An Introvert's View

Good Habits can substantially improve your life

Audra McDonie / Self-Help / Leave a Comment

Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” In my experience, I have found this to be true. We need to infuse our lives with healthy and life-affirming habits if we want them to be good. We truly are what we repeatedly do. I did an exhaustive search of healthy habits for this blog, while also sharing some healthy habits of my own. I hope that you find some that you want to incorporate into your life.

Have a Morning Routine

I have found that the best days for me are the ones where I am intentional first thing in the morning. This means doing things that are good for me. Some examples are:

Exercising
Reading spiritual books
Meditating
Writing a to-do list for the day

Having a morning routine where you incorporate healthy habits may require getting up a bit earlier, but it will improve your day and life so much, you won’t even miss the sleep!

Perfect the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 Rule says that it’s not how many tasks you do, but how many results the tasks you are doing bring. It says that 20% of tasks yield 80% of results. That’s why it is best to put the tasks that will have a bigger impact at the top of your to-do list and the less important ones towards the bottom. This one habit can have a significant impact on attaining your goals and making your dreams come true!

Start Small and add One habit a week

Adding healthy habits can seem a little overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to do it all at once. Try getting in the habit of adding one new habit a week to your daily routine. You can pick some of the ones I’ve already talked about, pick one from the list below, or come up with your own.

Drink an extra glass of water per day.
Take a 20 minute walk.
Practice sitting up straighter.
Cut out sugar for the day.
Do 25-50 lunges per day.
Eat one piece of fruit.
Read 5 pages from a book.
Make your bed before leaving for the day.
Master the art of listening.
Smile more.
Try not to judge others.

“The man who moves a mountain, begins by carrying away small stones.”
CONFUCIOUS

Making changes in our life can feel scary and because of this we may put off starting or trying new things. If we take it one step and one thing at a time, change is much more manageable. You will be surprised that when you start slowly adding positive habits, the negative ones will fall away on their own. They won’t feel like you anymore. This is because action changes things. Action is one of the most powerful agents of change that there is in this world. So keep taking small steps of action each day in a positive direction and there is no telling where it will take you. I hope that I have inspired you to add a few healthy habits to your life. Remember life’s a journey where we only have to strive for progress, not perfection. Have an amazing day making some progress!

creativity is Mankind’s Greatest gift

Audra McDonie / Self-Help

Every person is creative in their own way. Some of us are more in touch with that creativity and can produce tangible works of art like paintings, music, poems, and creative writings.

Ideas are a form of creativity that is no less important. Human beings are problem solvers and since the beginning of time, we have been creatively problem-solving. From building shelters to protect ourselves from bad weather to planting crops when food was scarce.

Creativity is very important to human beings and this blog will explore why I think creativity is mankind’s greatest gift.

“Creativity Takes Courage”

Art inspires and Entertains us

In my opinion, art is what makes life worth living. Try to imagine a world without books, music, television shows, movies, plays, paintings, photographs, dancing, jewelry, or fashion. A world where our most popular forms of entertainment are gone and there is nothing in which to inspire us. It sounds dismal, doesn’t it?

Our world would be much less interesting without artistic endeavors, but society does not nurture artists. Schools programs are designed to support science, technology, math, government, and sports programs. While artistic programs fight to survive, and it is only getting worse. Artists of every kind are discouraged from pursuing their passions because it is too risky and not a stable way of life. This way of thinking needs to stop.

Artists and the arts are an integral part of a healthy and thriving society. I feel it is extremely important that we support our artists in any way we can!

big ideas can change the world

Most people stand by and watch as our world falls apart. They plug into fear and chaos and abandon critical thinking. We should all make an effort to fix what is wrong in the world. We each have different gifts that we can use in tandem with our creativity to come up with the big ideas that can change the world. We can’t keep saying it’s not my problem or there is nothing that I can do. We have a responsibility to give it some thought and try to come up with new ideas and solutions. What do we have to lose?

Creativity Drives Us to Be better

Creativity is a powerful force in the human experience. It helps us to live healthier and more evolved lives. People who have sharp creative abilities seem to have certain personality traits in common:

Open to new ideas and experiences
Curious
Positive
Energetic
Persistent

Here are some things you can try to be more creative:

– Spend time by yourself

-Feel your emotions

-Be open to new things

-Broaden your horizons – intellectually & aesthetically

-Record your thoughts and ideas so you don’t forget them. You never know when inspiration will strike!

Each of us was put on this planet with the amazing gift of creativity and a purpose. As Eugene Delacroix said, ” What moves men of genius, or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough.” We have used this gift of creativity to produce many wonderful things, but I agree that what has been said so far is not even close to being enough. We still have a long way to go to make this world the absolute best it can be, and there’s no reason every one of us can’t be a part of it!

