Tag: Lifestyle

grayscale photo of girl in black shirt
Posted in Goal, Manifestation

A New Year: A Good Time For Reflection

Posted on by tracydee

New Year’s is a good time for reflection. I’m finding myself in an even more reflective mood than usual. Perhaps it’s because I’m living in a new country right now. Or, perhaps it’s living under another year of Covid and restrictions. Whatever the reason, I thought I would share some of my biggest personal reflections. Maybe you can relate to some of them. Or, maybe it will be a starting point to your own personal reflections on the past year.

So I thought I would frame my reflection through questions to myself. I encourage you to take the questions and think about how you would respond.

What “stuff” do I really need?

I moved to Norway with only two suitcases and a backpack. The year before that, I moved back in with my parents while I waited for the green light to go to Norway. So, I have a whole apartment’s worth of boxes and furniture sitting in storage in the U.S. right now. Granted, the apartment in Norway came furnished so I didn’t have to buy much when I got here.

However, the past two years have made me really think about the “stuff” I have. Some of it is sentimental, but much of it is probably things I don’t actually need. And now I’m considering staying in Europe for another year (country TBD). I’ll have to also revisit the selling my car debate because that is also sitting not being used right now.

time for reflection
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

How should I spend my time?

I think we can all agree that time is precious and managing it effectively can be challenging sometimes. For years, I have been very deliberate about my schedule and my calendar. Now, in a new job in a new country, I have had to adapt to a bit more flexibility to allow for changes and updates and unknowns.

This is because of the type of work and also the fact that we are still in a pandemic. When I first moved to Norway, I had so much downtime I didn’t know what to do with myself. I spent it exploring the city and generally taking some time for myself after a year of working multiple jobs and finishing a dissertation.

So, I ask myself if being so strict about my time hinders my creativity or allows it to flourish in its time? Or, am I giving myself enough time to let the creativity out? I like being organized and thorough, which leads me to my next question…

What do I still need to work on for my personal health journey?

Mental health is hugely important to me. And I’ve spent the better part of the last 5 years working on self-improvement and self-care. And getting to know me and what I need to thrive and be the best version possible so that I can be that person for myself and for the people I love and care about.

But in that journey, my physical health has not been where I’d like it to be. I am ready for a bridge between the physical and the mental. In years past, that used to be running. But for some reason, I let the habit go and now it’s harder to rebuild. But I’m working on it and I am planning to run another half marathon in April 2022. I have action steps and now it’s about prioritizing this in my life.

female and male runners on a marathon
Photo by RUN 4 FFWPU on Pexels.com

What am I most proud of this past year?

As far as accomplishments go, this year has been a good one. I graduated with my doctorate 12 years after I initially started one. For my career, I started a new job in another country and I get to travel all over Norway doing something I love to do. I finally decided to join the world of online content creation with a blog, YouTube, and Etsy shop. I got to spend quality time with my family, even my grandparents.

So while it’s hard to pin down exactly what I’m most proud of, I don’t think it’s an accomplishment. I think it’s more of an internal feeling that I’m finally on a path of being true to myself. All my life, I’ve been an overachiever, constantly trying to prove that I’m smart enough or hard-working enough to be deserving of an opportunity. I am finally starting to believe that I am enough just the way I am and I get to choose what’s best for my life.

How do I make the most of the year ahead?

Well, the next 6 months of my life are planned and known. I will finish out my current role in Norway, then take a 14-day trip through Europe traveling to countries I’ve never been to. Hopefully, I still get to travel this spring, but that will be determined by Covid.

I will make the most of the year ahead by being open to opportunities. Originally, I planned to go back to the U.S., but now I feel like there is so much of the world I have yet to see. So I’m exploring more job opportunities in Europe, specifically in Norway and Spain.

One of the really great books I read this past year was Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. While I am generally extroverted and agree to many things, there are still lots of things in life I am ready to experience. I would like to improve public speaking, go ziplining, and take a chance on myself by continuing to build my consulting business. But first, I will start with some skiing, which I never thought I would try again. But, when in Norway, right?

Final Thoughts

If you have been reading my blog posts this past year, you might know I have a lot more questions I’m asking myself. And if you want to take on a 30-day self-reflection challenge, check out this earlier post I made with prompts you can utilize.

