Routines build habits and habits can be extremely helpful when trying to introduce new behaviors into your daily life.  However, as with most things, the magic lies somewhere in the middle. Too rigid...you miss out on all the potential that spontaneity or trying something new can bring.  Too "loosey goosey", with no self-discipline and you’ll never get anything accomplished. You may be the life of the party, up for anything, all the time but your life may also get a bit out of control.

Trying new things is really scary for a lot of people.  Why?

FEAR or fear of failure - humans actually fear an unknown outcome more than they do a negative or bad one.  That helps explain why it’s so daunting for so many of us to try new things.  To just let go and try.  One of the best ways to combat the fear is to ask yourself, “What is the worst that could happen?”  Is the worst really that bad?  Bad enough to stop you from trying?

Let’s look at the benefits of trying new things!

1. You may discover new passions, interests or activities that you enjoy
2. It challenges you - keeps you sharp and you continue to learn
3. It feels good/ builds confidenceI
4. It gives you an new sense of appreciation and respect for other people that do or excel at that particular activity or thing
5. It keeps you flexible (not rigid) - (Definition: A person with a rigid personality is, as the word describes, inflexible. They find it very hard to understand and sometimes even acknowledge the perspectives, feelings, and ideas of other people)

A really fun way to help make these new things come to life is to...CREATE A VISUAL BUCKET LIST! (combination of vision board and a bucket list)

Step 1 - Decide the time frame for your bucket list. Is it for the spring? Is it

for the year? 

Step 2 - Decide what items will be on your bucket list. I like adding both

big and small adventures. That way, when I’m looking for something

to do, I have a lot of options. These can be anything you want, from big

trips to simple things you want to do with your family and friends, or for

yourself. For example, for my summer bucket list, I want to go kayaking,

participate in a color run, take a fishing trip, and even try out a sensory

deprivation float tank. (That last one honestly has me a little freaked out,

but I want to give it a try!)

Step 3 - Create a way to track your bucket list. I like to use the Happy Planner

Page Protectors for this (the ones for 2x2 cards), but you can use whatever

works for you. I write out each item on my list on a 2x2 piece of

cardstock and slide them into the pockets.

Step 4 - Find an image that represents that item. You can use a picture, magazine

clippings, or an image from Pinterest or a Google search. I just took

screenshots and that worked perfectly. Size your images to 2x2 (or whatever

size you need) and trim. 

Step 5 - Put the list where you will see it and be inspired by it. That could be

on your refrigerator, on your mirror, or on your desk. I keep mine in my

planner so I see it every day.

Step 6 - When you check an item off your list, be sure to capture the moment

with a photo or selfie. You’ll be so glad you did. Add your photo to your

bucket list as a lovely reminder of dreams come true.

We want to see your visual bucket lists! Follow and tag us on Instagram @planahappyplifepod

Can't wait to see the new things you try!

xo Steph & Kayla

We talk about falling down, peeing our pants, getting turned down by Justin Bieber and embarrassing old videos.

Remember you don’t always have to be/look “cool”! So take those cringey moments and turn them into memories that you can look back and laugh at.

Why do we get embarrassed?

According to researchers, most of the embarrassments that are encountered by people include instances of tripping and falling, spilling drinks, ripping pants, stalling cars, having one's private thoughts or feelings disclosed, accidental flatulence or belching, receiving undesired attention, and forgetting the names of others.

Fear of judgement  - We oftentimes feel that people are walking around judging our every move and that can be really paralyzing. 

“Embarrassment is considered one of the self-conscious emotions, quite at ease in the company of guilt, shame, and pride.” – Dr. Mary Lamia – Psychology Today article

We hope that we made you laugh!

xo Steph & Kayla

Try to implement some of our kindness tips into your daily routine.

1. Speak Kindly to yourself - Practice that positive self talk.
2. Share an act of kindness - Do something for someone else.
3. Forgive yourself or someone else.
4. Give people the benefit of the doubt- Show compassion when there is a grey area.
5. Say thank you! - Show appreciation!
6. Compliment Someone.
7. Smile & Say hi - It can make someone’s day.
8. Pay it forward - Be a part of the kindness domino effect.
9. Judge Less - Others & YOURSELF
10. Be an encourager - Be someone’s cheerleader.
11. Take the high road! “When they go low, we go high.” - Michelle Obama (YES!!!)
12. No Gossiping - Don’t add to the drama.
     

