I Always Get Nostgic For Not Having The Opportunity To Explore My Wonderful And Beautiful Homeland. But

Homemade #ceviche de camarón para el alma. #feelinggood #ecuayorkerlife

3 parts of building a habit: a cue, a routine & a reward.

As part of transitions, I am developing new habits both naturally (like sleeping longer ☁) and those at will (like working out more ☜). But how does the human body, brain and soul develop new habits? AND how do we build a positive habit over a negative habit? But first, we should acknowledge that only YOU have a say in what is a positive or a negative thing that you want for yourself at at given time and space. With that being said, here are some good tips I just read about developing new habits, and repetition or self-torture are not the answers. 

What are habits and how are they formed anyway?  Habits are made by synapses, or gaps between cells that send impulses to the brain. This helps facilitate what a person thinks or does. If this is repeated constantly, it becomes more accessible -- or a habit. 

Now to the 6 ways to breaking a bad habit and developing healthy habits:

Link the new behavior to a routine or environmental cue: Repetition is only part of forming a new habit. It is useful to develop a habit loophole, which means performing something at the same time of the day. This becomes a response to specific cue.

Link a difficult task to a reward: Pretty much think “If i do this tough task, then I will reward myself with something that I like” The idea behind the if-then principle is to link the new behavior, which may be uncomfortable at first, with something positive so the new behavior is associated with positive. This enhances confidence in performing new habit and thus increasing positive feedback and desire to do it again. 

Repeat new behaviors and keep track of progress: Okay, I did say repetition but 24/7 repetition is not what makes a habit successful. In addition to repetition, keeping track of new habit and response to performance is a helpful technique in developing new habitual behavior. Be mindful that life happens (let it happen) and it is okay to miss a day or two of your routine. It is much more important staying schedule most of the time rather than ALL the time. This helps build a new habit. 

Keep it simple: Focus on one habit at a time, otherwise it becomes overwhelming and easy to give up

Use peer support for accountability: Tell a friend, partner or join online support group for motivation or a even a little peer pressure. 

Make a detailed plan: As with many other personal or professional goals a plan in mind will provide more direction. This can be very helpful when building a new habit as well. 

Forget the 21-day habit myth, there is no exact time for developing a habit but with a cue that reminds you and makes you comfortable to do something, a routine that fits you, and a reward for your hard work, a habit will be formed. 

Check ✔

7 Tips for Dealing with Stress

1. Make a list of the most important things to do each day, in order of priority. Think of exactly how you’ll get these done – and don’t think about all the other extra things.

2. Be aware of the triggers that cause you to feel stressed and then imagine coping successfully with these, so you stay in control and can keep getting on with life.

3. When you notice your stress rising, try to focus on your breathing, and make sure that this is slow, even, deep and regular.

4. Take some time out to recover and invest in yourself so you feel you’re being supported, and allowed to take your time – instead of feeling pressurized, controlled, or else boxed in.

5. Learn to say “no” and to set some boundaries. You only need to do what’s best for you right now. You don’t have to please others, or to do what others say.

6. Don’t run away from problems as that only makes things worse. It’s better to be brave … and then to do what should be done. In the long run, it will help you, and you’ll feel a lot less stressed.

7. Talk to other people to see if they can help. Sometimes it makes a difference if someone else is there, and can listen, and support you, when your life is difficult.

Gracias Pachamama.

Medicinal Plants Worthy of Your Garden Space

We do not heal the past by dwelling there; we heal the past by living fully in the present.

Marianne Williamson (via onlinecounsellingcollege)

Floating Market, Tailand.

Choose empowering beliefs 

In the process of changing beliefs, choose beliefs that are empowering to your soul. A good way to know what belief will be empowering is to simply ask yourself how you feel about adding the new belief. If you feel a strong connection with a new belief, such as feelings of excitement, it will probably be a very good choice of a belief to implement. Make a conscious effort to purge all beliefs that are less than satisfying. Understand also that as you become a more conscious human being, changing your beliefs will become a much easier, more natural process.

Peace & Blessings, Our Journey to Balance 

“We’re proud to be children of immigrant parents and we dedicate this award to the more than eleven million undocumented people that live and work really hard in this country. And that still need to live a more dignified life in this country. Viva la musica! Migration is beautiful!”

La Marisoul from La Santa Cecilia  Grammy Acceptance Speech 2014 (via verythat)