Posted in Manifestation

How Blogging and Social Media are Building my Confidence

Posted on by tracydee

I’ve struggled for years with building my confidence. I think one of the biggest fears of putting myself out there is rejection or negativity. This is only natural. To some degree, we all want to be liked and validated. Some people are better at shrugging off the negative comments. While others, like myself, take them personally.

For years, I let my anxiety hold me back from sharing publicly some of the things I wanted to talk about. What will people think? What if it’s not good enough? What if I’m not good enough? The truth is, I will never be enough if I continue seeking validation from others.

Furthermore, I have the power to change my reality and my actions. If it turns out that I could have done something differently, well, then I have the chance to improve and be better next time.

selective focus photo of smiling woman
Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com

Building my Confidence Through Blogging

When I read and watched YouTube videos about starting a blog, the number one advice was to niche down. I’m just not ready for that. And it is okay. My blog allows me to share my thoughts and experiences with my friends, family, and even strangers who are interested in reading.

That is partly why I believe it is building my confidence. Despite being academically driven, I never considered myself that great of a writer. People always saw me as the numbers person, good at math, and destined to work in a math profession.

Yet, if I look back through notes and journal entries from when I was a teenager, I always enjoyed writing to express myself. I didn’t necessarily enjoy writing to appease others through an assignment or required task.

Now, I pick and choose how to manage my time and write posts of interest. The likes and comments allow me to see what content the audience is connecting with the most. But overall, the comments are overwhelmingly positive.

Building my Confidence Through Social Media

My adult students told me for years to start a YouTube channel. I was scared. Making videos intimidated me. I finally took the plunge this past year and did it. At first, I always tried to make sure my make-up looked good and everything was perfect. Then I realized that perfection is not the goal. Reality is. And the reality is that we look different and have good days and bad days.

Tik Tok also brings out the opportunity to be silly and share with others. The app gives you a chance to showcase bits of your personality and separate yourself from work if you so choose. I am still working up the courage to post more dancing videos. But, if you know me, you know I love to dance. So, I better start having some fun and being my silly self!

Now, I still have a long way to go to be the type of confident that I wish to be. But, I’m well on my way, helped by inner reflection and being brave enough to put myself out there, flaws and all. Yes, there will be mean people, but most people are supportive and encouraging! So go build that community.

Whatever it is that you have been waiting for to get started, why wait? Don’t wait for the perfect body, partner, or job to start sharing your message with others or living your dreams!

Posted in Travel

5 Awesome Places to Visit in Oslo, Norway

Posted on by tracydee

Are you looking for some places to visit in Oslo, Norway for your upcoming trip?

As an American living in Norway for almost one year, I am excited to share new adventures in Norway.

In this post, I will share my 5 places to visit in Oslo during your stay.

Oslo Public Library

One place to visit is the new main modern public library in Oslo. It is located on the water right next to the Opera House. As you walk in the entrance there is a cafe and escalators to head up to any of the five floors. They have everything you can think of, including music stations where you can play different instruments.

I decided to work out on the mezzanine area for a bit because the inside of the library was extremely crowded. While beautiful, I don’t think this is a place I can work regularly.

Oslo public library - places to visit in Oslo
Sitting outside Oslo public library

Frogner Park

I took a nice long walk one day in Frogner Park, which is the biggest park in central Oslo. Thankfully, it was not crowded that day so I got to get pretty close to the sculptures and take my time walking through. It says on the website that there is a cafe and playground, but the park is so big, I didn’t see that part yet.

Waterfalls by the river

So I discovered the Akerselva River by accident. I knew it was there and planned to visit it someday but just happened to be heading to a Too Good To Go snack pick-up that took me along the river to get there.

I am excited to go back and actually walk the whole length of the river, which is several miles long. However, it was a beautiful day and I got some great pictures on my walk.

Karl Johans Gate

This stretch between the palace and Oslo S central transportation station contains restaurants and shops galore. I have walked it many times and I still see new places to check out.

Holmenkollen

I took a beautiful metro ride out of the center city to get some views overlooking Oslo and the water. The Holmenkollen stop is known for a big ski jump that is a major tourist attraction. I cannot wait to go back up and drink hot chocolate in the lodge while I watch other people ski (not me).