We are not perfect but by putting even just a few of these tips into practice we can make the world a better place! Let’s do it!

xo Steph & Kayla

We finally get to announce that Stephanie wrote a book! YAY! And of course... it's called Plan a Happy Life™: Define your passion, nurture your creativity and take hold of your dreams.

Plan a Happy Life includes strategies, systems, and methods for getting organized, prioritizing what's most important to you, and living intentionally. Here you'll find great ideas for:

• Celebrating the ordinary (dance party in the kitchen, anyone?)
• Discovering new ways to serve others (that will fit into a busy schedule)
• Finding your happy even on the tougher days
• Making the most effective lists (hint: it involves stickers)
• Filling your life with gratitude
• Controlling your calendar so you can live each day fully--and colorfully! (a step-by-step guide)
• And much more happy planning (seriously, you have to plan fun in your life!)

Make the most of your most valuable resource--time--and have a blast doing it with Plan a Happy Life.

It's officially releasing on August 25th and is available for pre-order NOW! Find out where you can buy it now below.

AMAZON

BOOKS A MILLION

BARNES & NOBLE

CHRISTIANBOOK.COM

APPLE BOOKS

We hope you add this book to your collection and are able to use it as a tool to help Plan a Happy Life!

xo Stephanie & Kayla

These 3 incredible people who have lived before us are the epitome of optimism… in unfortunate - even tragic - situations. Their words are wise and true.

NELSON MANDELA - South Africa’s first black president, Nobel Peace prize winner and anti-Apartheid icon.  Spent 27 years in prison.

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” – Nelson Mandela

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” – Nelson Mandela

“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela

“When people are determined they can overcome anything.” – Nelson Mandela

ANNE FRANK – Diary of a Young Girl – She started her diary at the age of 13 while hiding from the Germans during WWII.  She hid for 2 years, writing all the while until she and her family were found and sent to Auschwitz…the infamous concentration/death camp.  She died before she was 16.  Her father, Otto, survived and published her diary.  

“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” – Anne Frank

“I've found that there is always some beauty left -- in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.” – Anne Frank

“I can’t imagine how anyone can say: ‘I’m weak’, and then remain so. After all, if you know it, why not fight against it, why not try to train your character?” – Anne Frank

“We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.” – Anne Frank

HELEN KELLER – Author, activist and lecturer – Helen was left deaf, blind and mute as a result of an unknown illness at the age of 19 months. Her lifelong instructor and eventual companion, Anne Sullivan, taught Helen to communicate by spelling words with her hands, using sign language.  Helen couldn’t see, so she had to feel the hands of the person communicating with her.  The process was really difficult for her and as she recalls, she became extremely frustrated because she didn’t even know the words existed. 

On January 22, 1916, Keller and Sullivan traveled to the small town in Wisconsin to deliver a lecture at the Mabel Tainter Memorial Building. Details of her talk were provided in the weekly Dunn County News on January 22, 1916: 

A message of optimism, of hope, of good cheer, and of loving service was brought to Menomonie Saturday—a message that will linger long with those fortunate enough to have received it. 

When part of the account was reprinted in the January 20, 2016 edition of the paper under the heading "From the Files", the column compiler added 

According to those who attended, Helen Keller spoke of the joy that life gave her. She was thankful for the abilities that she did possess and stated that the most productive pleasures she had were curiosity and imagination. Keller also spoke of the joy of service and the happiness that came from doing things for others ... Keller imparted that "helping your fellow men were one's only excuse for being in this world and in the doing of things to help one's fellows lay the secret of lasting happiness." She also told of the joys of loving work and accomplishment and the happiness of achievement. Although the entire lecture lasted only a little over an hour, the lecture had a profound impact on the audience. 

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." – Helen Keller

"I take happiness very seriously. It is a creed, a philosophy and an objective." – Helen Keller

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope." – Helen Keller

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows." – Helen Keller

"Many of us delude ourselves with the thought that if we could stand in the lot of our more fortunate neighbor, we could live better, happier and more useful lives…It is my experience that unless we can succeed in our present position, we could not succeed in any other." – Helen Keller

“True happiness... is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” – Helen Keller

We hope this brings you a new optimistic outlook for life. We can do this!

xo Stephanie & Kayla

Tyler is a husband, father of 3 boys (and another one on the way), and former professional baseball player. He played all through his childhood in to his adult years – from Mater Dei High School, UCLA and ultimately playing for the St. Louis Cardinals’ minor league teams. In this episode, he talks with us about the life of a collegiate and professional athlete and how it demands a mental toughness in order to be successful.

