For the past four weeks I’ve followed the e-course Blogging your way with American best-selling author, founder & editor of the blog decor8, and interior stylist Holly Becker. The e-course turned out to be much more than just a course about creative blogging and how to improve your blog posts. Holly, together with co-teachers Jeanette Lunde from Fryd+Design and Nicole Balch from Making it Lovely, went beyond the blogosphere and gave us students some valuable life lessons. Their tips for blogging your best are in fact also life lessons one can apply to daily life.
Holly especially made me think and reflect on my life, my career and my aspirations. In one of her podcasts she said two things that really stuck: “The reason some people are successful and others are not is people who are successful tend to know what they want to do, do it well, and stick to it.” and she shared one of her favourite wisdom quotes: “Every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step“. [continue reading after picture]
Now, a lot of us women want to do everything well. We want to be a good wife, a nurturing mother, successful in our jobs and committed to our family and friends. That’s a lot to juggle! You get stuck in that daily rut, and start living on automatic pilot. And before you know it, you feel drained and lose confidence. I had a day like that earlier this week. I was just exhausted and on the verge of a breakdown. But then I heard this little voice in my head reciting Holly’s tips: “Get a grip! Try stepping away for a fresh approach. Give yourself time. Delegate. Surround yourself with what inspires you. Don’t allow analysis paralysis to take over. Tap into things that lift you out of ruts!” And that’s exactly what I did. At 5 p.m. I stepped in my car and drove to my happy place: the beach. I kicked off my shoes and placed my jacket under my head. And I just lay there for two hours taking in the peace, snapping some pictures with my phone, and retaking myself. After that I walked through the dunes, and then I returned home reinvigorated and ready to move ahead. [continue reading after picture]
So my happy lifestyle tip for today is not something you can buy, it’s something I learned during the e-course Blogging your way that reaches further than my blog. It is something you and I should do more often: Break the daily grind, delegate the cleaning, cooking and kids, step into your car and drive to the nearest beach or any other place where you can lower your pace and clear your head and just sit down and breath. Feel the sand between your toes. Listen to the birds, the waves, hear the sand being moved by the wind. Enjoy the breeze through your hair and let the sun kiss your face. Lower that bar you created for yourself, and hear your inner voice. Ground yourself.
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16 thoughts on “Life lessons by Holly Becker”
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Thank you for sharing this tips! Although you know it, some times you have to hear it again. For me at the right time 🙂
Oh Louise! I adored this post. You captured the course’s essence so well. I have found it amazingly positive. I’m so delighted to have found you through it. J x
Thank you Jane! Let’s keep in touch x L
I run to read this after finishing my assignment and really, Thank you for this beautiful post. I feel with you and I am now sad that I am far away from the sea.
Hi Barbara, don’t be sad! Just opt for the nearest park or a corn or flower field. As long as it’s peaceful and beautiful. I love to lay down in the grass just as much, and look up at the blue sky and trees. Whatever works for you! 🙂 I’m very curious about your blog post so I’ll have a look at it right now.
I just read your post and have to say it actually made me feel motivated! I have a beach about ten minutes drive from me which looks just like the one in your pictures. I used to go there when I felt in a funk but it’s something I haven’t done for a while. Today is a rainy, dull summers day in Dublin but I am going to drive to the beach and take a short walk to inspire myself, just as you do. You woke me up with this post! I enrolled for BYW once but actually didn’t get to participate and the fee went to waste. However, I still read the FB page and look at some of the members blogs and it’s all very motivating too. I am determined to take one of the upcoming classes and get to do it no matter what!
Hi Claire, thank you so much for your kind words. I am so happy that I have motivated you. In Holland we have the same unpredictable weather as in Ireland so I know what you mean. At those times we can opt for the nearest park, as long as it’s away from all the bustling right? I would definitely recommend to take the next BYW course. I will, if there is one 😉 So hope to meet you there 🙂 -Louise
Hej Louise! I have been enjoying the BYW time very much and I hope You to. You are very good and inspiring writer :). Beautiful and simple designed blog, just my cup of tea! Thank you very much for sharing and have a nice summer, Eeli
Hi Louise, I enjoyed reading your post and I agree that this advice of Holly’s is very valuable. It is such a great course isn’t it?
We all lose our way sometimes!
Thanks for sharing,
Sally
http;//jambochameleon.blogspot.com
Hi Louise, wise words! I switched off internet and phone during weekend. No posts, no pictures taken, no telephone calls. And of course, no homework for BYW – but it was worth the effect. Thanks for this wonderful post. And one question – could you send me a little pic (maybe your favicon pic) of your blog, I would like to have you on my blogroll. Warmly, Sandy
Thanks Sandy! Will drop you a note later.
You are so right! Why don’t we do that more often? Always another chore to do. I am going to do this tomorrow! You really GOT IT and SAID IT WELL love your pics. thanks from BYW student, Elaine
This is a lovely and honest post that tugged at tears… I try so hard to do it all and to also give myself a break…. it isn’t easy.
Nice props about BYW and Holly, love her!
Cheers from a fellow BYW2 student!
Ivy
Yup, that’s the secret isn’t it? To relax into a moment and be aware of it. We tend to be too ego-centric when it comes to blogging…I must do this or I Iet everyone down. Really? I love this post and I miss doing the BYW @ class. Found your blog on the Facebook page. Keep up the lovely work!
Thank you for all the sweet and encouraging comments! I’m going to miss BYW!
Lovely post Louise! How gorgeous to be able to go down to the beach and clear the cobwebs! Caroline 🙂