One size fits all: except when it doesn’t

 

One size fits all, a common phrase—whether referring to a hat or a pair of socks—that means to accommodate the varying preferences of most people. But then there are nutrition and fitness plans, haircare and skincare and anti-aging formulas, for example—that each sound life-changing when presented by enthusiasts who’ve experienced positive results in these areas. I’ve heard Keto is the way to nourish our bodies, yoga is the cure-all for whatever ails, apple cider vinegar is a magic elixir and XYZ is the only essential oil I should apply to my skin or hair. Recently, even I couldn’t resist the lure of a book claiming it’s the last “plotting book” ever needed. But guess what? Everyone is different, which means we must conduct our own due diligence—for the latest and greatest trends—and adapt accordingly. And instead of lamenting an overabundance of choices, we should appreciate it’s not the entire wheel we need to reinvent.

What success have you had with a one-size-fits-all approach?

Image courtesy of artur84 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Complaints don’t change a thing

[image credit: jesadaphorn]

I’ve noticed a trend lately. Maybe it isn’t something new and I’m just more in tune because it’s something I’m working on changing within myself. It goes along with the “palms-open approach” I wrote about: releasing expectations to receive whatever is in store for me. Practicing this conscious thought process has been an exercise in freedom because it has allowed me to more fully live in each moment. What I’ve noticed, however, between friends and acquaintances and across social media, is that oftentimes the negative is elevated to a status it doesn’t deserve. I’m not saying we should brush misfortune or disappointment under the rug, but why give either one more credit than necessary? If our thoughts eventually dictate our destiny, then I want whatever I think on to be positive, life-affirming and the opposite of a Debbie Downer mentality. Complaints rarely change anything. But a happy attitude begets a happy attitude. Serve me up another cup of happy, please.

What if you spent one day without complaining?