 Throughout Tyler’s baseball career he worked with some incredibly wise mentors, coaches and fellow athletes. Along the way he learned lessons of “mental toughness” that he put to use on the field and continues to implement in his daily life today.

Among those mentors was Ken Ravizza, a sport psychologist, who played a major role in changing Tyler’s mental game for the better. He consulted with countless athletes and helped them reach peak performance - all starting with their mind.

 “Destructive little voices in your head are often fueled by destructive emotions. Try to turn off your emotions and think logically”- Ken Ravizza

Some topics we cover:

• Confidence vs conceit
• Preparation / planning
• Control the controllables
• Being Present

Tyler also hosts a podcast: The Brushback Baseball Podcast

It covers all things baseball, baseball, and more baseball. Tyler and co-host David Klein (avid Dodgers fan, stat memorizer, and semi-pro baseball historian) are at opposite ends of the baseball spectrum but use this dialog to share each unique perspective. They aim to share weekly discussions of MLB news, life/mindset of a ballplayer, the business side of baseball and interviews with players, coaches, and everybody in between.

You can find them on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, & Instagram.

Tyler's Instgram

And because we can... A proud mom and little sister moment: Check out Tyler's home run mentioned in the episode here & here.
 

xo Stephanie & Kayla

 There is a pressure to be productive during our “safer at home” quarantine.  And for some, staying busy and learning new things is helpful and soothing.  But for many people, this is a time of fear, triggers, stress, lost jobs, uncertainty and learning a new language isn’t going to make them feel better.  

  ACCEPTANCE is giving power and attention to the things you can control and managing your expectations and feelings about things that you can’t.

 So, knowing what we now know about accepting these forces that we can’t control, what can we do to process this pandemic and social distancing?  

 Ask yourself these two questions on a daily basis:

• How or what am I feeling today?

 Learn to hone in on the emotions that you are experiencing.  

 There’s a great resource called the emotion wheel. Check it out here: Emotional Wheel

• What do I need to do to take care of myself today?  

Movement? Silence? Connection? Productivity?

THIS is how we can navigate through this in a way that honors what we need!

___________________________________________________________

We met Kara in June 2019 when she curated a brunch for a launch party we hosted for The Happy Planner brand... and we absolutely fell in love with her. Everything about her- her presence, talent and passion for connecting with others. Shortly after, we got to spend an incredible weekend at a creative retreat hosted by her and a mutual friend! When we started the podcast we knew we needed to get her on an episode so she could share her wisdom we so quickly came to admire.

Today she shares where her passion for cooking stemmed from, hosting dinners for celebrities and curating experiences for people with the purpose of connecting with others! Plus how she met and built a business with her fiancé Caleb. 

Thank you Kara!

You can find Kara at the links below for inspiration, amazing workshops and more!

Kara's Website

Kara's Instagram

Kara & Caleb's Podcast

xo Stephanie & Kayla

This pandemic is unlike anything we have seen in our lifetime. How can we remain positive yet realistic? So many uncertainties but we will get through this and come out stronger on the other side!

WE GOT THIS!

Here are some benefits that can come from solitude:

1. Solitude increases productivity
2. Solitude sparks creativity.
3. Solitude helps you know yourself.
4. Being alone gives you an opportunity to plan your life.
5. Embrace and welcome solitude - It’s empowering and removes the fear of being alone.
6. Builds Independence!

Eventually, we all have to spend time alone.  We move out of our parents house, being single or divorced, friends or spouses are out of town or doing something else, we lose someone we love, our kids move out of the house (empty nesters), etc.  If we develop interests, hobbies and other things we like to do when we’re alone…the transitions are much easier.

Here are a few ways to find the time to spend with YOU!

• Digital Detox - Let’s face it.  We all probably spend some time every day alone…but on our phones or online.  Try using that time to unplug and take a walk or open a notebook and just start writing.  It’s amazing where your mind goes when you just give it some space to think outside the box. 
• Plan for it!  - Schedule time in your planner for doing something alone.
• Get up a little bit earlier - The morning is a great time for solitude.  It’s usually quieter and it can be a really powerful way to start your day to focus your energy and thoughts when your mind is rested and refreshed.

Try this: This week, try scheduling some alone time to journal.  Your prompt: If you had and entire day alone, what would you do?

This week we are talking about how to stay productive so we can enjoy that things in life that we WANT to do.

We all say "I don't have the time." When in reality we may not be making the time to do the things that we have been putting off. Yes - most lead a busy life, but that doesn't mean you can't also make time for good times.

