by Alejandra | Dec 3, 2021 | Relationships
From time to time, virtually everyone is liable to find themselves in a position where they feel as though they’re not truly in control of the direction of their life, and don’t have their hands on the “steering wheel”, so to speak.
There are many different ways in which you might want to change course in your life. Maybe you find that you are actually deeply dissatisfied with your day job, and would love to make a professional change and to head in a different and more uplifting direction.
Or, maybe there are certain habits or default activities that you engage in on a regular basis, that seem to be ultimately self-undermining or self-destructive, that you would really like to break away from.
Finding ways to get more into the driver’s seat in your own life can be a very rewarding and uplifting thing, and can open up all sorts of different avenues of possibility that you hadn’t previously considered.
Here are a handful of tips for getting more into the driver’s seat in your own life.
Meet obstacles head-on, and systematically start dealing with things that you find frustrating in your life
First things first: perhaps one of the most significant things that you have to do when it comes to getting more into the driver’s seat in your own life, is to start directly noticing and addressing different sources of frustration that you have been failing to take action on.
While this is undoubtedly easier said than done, taking steps to begin systematically dealing with things that you find frustrating in your everyday life can help you to generate a lot of momentum, and can go a significant way towards establishing a sense of personal agency and balance.
If you have some kind of pest infestation on your property, for example, acknowledging this fact and contacting pest control professionals to resolve the issue can prove to be a deeply positive experience, and can help to move things back into proper alignment.
Bring your attention more to the present moment, and to the things you’re choosing to do in the here and now
Often, when people think about things like “getting into the driver’s seat” in their own lives, this will end up taking the form of quite elaborate goal setting, and a long-term focus that disregards the here and now in favour of a potential future scenario.
Ultimately, though, bringing your attention more to the present moment, and to the things that you’re choosing to do in the here and now, can be a much better way of helping to re-establish a sense of control of your life, in addition to an overall sense of balance and purpose.
The fact of the matter is that you only ever have the power to act in the present moment and to interact with what’s “in front of you,” so to speak. It’s all very well to have some idea of the direction you want to head in overtime, but many people end up becoming so wrapped up in plans for the future that they completely miss the adventure of their lives in the here and now.
Recognise that you won’t find all the answers in your own head, and get out and about and do things
In order to actually get back into the driver’s seat in your life, it’s important to realise and acknowledge the basic fact that you’ll never find all the answers to life’s questions in your own head. Instead, it’s necessary to actually get out and about and to do things regularly, in order to move your life forward, and to deepen your degree of insight.
Taking action has a way of bringing about change, and helping you to consistently shift the direction of your life, in order to get onto a more favourable track. But sitting around and ruminating over your issues and perceived issues all day, tends to be very unhelpful and to feed feelings of disempowerment.
Take time to check in with your own sense of meaning and purpose
As a general rule of thumb, the more you heed your own sense of meaning and purpose in life, and align yourself with that sense of meaning and purpose, the more empowered you will feel, and the more positive and worthwhile your life will feel.
Regaining a sense of control and agency in your life can have a lot to do with simply ensuring that you are checking in with your own sense of meaning and purpose on a regular basis.
by Alejandra | Oct 14, 2021 | Relationships
You might think that you have your life all figured out. But, no matter how well you plan for the future, things will always happen that are outside of your control.
And when these unexpected events occur, it’s essential to be prepared with services you might need in your life! Below are different types of services offered by professionals who provide them, that you might need in life.
In addition, it gives tips on how to find the right person for each job and what they can do for you during a tough time.
Personal Injury Services
This refers to any injury that you sustain either on the job or during your free time. When this happens, it is crucial to get personal injury legal services to get compensation for damages done and seek justice, so nothing like this ever happens again. This includes car accidents as well!
Having this service has the following benefits:
- You can get compensated for anything that results from an injury sustained on the job or during your free time. This includes car accidents, which are very common these days.
- The personal injury lawyer working with you will handle all aspects of the case and fight to ensure justice happens, so nothing like this ever happens again. This could be especially important if someone else’s negligence did it.