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Journaling is an amazing form of self-care

Audra McDonie / Health & Wellness, Self-Help / Leave a Comment

Self-care is an important part of taking care of ourselves. Anything that contributes to making us healthier in mind, body, and spirit can be categorized as self-care. Today, I will be discussing journaling as a form of self-care. Journaling is an easy and inexpensive way to take care of yourself. All you need is a blank page and a pen!

why Journal?

improve mental, emotional and spiritual wellness	solve a problem
gain clarity	creative expression
Boosts mood	releases stress

There are no rules to follow when journaling. All you have to do is look inward to get in touch with your feelings and needs. Writing down your thoughts allows you to process what is going on in your head. It also helps you to self-reflect and learn from your experiences.

self-care journal ideas:

Reflective: Write down something that happened in your life. It can be something good or bad.

Morning Pages: Write down whatever comes to mind every morning. (for about 10-15 minutes)

Things That Lift You Up: Make a list of people, places and things that lift you up. Close your eyes, then think of all the things that make you smile and write them down. Dedicate a page in your journal to each of these.

In addition to the ideas above, another great way to kick start your journaling is to use journal prompts. A journal prompt is a statement or question that guides what you write. Below is a list of some journal prompts that I found. You can also find hundreds by looking on Pinterest or Google.

Journal Prompts

On my worst days I want to remember that ______
What is something I can do today that will make me feel better tomorrow?
What is the thing I value most in life and why?
What is the best beach or lake day that you can remember?
How would your best friend describe you to a stranger?
What is your best childhood memory?
What does success mean to you?
What do you need to let go of?
What qualities do you admire most?
What makes you feel loved and why?
Where is your favorite place to go and why?
What do you need to start saying “no to?
when do I feel most at ease?
when do I feel most happy?
What do I think my most powerful trait is?
Am I living my life in alignment right now?
What things am I doing to positively affect my future?
What drains my energy? What gives me energy?

Journaling for self-care is a simple and wonderful way to take care of yourself. You will find that writing is very cathartic and you will feel better after journaling. To build the habit try journaling at the same time each day because this makes it easier to be consistent. I hope that you enjoyed this blog and that you will give journaling a try!

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5 wise quotes that will make you think

Audra McDonie / Health & Wellness, Self-Help / Leave a Comment

Quote #1

“Grown men don’t cry, growing men do.”
-Unknown

I’m not sure when the stigma against men crying and showing emotion began, but I think it is one of the most detrimental things to happen to our world.

Human beings are emotional creatures, so whoever decided that men should deny who they innately are, is a complete and utter idiot.

Feeling emotions and crying are sure signs that we’re evolving as human beings. Men should be celebrated and not shamed for this!

Quote #2

“So much of my life was a reaction to a reaction”
-Unknown

I’ve always been very reactive in my relationships. I’m learning that it’s okay not to react to everything that is said to me.

Most of the time when people are saying things that are offensive to me, it has more to do with them than with me. My life becomes more peaceful when I don’t take things personally.

There are still days that people get under my skin, but it’s okay because I’m striving for progress, not perfection!

Quote #3

“You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
C.S. Lewis

I believe wholeheartedly that age is just a number. You are only as old as you feel. I think the older we get the more we have to offer the world.

The experience and wisdom that comes from living life expand the more life we live.

It’s never too late to go after and achieve our dreams. I think it’s easier the older we get because we have an arsenal of life experiences to help us along the way! So keep on dreaming!

Quote #4

“Gratitude can change common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
-William A. Ward

I believe that being grateful can change our lives. When we focus on the abundance in our lives instead of what we lack, our lives become better.

I’ve been trying to wake up every morning grateful for the day ahead, and I’m finding it makes all the difference!

Quote #5

“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.”
-Eckhart Tolle

This is a revolutionary concept to me and it is more difficult than it sounds. I am working hard to incorporate this idea into my life.

I have found that my life is easier and more peaceful when I can accept what is happening in the present moment instead of fighting it.

By not resisting and getting out of the way, life has a way of unfolding in the most wonderful ways!

These are quotes that mean a lot to me. I hope that you find them inspirational and helpful on your journey of self-discovery!

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Wellness Activities You can do right now

Audra McDonie / Health & Wellness, Self-Help / Leave a Comment

We all want to lead healthier, happier and more evolved lives. Wellness activities are things that can help us on our way to that goal. I am always looking for new things I can do to become healthier physically, emotionally and spiritually. I believe that each and every one of us has a responsibility to ourselves, our families and our fellow humans to try to be the absolute best people we can be. So here are some wellness activities that you can begin right now!

Cook a healthy dinner

Here is one of my favorite healthy dinner recipes. It is good for you and delicious. Make it tonight!

Meditate for 10 minutes

Meditating is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. It improves your emotional, physical and mental health all at once! Calm is a great meditation app. Click on the YouTube video below to try one of their meditations now and if you like it, you can get the app on your phone!

Listen to an inspiring ted talk or YouTube video

I love to broaden my horizons and learn new things! Ted Talks, YouTube videos and podcasts are amazing ways to learn new and inspiring self-help and wellness ideas. Wayne Dyer is one of my mentors. I have read many of his books and his ideas really resonate with me. You can listen to one of his videos below right now!

