Usually the term self sustaining refers to living a greener, more environmentally friendly life that helps you to be able to rely less on modern produce and other items. I believe being self-sustainable goes way further than that. When we apply this self-sustaining mentality to our entire being, a transformation occurs. Think of your mind, body, and spirit as a garden that you would grow to be more self-sustaining. You have to nourish it each day to ensure that it continues to blossom and bear fruit. Often we get caught up in the whirlwind of everyday life, and while the following steps may seem basic, it’s amazing how many people forget them with time. It’s Back to Basics for a new sustainable you! Body, Mind, Spirit, and Lifestyle.
- Eat less Sugar—Excessive sugar consumption is actually the number one factor leading to premature aging! Limit your processed/refined sugar intake and focus on eating more fresh fruits and fresh squeezed juices instead. Which leads to…
- Make your own Juices and Smoothies—This is a fun one and a great way to experiment with different food combinations. We have two different juicers at home—a citrus juicer, a power juicer (more for vegetables), and we also have a high power blender. Try mixing different fruits and vegetables into juices and smoothies that resemble the V8 fusion juices or veggie juices you might buy in the store. Health starts from the inside out. Read more about making yummy juices here.
- Get enough sleep!—Getting enough shut eye really plays a part in how you think and act during the day. If you’re constantly running low on sleep and energy, it’s easy to fall into habits such as being cranky, thinking negatively, and running your body down. Just because you’ve pumped yourself full of caffeine with your morning Latte doesn’t mean your body and mind aren’t still tired.
- Living with purpose—Find your passion and pour yourself into it. Find what interests you most and work towards making that a large part of your life, maybe even your career. If you love what you do, you’ll always be more spirited and inspired.
- Take responsibility—Stop blaming others. As soon as you blame the responsibility for a situation onto someone else, you are admitting helplessness and you give up the control you once had. If you take responsibility, you are more likely to take action to fix the problem or situation. No one should have to do it for you. I like the saying that one of my former workplaces had framed on the wall: “This ain’t your Momma’s house. Clean up after yourself!”
- Practice a positive attitude towards everyone you meet—Everyone has a story. You never know where they’ve been or what got them to where they are now. Be compassionate and treat every person as just that–a person. Don’t treat passing cars as just cars–cars are people so drive with caution and conservatively.
- Brush it off—There are always negative forces in the world that will threaten to dim your spirit. Brush off negative thoughts and comments and don’t let the insecurities of others get to you. Insecure people will always try to spread the blame around for their own issues
- Stressing is a no gain—So someone screwed up the order at work again and you spend the next hour having to redo, even though it’s not your job. Things like this are small in the scheme of things. Don’t allow yourself to slip into the habit of letting the small stuff ruin the rest of your day. I often see clients and workers in my line of work stressing to the max when the slightest things go amiss. One situation that happened recently was a man rising to anger and frustration over a crowded breakfast area in a hotel. The man yelled at me in front of everyone, and instead of asking me if there was additional seating (which there was in the next room over), he decided to yell: “You don’t have any additional seating! Where am I supposed to sit now?” I answered in a friendly manner that there was a whole different breakfast room in the next room over. He then seemed sorry for yelling as he led his children to the next room. Be a good example for yourself and others. Children mimic their role models.
- Challenge yourself to see potential mishaps in a new light–That hot-tub at the hotel you booked is down for maintenance? Now you have more time to go explore the new city you’re visiting! Which I guarantee is going to be more exciting than some hot water and bubbles.
- Reinvent your mind—I try to do brain exercises a few times a week. I know it might sound funny at first, but you work out your body, so why not work out your mind to keep it in good shape? Exercising your brain helps ward off mental decay such as dementia. I use a free podcast called “Brain Ready” through Itunes. Check it out here.
- Savor the peaceful moments and carry them with you wherever you go–Draw upon them during hectic days and situations to help keep calm and in control. Meditation really helps with keeping this balance. I often try to visualize a safe beautiful scene in my mind while meditating and then picture the image in my mind later on when I feel I need a moment to revitalize. I started meditating with Chill Meditation podcasts here.
- Stop worrying what other people will think—Who says you can’t take some you time and go see a movie on your own? What other people think about who you are is none of your business. You know who you are the best, and it’s great to get to know that person even more. I think Dr. Seuss put it best when he wrote something along the lines of: “Be yourself no matter what the kind. Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” That’s not an excuse to be a cruel or negative person though
Going back to simple lessons and basics makes for a more sustainable you. Keep it simple sweetheart!
What is your key for applying the self-sustaining mentality to not only your garden, but your life?
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