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

 

TOUGH TIMES

 As I lie in bed listening to my babies' breathing I cannot help but think that I have a previlage which was brutally snatched from someone else. I should never shudder with fear when I think of my baby going to school. 

I wish as a parent I could comfort my child through some of the events of these tough times. Its sad enough having to explain covid or why suicide barriers are being placed on the Manhattan and Verrazzano bridges. I too need comfort. 

As I navigate life in my own way my only source of meaning comes from my faith and trust in God. He is my only source of reason, my only source of comfort and my only source of strength. 

I call Him Source. Find the Source!!!!

One Love

Danni

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE

FINDING AND OWNING OUR OWN VOICE

 

Kaity and her lipstick filter

I remember being a little girl growing up in rural Jamaica it felt as though life was less complicated back then. When I compare my experiences to those of my children I fear the peer pressure and experiences that they have to endure at such a young age. Particularly the pressures to fit in. 

I am constantly reminding my oldest that she has to be herself, love herself unconditionally and not allow peoples opinions of her to dictate her decisions. I can already see that for her this is a struggle. 

In this world of social media and access to the lives of people we do not have relationships with but compare ourselves to, it is so important to have a deeper sense of self worth. It is also important to teach our children how valuable they are so they have the skills to rise above negative social pressures. If we as adults still struggle with this, can you imagine our children?

One Love

Danni

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE

KEEP TRYING NEVER QUIT

 PRe

I remember becoming a Mary Kay consultant and I remember quitting. But I never forgot the lessons I learned from network marketing. Here are some of the lessons I learned from my Mary Kay days. 

1. You have to believe in yourself. Self doubt kills dreams. You have to muster the confidence to step out and go after your dream. 

2. Anyone can become a pro if they practice. Practice makes perfect, but you have to put in the work. 

3. Have a strong why, determine the thing that motivates you to action and activate it when you find yourself doubting your abilities. 

4. Surround yourself with people who have similar goals and allow peer pressure to motivate your action.

5. Work hard first and you will deserve and better yet appreciate your play hard moments.

6. NEVER QUIT!!!!

Go do you. You got this. 

One Love 

Danni. 

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE

YOUR LACK OF SELFCARE IS KILLING YOU

 

Lately I have been feeling uncomfortable and extremely uneasy with my growth, career, life and the memories I am making with my children.

As moms we tend to take ourselves for granted and place the care of our children on a higher pedestal than our own self-care. However, having a clear vision for our life with a clearly defined why will help us see that neglecting self-care is more damaging to our children than helpful. We cannot pour from an empty cup. 

I find that in the moments when I am exhausted and feeling stressed, I am more snappy and grumpy with my children. Taking the time to step away, rest and unwind helps to reset my emotions and the way I show up to my family. 

Money plays a big part in our level of comfort. At times we may feel it is a double edge sword as we may feel guilty that the pursuit of career impacts our availability. I believe it is ok to delegate responsibilities and accept help as we advance in our career and be ok when others step in to help us raise our children. 

Feeding our bodies healthy meals and exercising should come naturally to us. It is important to include this as a major part of our self-care routine. I have upped my checking labels game and have decided to be more aware of what I feed myself.

Taking the inconvenient trip to the doctor when things are not right internally is critical. I know I am guilty of not going to the doctor even when I am physically falling apart.  If we want to give the gift of us being around to our children, we must respect ourselves enough to ensure we are healthy.

Take the time to look within and access our actions towards self-care. We need health, wealth and happiness.

 

One Love

Danni

A REALTOR A MOM A DAUGHTER OF THE NORTHSHORE