While I walked up the hill, I managed to get some decent shots nearing sundown.

Places to visit in Oslo

These are just 5 suggested places to visit during your stay in Norway. There are many, many more worth checking out!

Posted in Travel

Roaming in Oslo, Norway: Exploring the City

Posted on by tracydee

Well, I’m finally out of quarantine and can go about exploring the city as I wish. Interestingly, things seem relatively normal here because of the strict measures in place over the last year and a half. I haven’t seen anyone wearing a mask, but most of the population is vaccinated now.

The first day out of quarantine wasn’t a whole lot different than the previous days. I did get to meet a friend in person for the first time and I ate a yummy appetizer in a restaurant.

It was refreshing to get out and walk around the city and take in all of the sights. I was surprised at how easy it is to get close to the palace where the king and queen live. It seems to be a big attraction. While I was walking by, they were doing the changing of the guards, which was pretty cool to watch.

I finally got the chance to check out some stores and buy a few items that I hadn’t packed to bring with me. I picked up an extra blanket, slippers, and a hair straightener.

Prices Compared to the U.S.

A lot of people warned me that things here would be more expensive. So far, I am finding the prices to be fairly comparable to most of the places I lived in the U.S. Food and drink prices at restaurants are about the same, but tipping is not required in Norway. I even had one server try to give me the tip back saying that it’s not customary and they make a living wage, unlike the U.S.

My grocery bill was not much different than I would expect to pay at home. You can search for good deals and sales. Just like in the U.S., there are certain times and days when stores run promotions or deals on items.

The coolest app that I learned about a couple of days ago is called Too Good To Go. It looks like some of the big cities in the U.S. are starting to use it as well.

Essentially, you pay a discount price, typically a few dollars, for a surprise bag from a store or cafe. The pick-up window is between 10 and 15 minutes before the store closes. It helps reduce waste so they don’t have to throw as much away. For $10, I have enough sandwiches and baked goods for my breakfasts and lunches this week. One cafe gave a salad, hummus wrap, and arugula sandwich in the surprise bag.

Travel in Oslo

For around $100, I purchased a monthly pass to travel around the city using rail, metro, buses, and ferries. That is fairly comparable to a pass in NYC, which is $127 for the month.

Interestingly, there are no stations preventing entry onto the metro platforms. It is super easy to just walk right on from any stop. I tried to scan my phone on the train the first time I got on, but nothing was happening. I asked someone and apparently, it is all done on the honor system. So basically anyone can ride public transportation. They do random checks with hefty fines to prevent people from taking advantage of the system.

The monthly pass even allowed access to the ferries. So yesterday, I decided to take a ferry ride to the different fjords.

I start officially working this week, so I will be sure to make more Productivity posts. This will be important as I transition from a vacation/self-care mode back into organization and travel.

For further travel outside of Oslo and throughout Europe, I’ll look at Trainline for affordable options!

Posted in Travel

Week 1 in Norway: Quarantine Edition

Posted on by tracydee

Well, I arrived in Norway on Saturday to a very efficient Covid testing protocol. I retrieved my bags, got my nose swabbed, and left after 15 minutes with my negative test results.

I am benefiting from the new guidance of quarantining for only 3 days. However, on the third day you have to get a PCR test, and it is day 5 and I still don’t have my results.

Thankfully, I can go on walks to get out of the house. Yesterday, I went to the park and walked around the statues. The day before I wandered throughout the city until I got tired and made it home just before it poured. It rains a lot here so far!

Food Options

I am impressed with the amount of food options in this city. Oslo is truly an international city and I can pretty much get any type of food I want here. When I got the Covid test done, the attendant gave me a suggestion on where to get a Philly cheesesteak ALMOST as good as Philly itself. So, I definitely plan to try that.

Food Delivery

Saturday afternoon, I was super tired from the 35 hours of travel leading to my arrival. Since I couldn’t go out, I used an app called Foodora to place a dinner order for delivery. It is very similar to Uber Eats or Door Dash.

I ordered Indian food and it was at my door within 30 minutes. It was piping hot and delicious. The delivery people pick up the food and deliver it on scooters in an insulated bag attached to the back of their scooter.

Another app I haven’t tried yet is Wolt, but I’ll be sure to check it out.