In order to do the things we want doesn't mean that we can just forget all the real, important and everyday tasks that need to get done (chores, work, errands, bills). Y'all we are all adults - they don't disappear...unfortunately.

So, here are some tips for staying productive while also making the important fulfilling moments in life a priority!

• Make list - don't keep things in your head. Create a want-to-do and a need-to-do list.
• Make a plan- Physically write down in your planner or calendar one or more of the things on your "want to do list" (date night, family time, fun activity, vacation)
• Get specific...Pick a date and time and commit to making it happen. It is time to MAKE the time!
• Then, add the NEED to do items to your week/month while being mindful of the things you have finally made time for
• Be realistic with your time - don't set yourself up for failure by committing to too much, good or bad. You can only do so much within one day/week/month!

Make your time productive, so you can fill your life with more of the good stuff.

xo Stephanie & Kayla

Contentment : a state of happiness and satisfaction

Complacency: an instance of usually unaware or uninformed self-satisfaction

We hear it all the time: “You were made for so much more.” or “It’s all about the hustle.” But what if that is not what you want?
 

Just trying to keep up with our peers and make it look like we have it all can be exhausting. Am I right?
Don't know where you fall on the map? Ask your self this question:

Are you happy and satisfied with your life, job, etc?

• If yes, then don’t listen to the pressures of wanting more. Protect your peace.
   
• If you answered no, then keep going! The message of “you were made for so much more” is meant for you! You know where you want to go and will work hard to get there. You got this!
   
• Not sure? Then you have some exploring to do. Maybe journal about. Make a list. Go back to your Happy List! Your future self and life need to align with with the things that make you happy. 
   

Moral of the story: if you want more than what you're currently getting from life, then go for it girl… BUT if you are content and fulfilled where you are then it’s 100% fine to not want more. Make sure you find your meaning and happiness in life and only then decide for yourself what your future holds.

We are rooting for your either way!

xo Stephanie & Kayla

 xo Stephanie & Kayla

Empowering Jams

Wake Up Happy

Chill AF

Happy McHappypants

I can't hear you, we're BREAKING UP!

Work It Out

I'm in LOVE, I'm in LOVE & I don't care who knows it!

Belt It Out Sister

Soundtracks & Showtunes

Stephanie's Faves

Kayla's Faves

OR 

VIEW ALL

Sing and dance along with us!

xo Stephanie & Kayla

Download the 'Note to Self' affirmation cards!

Although we discuss this topic passionately and authentically, we seem to be challenged to recall a few specifics in our storytelling.  So, I thought I'd fill in some of the blanks.  Here you go:

1. The actress I was referring to who had a hard time finding a designer to dress her was the talented Leslie Jones for the Ghostbusters premier. High five to designer and Project Runway alum, Christian Siriano, for creating beautiful clothing for those of us who are not sample size...whatever that is.
2. I incorrectly referred to Beanie Feldstein as Beanie Feldman.  Oh my goodness...somebody find us a fact checker, stat!  She was dressed by the classic, Oscar de la Renta.

In this episode, Kayla and I are joined by my sister, Lauren Sherwin, and we share our favorite ways to bring laughter into our lives.  One of which, is laughing at ourselves as we tried the Hanacure mask...known as the Zombie mask.  You can laugh at us...I mean, with us here:

Zombie Mask Instagram Highlight

See?  Didn't that feel good?  Now try to incorporate a little laughter in your daily life.  Need a little help getting started?  Here are a few ways to LOL every day:

1. Watch a funny movie!  My favorites? Bridesmaids, Meet the Parents, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Mean Girls...to name a few.
2. Gather some friends and play a game that is designed to make you laugh.  What Do You Meme, Telestrations and Drawful are some good ones!
3. Learn to laugh at yourself.  We all do things that are worthy of a good laugh.  Don't be so serious that you don't see the humor in these normal slip ups.  C'mon, I can't be the only one who has had an entire conversation with a few grains of rice stuck to her chest.  Am I?  Even if I am...it's still funny!

Take some time to nurture the lighthearted side of life.  Embrace the humor and LOL... I mean really...LAUGH OUT LOUD!  It's the cheapest form of therapy around. 

"Laugh my friend, for laughter ignites a fire within the pit of your belly and awakens your being."  -  STELLA MCCARTNEY

love, Stephanie

Stephanie’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_fleming

Kayla’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kaylarahmatulla

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https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_fleming/

Kayla's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kaylarahmatulla/

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