Mental Healthcare Services
This refers to services like therapy and counseling. These services are vital for those who have been through a difficult time in their personal lives or those whose jobs involve being around people all day, such as doctors or teachers.
In addition, the mental health sector has expanded over the past few years, with lots of new therapists opening up, so it’s now easier than ever to find someone you feel you can talk to about your problems.
Dental Services
This refers to the dental services that you might need for your teeth. The required service type will depend on the state of your oral health and what work is needed to fix it. If any damage has been done to a tooth, an emergency visit may be necessary to resolve the problem as soon as possible before further damage occurs or becomes worse.
Because time is essential in this situation, calling ahead and making sure there are available appointments should take priority over everything else during such a scenario. This is because waiting could result in more pain later on down the line if left untreated too long without professional help
Tax Services
This refers to an expert tax professional who helps people prepare the necessary documents for filing their taxes. In some cases, they might also help with representing clients before the taxing authority or resolve any disputes filed.
A person can ensure that they get good representation by looking at what other customers say about said services online. This way, it will be easier to see which of these professionals are worth hiring.
Home Buying Services
This refers to the process of finding, purchasing, and financing a new home. Home buying services are typically provided by real estate agents or brokers who work for buyers instead of sellers. The service can be helpful when you find it challenging to make decisions about choosing your next home.
In conclusion, there are many services that you might need in your life. Make sure to do research on each of them and consider what service is best for you!
by Alejandra | Oct 13, 2021 | Relationships
Being pregnant is an exciting time in your life and a milestone you’ll cherish and remember forever. While you might be thrilled to be having a baby, you might also be feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
What’s most important is that you stay happy and well throughout your pregnancy. You must find ways to reduce stress before having a baby and ensure you’re ready to go and feeling your best when your newborn arrives.
Prepare Your Home & Make Lists
You can reduce stress before having a baby by doing a little bit of nesting. It may include you preparing your home by baby-proofing and cleaning it. You should also sit down and make a list of necessary items you need to buy. Make your job easier by finding a store such as For Your Little One that has it all and can help get you set up to welcome your baby home. Read up on what’s most necessary to have right from the start, and remember you can also buy what you find you need at a later date.
Talk & Open up
Another way to reduce stress before having a baby is to talk and open up about your feelings and what you’re going through. Discuss what’s on your mind with trusted friends and family members and see what advice and tips they might have to offer you. You’ll feel better and less alone when you’re open and honest and let people in. Talking through your worries and concerns can help you find solutions that will put a smile back on your face and help you feel at ease.
Take Good Care of Yourself
Most importantly, take good care of yourself and your mental health throughout your pregnancy to stay happy and well. Reduce stress before having a baby by staying active, eating well, and getting plenty of rest and sleep. It’s wise to take some time for yourself every day and ramp up your self-care routine so you can have a lot of natural energy and boost your mood. Don’t be afraid to take a few days off of work or have a spa day so you can regroup and recharge before the baby is born.
Know What to Expect
Be informed and educate yourself on topics surrounding newborns and motherhood to reduce your stress levels. The more you know, the less you’ll worry and feel anxious, and the better you’ll be able to deal with and handle the unexpected. You may be feeling worried or stressed out because of the unknown and that you’re a first-time parent and mum, which is normal.
However, you don’t have to let these thoughts consume you or make assumptions about what mistakes you may or may not make. Instead, focus on the positives and how much joy your newborn will bring to your life. Go online to read resources and blogs on the topic or check out related books and magazines which will help you learn more and not feel so concerned about your new role and having a baby.
by Alejandra | Sep 14, 2021 | Relationships
The most beautiful and, at the same time, the most difficult period in every new parent’s life is bringing their newborn home.
As a new parent, it’s normal that you don’t know what to do next when you bring your baby home. It’s even ok if you feel overwhelmed and anxious a couple of days after birth.
This period is called baby blues, and it happens due to rapidly changing hormone levels after birth. With the help of your partner and family, you will eventually get through that part. If you notice signs of postpartum depression, be sure to reach out to a professional.
Let us help you out by giving you some tips on what to expect when you bring a newborn home.