Grocery Delivery

After dinner, I placed an order for grocery delivery Sunday morning. I ordered groceries from Oda, which was convenient, quick, and fresh. On their website it says they have over 7,000 items to choose from. Truly, they did have a lot of choices! It was kind of overwhelming in my exhausted state.

I did pretty well for my first grocery haul, only making a couple small errors, such as ordering two bunches of bananas instead of 2 bananas.

So far, I cooked every meal since Sunday to save money. Also, I’m ready to treat myself when I finally get that green light from my Covid results and I can leave quarantine.

The food here is unbelievably fresh! Even the shredded cheese tastes like it was just grated right before it was delivered. The grapes are crisp and the avocados arrived in perfect condition ready to eat.

I made myself a yummy salmon dinner the first night with actual Norwegian salmon.

General Observations

The people are pretty nice. Literally, every car stops to let you cross the street even if they are the only one there and really you could walk right after they pass. It is very much a bike and pedestrian friendly city.

Interestingly, parallel parking seems to have no rules. Cars are parked on the street facing both directions so I guess it doesn’t matter which side you are on.

I have not seen a single person wearing heels, which is probably because of the cold weather and that you have to walk everywhere.

I passed this discount grocery store called Extra, but upon further examination, I realized that the prices were the same as Oda. So, it might just be easier for me to keep ordering groceries and have it delivered.

They take recycling and trash seriously here. I have to separate my food trash items into a green bag and all of the plastic wrappings into a blue bag. Then, plastic and glass bottles are recycled along with cardboard. Plain shopping bags are for generic trash. I’m getting used to that. I don’t like having the little bags on my counter, but I haven’t figured out what else to do with them yet.

I’m a little scared of my electric bill. The washing machine takes forever and you can’t even fit that much in it to begin with. And the dryer also takes a long time. I think I’m going to start hanging out my clothes. I see a lot of people doing this outside.

Productivity Level

If you have been following along this blogging journey, then you know I like to stay productive and keep up with my to-do lists. Being in quarantine sort of forced me to take some downtime, which turned out to be much needed. I read a lot of books, took walks, and adjusted to the time change.

I had a couple of meetings, but most of my time was for me. I thought about using it to complete some online jobs for extra money to help me with my debt reduction goal, but I decided rest and relaxation was best before things get really busy with travel and work.

My workshops are in review and orientation is not until next week. It’s rare that I get downtime like this!

So, I’ll be sure to pick back up on my time management tips and suggestions for moving toward goals soon!

Posted in Goal, Manifestation

Visions & Goals: 5 Steps to Reach That Next Step

Posted on by tracydee

Visions & goals & dreams are things I think about frequently. Sometimes it’s tough to keep going on a goal that seems so far away it doesn’t even feel possible at times. I felt that way many times as I was training to run a half-marathon before I turned 30.

Also, I dream a lot. Believe me. My Pinterest vision board is filled with all of the things I desire for my life. And why not put it out into the universe?

But what is the difference between a goal and a dream? Or a vision and a dream? I’ve been thinking about what it takes to achieve something, small or big. James Clear will tell you it is atomic habits that make or break whether we get to reach our goal.

cloudy sky. visions & goals

I like this quote from John Baldoni:

Dreams are drifts of the imagination, as if one imaginary clouds in the sky. Visions are scripted efforts to effect change. They occur personally and organizationally. Dreams are nice; visions are work.

-John Baldoni

As I think through his statement that visions are scripted and designed to effect change, it reminds me of why companies and organizations have vision statements. Truly, these are their efforts to implement change toward something bigger. And it brings everyone on board to focus their individual goals toward the mission. And that is important for achieving both visions & goals.

So now I ask:

What is your vision statement for life? What is it that you ultimately aim to achieve overall? What are your visions & goals?

While I would love to enjoy the freedom to travel, it comes down to being a good friend and a kind person for me.

However, I do want to achieve these greater dreams of financial freedom to support my family. Therefore, I need to set goals and create a plan to get there.

Whenever I teach goal-setting in my courses, I have students use the SMARTER goal method. The two most important components of that to me are being specific and setting a timeline for completion. If there is no deadline, it can stretch on and on.

The method also helps with getting the ideas out onto paper or a computer. Either way, writing it down means you are 42% more likely to actually achieve that goal.

So here’s what you need to do (myself included since I’m a perpetual learner):

  1. Dream and keep dreaming – You can’t achieve something you’re not thinking about. Dream big – there is a whole world out there filled with information you probably don’t even know yet.
  2. Create a vision statement for your life – What’s your purpose? What do you want to be known for? Think of your dreams and start to narrow down a statement or mantra that will keep you going.
  3. Set SMARTER goals – Be intentional about writing down exactly what you want to achieve, when you want to achieve it by, and how you will measure your progress along the way.
  4. Create an action plan – Work backward from your end goal and create mini-goals that get you closer and closer to the big goal. Small to-do lists that can be completed that move you just that one step closer to reaching that goal.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and chase those dreams and reach those goals!

Posted in Uncategorized

10 Items to Spruce up Your Home Office: Amazing Amazon Finds

Posted on by tracydee

I’m always on the lookout for good Amazon finds.

It seems like the work from home options are here to stay long-term. Even before the pandemic, remote work was gaining popularity from both employers and employees. With streamlined communication and proper procedures, it can be a great way for companies to allow workers more flexibility in managing their time.

In this post, I wanted to share some of the products that I find to be helpful in my home office. These are in no particular order and I’m happy to share more if this list is helpful!

white bluetooth speaker on silver laptop computer. Amazon finds
Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative on Pexels.com

10 Home Office Amazon Finds

  1. 1. Waterproof desk mat

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

3. Electric cup warmer

4. Ergonomic mouse pad

5. Power strip with USB port

6. Mini vacuum for keyboard and crumbs

7. Motivational desk plants

8. Monitor message board and phone holder

9. Desk organizer for stationary

10. Alexa as a virtual assistant

Best Sellers in Office Products
Posted in Travel

One Way or Another: It Will All Get Done … Or It Won’t.

Posted on by tracydee

Things that have pressing deadlines typically get done even when sometimes we have no idea how to make that happen. Even with procrastination, there comes a point where the panic monster sets in due to an upcoming deadline. You may not like the process of staying up all night or feeling rushed, but eventually, it gets done.

However, for me, I have found that method to be extremely stressful and anxiety-producing. I prefer to plan in advance and know my schedule using time management techniques and blocking my calendar. But sometimes, things just sneak up on you.

I moved in May 2020 into my parent’s house with the anticipation of leaving the country in several months. At that time, there were limited options for me to drop off donated items because many places in PA were still closed.

So, I boxed everything up and then brought it with me. Now, many of my items are still in boxes, and I have been meaning to go through them this past year. However, it wasn’t a priority and I didn’t have a deadline to get it done. I was more focused on finishing up my dissertation and working to pay the bills.

Now, I finally got the green light to move to Norway and I’m searching through boxes to find my winter clothes. I cannot find my heavy winter jacket anywhere. So, maybe that’s a sign that I just need to get one once I get there and not weigh down my luggage anymore.

In order to make sure that the things get done that you need to or want to, it’s important to prioritize early and often. Setting weekly or quarterly goals with a detailed action plan can help get you to the finish line.

The reality is, that we figure it out when it comes to the important things. The question is, how do we feel along the way? Are we stressed, frustrated, or focused? Only you can answer that question. For me, it truly depends on the task and type of goal I am trying to accomplish.

fashion woman notebook pen
Posted in Manifestation

Journaling for Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: 30 Prompts to Start Now

Posted on by tracydee

Self-reflection is necessary to understand yourself and grow as a person.

One of the things I’ve truly been focusing on the past two years has been getting to know myself better. And not only figuring out who I am, but owning every part of myself. It’s not an easy process, but one that is worth it. There have been ups and downs, but I’m weathering the storms by trying to remain grounded and focused on my why.

Why am I trying to reach these goals? What purpose will it serve? Who can I help if I’m able to reach my dreams and goals?

Affirmations have been a huge part of my growth, but I’ve also been journaling to get some of my thoughts down on paper. Or I might think of a prompt in my head and talk myself through a scenario or action steps to help me get to the next goal or milestone.

I wanted to share 30 days worth of journal prompts for self-reflection here in this post. I also created a Google Doc copy that you can have to start writing your own responses down. When you click the link above it will prompt you to make your own copy of the document that you can type on.

a person sitting on wooden planks across the lake scenery. self-reflection
Photo by S Migaj on Pexels.com

But for now, here are the 30 days worth of prompts you can use for self-reflection and personal growth:

Day 1 – What are three things I am thankful for today?

Day 2 – What am I most proud of accomplishing this year?

Day 3 – Who is someone I can always count on and why?

Day 4 – What is the thing that I like about myself the most and why?

Day 5 – What is one area of my life in which I would like to make improvements and how can I do that?

Day 6 – When did I face a challenge in my life and how did I overcome it?

Day 7 – If I could achieve only one personal goal this year, which one would it be and why?

Day 8 – If I could achieve only one professional goal this year, which one would it be and why?

Day 9 – Who is someone I admire and what do I admire most about them?

Day 10 – What is a happy memory from childhood that influenced who I am today?

body of water during golden hour
Photo by Sebastian Voortman on Pexels.com

Day 11 – What is my favorite book or movie, and what do I like about it?

Day 12 – When my friends call me, they know that I always …

Day 13 – Finish this statement. The most important thing for me to focus on each day is …

Day 14 – In difficult situations, do I look at the glass as half empty or half full?

Day 15 – In five years, my ideal living situation would be ….

Day 16 – hat is one small change that I could make in my life today to get closer to reaching my goals?

Day 17 – What is my favorite quote and why does it inspire me?

Day 18 – What is one thing I could repeat to myself every morning that would improve self-confidence?

Day 19 – What makes me unhappy and is there anything I can do to change it?

Day 20 – Am I reaching my full potential in my career?

orange mason jar in body of water
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Day 21 – Choose 3 positive affirmations to write down today.

Day 22 – If I were going to be stranded on an island alone, what 3 things would I need?

Day 23 – If I won a million dollars, what would be the first thing I would buy?

Day 24 – List 5 people I can say positive things to today, write what it is, and go do it.

Day 25 – Write a letter to your high school self sharing 3 things you wish you had known then.

Day 26 – What is one thing you can do today to take care of yourself?

Day 27 – What food brings you great joy when you eat it?

Day 28 – What is your favorite physical feature about yourself?

Day 29 – What is one thing you wish to improve about yourself?

Day 30 – By the end of this year, what do you wish to be different in your life?

I hope these self-reflection prompts help you on your journey of self-discovery and improvement!

woman holding guitar controller
Posted in Manifestation

You Are Enough: Don’t Ever Forget The Importance of Your Worth

Posted on by tracydee

You are enough! Keep saying it and believe it.

Building up self-confidence for many people is a lifelong endeavor. I used to equate academics and being smart to my self-worth. For some, that comes in the form of beauty that is only skin deep. The reality is to truly be happy you have to love yourself from the inside out, flaws and all.

And trust me, it is not an easy task, at least for me. But it’s one that I’m willing to take on to become the version of myself that doesn’t care what other people think or is completely content with where I’m at, even if I do want to make improvements or changes. And accept that I’m a work in progress, but I can never be truly content if I’m constantly criticizing myself.

One way that I continuously remind myself that I am enough is through daily affirmations. Yesterday, 8/8, was a powerful manifestation day for wealth and abundance. I focused on those affirmations because I am also on a debt-free journey. I even hosted a Tik Tok live for 30 minutes reading affirmations together. I found the experience to be really empowering and I actually can’t wait to do it again. The power of believing in yourself does come from within, but there is something to be said about building an encouraging community.

Reminder: You are enough!

After I graduated this past spring, I rewarded myself with my first tattoo. I have been wanting to get this for quite some time, but I finally had the courage to do it. I did pass out when I got my nose pierced years ago, and I was afraid the same might happen with a tattoo. It almost did, but the tattoo was small, so I managed to hold on.

I designed it myself and I specifically wanted the word “enough” to be in my personal handwriting. It serves as a constant reminder even when I’m feeling low or lacking self-confidence.

you are enough

So, if you’re reading this post, take this as a reminder that you are enough. You are capable and strong enough to face challenges, master your motivation, and reach your goals.

As an optimistic realist, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve. I undervalue my worth, and it’s time to start reaching the full potential I have.