has excelled as she gets older. For example, so many female athletes after becoming parents tend to loose their ability to perform. Shelly has not only been consistent but has been running her personal bests since becoming a mom. 

The take away: It does not matter your circumstance, you can break barriers and become a better version of yourself. Set high goal, regardless of circumstance, age, credentials and the list goes on. Fight for becoming your absolute best self. 

 

One Love

Danni

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE

 

STEPPING OUT IN FAITH

In Jamaica we like to say "you should stick with the evil that you know". But like everything else, that statement has its place. 

 

I take the express bus into lower Manhattan. Usually to get to my destination I would take the bus into the city then jump on the train. A few days ago another express bus came before the usual bus that I am accustomed to. I felt compelled to take the earlier bus, but wasn't very confident I knew the route. I had an idea of where it went but did not know it well enough to be comfortable jumping on. Instead of hesitating I jumped on figuring I didn't have much to loose. Turns out that bus was five minutes walk from my destination.

 

The lesson Iearned was there are times we have to step out in faith into the unknown and trust the process. Nothing that’s worth having comes easily. It instead comes through hard work, dedication but most of all faith. 

 

One Love

 

Danni

 

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE. 

 

FIVE HACKS TO REST AND RECOVERY

My husband always tells me that I sleep too much. I tell him that he is chronically sleep deprived. I hate the feeling of exhaustion. But being exhausted these days seems like a normal way of life for most Americans as many of us cannot get through the day without caffeine. 

Here are some hacks that I have used to optimize my sleep.

1. Be consistent with the time you go to bed and your night routine
2. Get a good wind down routine- It may be reading a good book, journaling or sipping (unsweetened) tea. 
3. Get off the phone- Cell phones, TV and our devices alter our hormonal levels and prevent our bodies from producing the hormones we need to fall asleep. It is recommended to put away our devices at least 1.5 hours prior to bed. Even though you may fall asleep your body may not go through your sleep cycle efficiently making you feel exhausted after a full nights sleep.
4. Black Out Curtains- If you live in a city where street lights are always beaming through the window, get black out curtains and keep your room dark.
5. Keep the room cool- Studies have shown that keeping your room cooler vs warmer or hot optimizes your sleep and makes your rest more restful.

 

One Love

Danni

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE

 

BUBBLES IN THE PARK

 

A few days ago Yke (pronounced Ike) and I took the kids to the park and we had a blast. All we did was make bubbles with our bubble machine, flew our kites, throw a frisbee, and teach the kids to ride their bikes. 

My reason for me telling you this is to encourage you to find and explore those little things that bring you joy and satisfaction. Yes we all have big goals, big dream, and we get frustrated when our plans do not seem to go the way we had hoped. However, find your "sweet things" and enjoy them. 

Here are a few things that bring me joy that I allow myself to explore:

1. Making a meal I have never made before.

2. Teaching my kids to ride their bikes.

3. Gardening (this is new)

4. Waking up early and reading a good book.

5. Blogging (surprised???)

One Love

Danni

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE. 

SEPARATE REAL FROM FAKE

A few days ago the family and I viewed a movie in 3D. I am always amazed by 3D and IMAX movies. They tend to create the illusion of being apart of the scene and have a way of invoking the same feelings as if you are physically experiencing the event. For example it is not uncommon for the viewer to feel as if they are actually falling when viewing an aerial scene. 

I’m conversation with the kids I used this as an example to illustrate how fear, negative thoughts and incorrect perceptions can give us the illusion of something being real, but it is not.

It is important to separate the "real" from the "fake" and let go of those fear based thoughts that do not serve our strength, instead they suppress our energy and our creativity they also make us physically, mentally and often times spiritually weak. 

On your next trip to the movies, pay attention to the way your emotions are heightened by something you know is fake.

 

One Love

Danni

 

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE