{quotable thursdays}

I recently read a really great discussion on saying 'no' by the fabulous Grace Bonney at design*sponge (the mastermind behind the ever-creative blog & most recently a fabulous d*s book). For those of us who tend to work really hard & expect a lot out of ourselves, our friends, our relationships, and our jobs, it's not always easy to say no. The strong women in my life, while all amazing go-getters, are the biggest offenders in their inability to say no. It means that you get a lot done by the end of the day, you've not just crossed off your to-do list, but also a few to-dos on others' lists. While this is great, it also means that you can really burn yourself out. So, today, being officially International Women's Day, I would like to repeat the three *big* things from Grace's blog:

1. ONLY EMBARK ON SITUATIONS THAT ARE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR TIME, YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND YOUR HEALTH.

2. OPPORTUNITIES ARE RARELY LUCK- THEY ARE OFTEN THE RESULT OF HARD WORK AND PERSEVERANCE- TRUST THAT YOU CAN CREATE THEM AGAIN.

3. YOU CAN’T CONTINUE TO INNOVATE IF YOU’RE TOO TIRED TO DO YOUR BEST WORK. LEAVE TIME TO REST, RESTORE AND BECOME INSPIRED.

This advice, is of course, for those of you have a problem saying no. I felt really disillusioned around New Year's this year, and I didn't know why. I kept reading all these New Year's resolutions and felt a little dismayed by it all. It wasn't until yesterday after reading Grace's words of wisdom that I realised that some New Year's resolutions are just not meant for me. While I definitely could use my time more wisely, things like 'be more productive' are not necessarily wise words for someone who tends to take a bit too much on as it is. Rather, prioritizing what makes sense and what is do-able, does... & more importantly, good work is really not going to happen if you're too exhausted. I need to learn to force myself to take breaks more often, so that when I'm on, I'm really on. I also need to learn to not feel guilty when I do take a break at the end of the day or on the weekend. For all of you women--whether you're a mother, a wife, a grad student, a new business starter--aim really really high, but make sure to take breathers along the way!!

Happy Thursday & happy international women's day!!! Please find some image-inspiration below

xo

L

{pamper yourself}

{go fly a kite (ruche)}

{swing!}

{indulge in yummy food, champagne & fur (or faux fur)}

{watch some telly, eat popcorn & drink some wine}

{dress up royally & be given flowers}

{kiss}

{but don't be afraid to dream, aim high, & it all might just come true. Just maybe not exactly as you expected...}