1. Feeding
The very first thing many new parents are stressed about is feeding. For new moms, breastfeeding can be a daunting prospect. Many women find breastfeeding difficult, especially if friends and family live far away and there is no one to help them.
Thankfully, in the first few days of you being home with the newborn, a midwife might come to visit you. The midwife will teach you how to breastfeed, how to help your baby latch on, and similar things. In case, you don’t have midwife services, you can always call your local child health clinic or the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
2. Sleeping
It will seem like all newborns do is sleep and eat – and that’s how it really is. If your newborn isn’t eating, they will be sleeping. Babies sleep between 16 and 18 hours each day, but to you, that won’t seem like it since they will take a lot of short naps between feedings.
It’s important that you remember your baby’s sleeping patterns, which can help you get some rest as well.
Babies love to be snugly wrapped which is called swaddled, so make sure you know how to swaddle them. And always have a bassinet or a crib ready.
3. Peeing and pooping
Babies pee and poop a lot as well. A newborn who is breastfeeding should have at least 5 wet diapers per day. Breastfeed babies also poop a lot more than those who eat formula, that’s why you can expect three to four changes of pooped diapers per day.
You should also start tracking the colour and texture of your baby’s poop. The very first day, your baby’s poop will be black and tar-like. This is completely normal, and that first tarry substance is called meconium.
After that, the baby’s poop will be yellowish and runny substance – which is normal as well.
4. Dressing
Dressing your baby is another interesting process. You probably already have a thousand different adorable options, but the best is to keep things simple and comfortable.
When buying baby clothes from Australia, make sure you choose practical and easy-to-change options. If it’s winter, parents tend to overdress their babies and all they need is one more layer than we do. And just a blanket to tuck them in.
Usually, new parents are always confused about how many clothes their baby needs. Since babies outgrow everything really fast, try not to overbuy but keep in mind that you’ll be needing a lot of changes of clothes.
The most important thing to know is to buy soft, comfortable and easy to change clothes.
5. Crying
Expect a lot of crying. Since your baby can’t talk, the only way they can communicate is by crying. This means that you’ll have to learn your baby’s cries – when they are hungry, cold, sleepy, their diaper is full and so much more.
Of course, this process of learning your baby’s cries will take some time, so don’t get too frustrated. And even if you do get a bit frustrated, never shake your baby to get them to stop crying. You can seriously harm them this way. Just learn to be patient and you’ll get the hang of it with time.
Having a newborn at home is going to take some serious getting used to. It will definitely change the life you knew. At first, you’ll be worried about every little thing, but with time and as you get the hang of it, it will get easier.
So, new parents, take things slowly and enjoy this precious phase of your baby’s life.
Article by Jasmine Anderson
by Alejandra | Sep 1, 2021 | Relationships
Before you pluck up the courage to make your marriage proposal, it’s important to do a little bit of planning first.
This will ensure things go as smoothly as possible with fewer chances of anything going wrong when you’re finally ready to ask that all-important question.
So, if you can relate to these signs that it’s time to get married, here are the planning stages for the perfect marriage proposal.
#1: Plan for the perfect location
Where should you pop the question? In theory, you could do it almost anywhere but there is a chance that things could go wrong if you make a hasty decision. If your partner wouldn’t appreciate a lot of onlookers, you shouldn’t choose a place that is guaranteed to be busy with tourists, for example.
It’s often a good idea to choose a location that has some significance for both of you. It could be the place you shared your first kiss, for example, as that would add to the romance of the moment. It’s also a good idea to scout out the location first so you can pick the very best spot to make the proposal. There are some ideas in this article on choosing where to propose, so take a look and consider what might be right for your situation.
#2: Plan to get the best ring
Best doesn’t always equate to the most expensive, so don’t assume you have to bankrupt yourself! However, you do need to get the ring that your partner will appreciate, so don’t rush this part of the decision making process. Take a look at the jewellery they wear in their everyday life for inspiration and perhaps ask their friends and family for ideas (remember to ask them to keep the proposal a secret, of course).