Do some exercises

Here is a great ab workout that I found on YouTube. It gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Try it now!

Start Coloring

I have loved coloring since I was a kid. It is a wonderful way to decompress and be creative at the same time. There are many wonderful adult coloring books available. Next time you’re out, buy one and a small pack of crayons. Happy coloring!

I hope that you enjoy these wellness activities and that they help you to live a healthier and happier life. Take care and know that you are incredible!

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5 strong Introvert women characters in film and tV

Audra McDonie / Introvert's View / Leave a Comment

This blog is about my favorite strong introvert women characters in film and TV. Unfortunately, tough introverted women characters are not prevalent in film and TV. Most strong women portrayed in popular culture today are extroverts. That being said, the characters that I am writing about here today are extraordinary and if you are an introvert they should make you proud!

Aibileen Clark – The help

Aibileen Clark played by Viola Davis in The Help is my favorite introvert character in all of TV and film. She plays a warm compassionate maid in Jackson Mississippi in the 1960s during the civil rights movement. Over her career as a maid, she has raised 18 white children. When we see her with her current employer’s child, Mae Mobley we are struck by what a special person she is. She says to Mae in one scene, “you is kind, you is smart, you is important,” to try and balance out the damaging self-esteem comments her mother often says to her.

She is an inspirational character because she bears the oppression of the period with a strong and quiet resilience that is rarely seen in women characters. She is also courageous, risking everything when she decides to share stories of the racist housewives that mistreat her and the other maids in the town. Every time I watch this film it makes me want to be a better person. Aibileen Clark is someone that we should all aspire to be like!

Katniss Everdeen – The Hunger Games

Katniss Everdeen played by Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games is another amazing introvert character. Katniss is stuck in a dystopian world where almost everything has been taken from her family and the district that she lives in. Her father has died and her mother wasn’t strong enough to step up, so Katniss has assumed the leadership role for her mother and sister Primrose.

Katniss is able to adapt to this new world in courageous and innovative ways. She learns to use a bow and arrow so she can hunt for food. This helps her family and also brings more food to the district because she trades it on the black market.

Her courage and character really come to light when she volunteers to go to the Hunger Games in place of her sister who was picked to go. While participating in the games she fights intelligently and valiantly, ultimately winning it all.

She does all of this in a quiet, reserved, and humble way. She is intelligent, thoughtful, and a born leader. All of the things that make introverts so special. This is why Katniss Everdeen is another one of my favorite strong introvert characters.

Iris Simpkin – The Holiday

Iris Simpkin played by Kate Winslet in The Holiday is such a likable and kind introvert. Iris is someone we can all relate to. She lives in a small town in London in a picturesque cottage with her dog. She spends hours drinking tea and reading by the fire.

Iris is in love with a man who uses her and doesn’t appreciate her. She flees her life and decides to take a vacation in Los Angeles. While in LA she befriends an old Hollywood writer and he helps her to see her worth and to realize that she needs to be the “Leading lady in her own life” and not the “best friend” role she has been playing.

Iris has such a beautiful character arc through which she realizes her own power and then has the courage to change. She is such a powerful introvert character!

June Osborne – The Handmaid’s Tale

June Osborne played by Elisabeth Moss in The Handmaid’s Tale is a bad-ass introvert. Of all the characters I’ve written about here today, she is the strongest. She has an inner indomitable spirit that can not be defeated. None of this strength is displayed outwardly, but the inner quiet strength that she has cannot be denied.

I won’t go into the details, of what June has to go through, in case you haven’t seen the show, but it is horrendous and something that no person should have to endure. She is courageous and selfless for her children and her fellow handmaids. She gives little thought to herself and her needs. She is a truly inspiring introvert and a character that I have the utmost respect for!

Jamie Sullivan – A Walk to Remember

Jamie Sullivan played by Mandy Moore in A Walk to Remember is the sweetest of introverts. She is the minister’s daughter in a small town in North Carolina. Jamie is shy and doesn’t have a lot of friends. Although in true introvert fashion this does not matter to her in the least. She reads during lunch at school and is perfectly happy with who she is as a person. She also has a strong steadfast faith in God.

Her life is turned upside down when Landon Carter resident bad boy in town enters her life. He is forced to volunteer to help tutor kids and be in the school play with her as punishment for a dangerous prank he played on a friend.

Jamie is at first annoyed by Landon, then she tries to help him and eventually falls for him. Her character shows how believing in someone, loving them, and having faith in God can change someone and their life trajectory.

Jamie’s character in this film shows what a force for good someone who believes in themselves and their convictions can be in the world. She shows the power of the introvert and I absolutely love her!

So those are my favorite strong introvert characters in film and TV. If you haven’t seen these movies and shows that showcase these amazing character’s yet, I hope that maybe you’ll give them a watch. Every one of them in their own way makes me proud to be a woman and an introvert!