Consider the meaning of the ring your partner might wear too. Some have very special meaning, such as the traditional ring of Claddagh which symbolises love, loyalty, and friendship. There might be a particular style of ring that has special significance for your loved one, so do what you can to discover what that might be.
Lastly, remember the ring size. It’s a good idea to find a ring your partner wears regularly as you will then be able to take it to a jewellers to ensure you get the right-sized ring to match.
#3: Plan the style of the marriage proposal
Will you go the traditional route and get down on one knee? Or will you present the ring to your partner in a more surprising way? You might hide it in their dessert when you’re having a romantic meal together, for example, although you will need to make sure they don’t swallow the ring before you get the chance to make your proposal!
There are lots more proposal ideas here, so have a look and choose the style that you think will be right for the special person in your life.
There’s a lot that goes into a marriage proposal, so do take your time. Of course, despite our title, it doesn’t have to be perfect. If you’re madly in love with one another, it probably doesn’t matter if not everything goes to plan. Still, you do need to make it memorable, so consider our suggestions to ensure that long-awaited moment goes well for both of you.
by Alejandra | Aug 23, 2021 | Relationships
Whether you’ve recently ended a relationship or have been alone for a long time, there are both upsides and downsides to being single. But, regardless of how you feel about your single status, one thing is certain: you are available again. And, if you’re like most people, it implies you’ll find love again one day. So, until you do, here are five things you should do.
Find yourself
Understanding what you like and what makes you happy is the quickest way to a successful, healthy relationship. While you’re single, take the time to discover yourself. Learn what you enjoy, identify your objectives and aspirations, and make a list of your top priorities. Make sure that any future relationships provide you with the freedom to be yourself and achieve your goals. There will always be some give and take, but be sure you know where to draw the line.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there
Every day, meet new people or learn more about the ones you already know. When you don’t have that special someone in your life, it’s easy to feel lonely and sad. That is why talking to people at work, the shop, or the gym is a fantastic way to stay sociable without feeling pressured to have a relationship with them, as you would feel on an actual date. Try to be friendly, and open-minded when it comes to meeting new people.
If you have friends who are in a committed relationship or are married, ask them to set you up on a date with some of their single friends, and make a fun double date. Nothing takes the pressure out of a date as having someone else there – no awkward silences, no uncomfortable questions – just four people casually talking.
Get online
Online dating has come a long way. It is so convenient and easy for busy people. You may not have the time to socialize and meet new people. So, why don’t you try a dating service? Agencies specialize in matching you with your ideal partner based on your preferences and personality features. They take care of the hard work so you don’t have to. You should not waste valuable time if there is no connection or spark with someone.
Using a dating agency in Sydney to find the perfect match should not be difficult, and you should feel excited and thrilled about meeting someone whose likes and dislikes you already know, and have a lot to talk about with.
Know what you want
No better time to focus on what you want in a partner than when you are single. Sometimes we fall in love with the wrong type of person, but we get so caught up in the honeymoon stage that we don’t recognize it until years later when we’re in a bad relationship or with someone who doesn’t make us happy.
So, to know what you want, start with what you don’t want. Try to analyze your past relationships, and jot down what went wrong – maybe one side got jealous, or there were too many misunderstandings or just general miscommunication. Maybe someone cheated, and if so, why?
When you put on paper all the things you do not want in your future relationship, what you want will become clearer. Maybe you will not know exactly what you want in a relationship, but you will know what you are unwilling to put up with.
Do the activities you love
Now that you have some more free time to enjoy by yourself, get back to the things you liked doing. Is there a hobby, or a place you’ve always wanted to visit, or a new food that you’ve always wanted to try? Now is the moment to take action and get out of your comfort zone. In doing so, you might just meet the love of your life.
It’s nearly inevitable that as soon as you begin participating in new hobbies, or activities and doing the things you enjoy, you’ll meet someone who shares your interests and is a wonderful match for you.
Being single is not the worst thing in the world. It allows you to better know yourself, and have a better view of what you want. Hopefully, this list will help you achieve both.
Article by Jasmine Anderson
Jasmine is part of Alejandra’s Life Family Team
