I belong, my belief │ Mormonism: A Christ-Centered, Global Faith

Here is a small glimpse into the religion I live by each day. I am proud and blessed to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ  of Latter-day Saints, most commonly known as Mormons. I love living it, participating, and teaching it in my life and family. I am glad I have had many choices to make in my life based on what most people call a "gut" feeling, and in my experience I have learned that decisions need more than a whimsical answer, decisions are choices guided by faith and hope. In many ways my religion may seem very extended and too large at first glance, but it is perfectly organized and every member is an integral part of a larger family and can feel it every time we attend Sunday services for 3 hours, participate in weekday enriching activities, and commit to serving in the workings of this religion without monetary.  We are encouraged to be self-reliant, educated, and charitable. I have tried and proven what my religion has written of and I know it all to be true, inspired, and beautiful. I wish I could help everyone see how wonderful life really is through a more eternal perspective, and how trials really do make us stronger, and that suffering is a part of life, but happiness is the purpose of our creation. In my life, I would be in a very different circumstance than I am now, had I never had this gospel in it, and for it I am and forever will be grateful. Whatever storm life has thrown my way I have lived through and become stronger for it, whatever plan lies ahead for me I do not know. but I know that if I keep relying on God for strength and guidance that everything will be okay and for my good. I am so blessed to be a mother, wife, and individual that can be guided by principles that Christ himself taught while being enlightened by modern-day prophets that shed light on modern-day trials to give me hope, peace, and a relief I can find nowhere else. I am Mormon because I want to be. I was not born into this, persuaded into this, nor inherited it by tradition, and I am happy for it.  I am blessed beyond mine own comprehension and for that I know that God lives and loves me and my family.

Taking it slow

This past half year has certainly been a very eventful part of our little family's life.  Let me list some highlights in the past months that we experienced:

January...We find out I'm pregnant...surprise! 17 weeks already with an IUD.
February..."It's a girl!" and my husband gets a call from California for a new job.
March...We leave Utah and I leave behind a wonderful group of Young Women (that I still pray for every night :'-/ ), but I had complete faith in our new journey in California.
April...Hubby's Birthday and we move out yet again into a new apartment. Got anemia again and IUD causes delicate pregnancy. New calling again in Young Women's organization.
May...Most painful month, couldn't even sit. Put on bed rest until I deliver. IUD falls out at end of month, which Doc totally reprimands me for because I removed it myself (totally dangerous, but I felt it almost out, so I went for it. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS, very PAINFUL and RISKY!).
June...1 month left til delivery! Most challenging month as I struggle to keep energized and start really bad contractions. Doc tells me she'd like to induce delivery after 35 weeks due to size and circumstances.

Well, we have had our ups and challenges, but it's been quite memorable and full of joyful news because we're expanding our family.  I've decided to let our little girl decide when she's ready to come to this world and not induce like recommended.  I've also decided to get a midwife this time for delivery and I'll be attempting to go as far as possible without any pain medication.  I want to try natural delivery and have been learning relaxation techniques of all sorts in the meantime.  Although delivering naturally is somewhat scary, I know it's possible and hope to have the strength when the time comes.

So, because of everything still going on and me needing more rest, I won't be able to blog as much as I wish I could.  I wish I could share so much more and do more, but as a mom I gotta learn to prioritize and manage my time appropriately.  I will sorely miss blogging while my boy naps and creating posts that helped inspire me to be better too.  I won't be gone for too long though.

Hasta luego!

Fashion Friday #4

So, up to today I've been posting some of my favorite seasonal styles.  Today, I will share with you some of my favorite celebrity styles.  To me, celebrities are not people I want to emulate, but because some people rely heavily on WHAT celebrities are wearing and WHAT they are using...then I'll just shine some little light on classy celebrities that can inspire your fashion wardrobe in a very positive way.  After all, celebrities do have professionals picking out their wardrobes and ask for specifics sometimes too.

Remember that ultimately, you are the final touch to whatever you wear.  Your confidence will make the final bright statement ;-)  Below, I've linked each image to a biography on the pertaining celebrity so you can read on what they're all about and ultimately what influences them to be unique.

I just love this look! Great for everyday wear.

So adorable...keeps your man attracted while not showing the goods ;-)

So classy and updated ever since she became a mom role model.

Always so elegant and yet understated.

Ahhh, what a relief to see comfy clothing in style!

I just love how she admits that she hates to work out, yet that doesn't cramp her style :-D

Always looks so clean and simple.  Love the heels!

Fashion Friday #3

Yay, my third fashion friday list!  I hope you like it, and like always, if you can buy it, I'll put in a link on the image.  You'll notice I'm really liking the idea of dresses this season, so bear with me :-)

Red is hot LADIES and when you have it to shy away from the sun, believe me, your look will intensify ;-)

Isn't this adorable!?!?

The eyelets are a nice detail.

Pair this black tights and slip on those red hot shades...go on girl, find an excuse to wear those high heals or high boots!

So comfy and ethereal while still looking trendy.

Who wouldn't find an excuse to cook more often just to put this on and hold those kitchen utensils??

Perfect for a lazy day indoors :-)

Purple is such a flattering color on everyone!

Get in some southern spirit with a chic and boho twist.

This is chic and simple.  Emphasizes makeup and hair!

Bring it down to something conservative, yet intriguing for date night ;-)

Fashion #2

So, this is this week's roundup of some fashion finds I absolutely L♥ve!!!!  Hope this inspires you to be beautiful and keep being true to yourself.  Remember that clothing is just an addition to who you really are and doesn't define your character...so be strong, WOMAN!

I just love corals and oranges...so complimentary on all skin tones.

I really like the idea of using short dresses as dressy tunics while preggers!

LOve LoVe LovE the shirt....maybe not the makeup, definitely not for me :-)

Such a cute laptop bag! I would flaunt this at every opportunity! Bright!

Lots of yellow stones becoming big this year, and it kinda works for me too ;-)

...would look great with a cute and loose updo.

Nice color to wear for a beach day!!

Can't wait to start selecting t-shirts in my regular size again after July! FUN!

I know, not exactly for me, but hey, little tots have a right to be bright too!

Gray is so ignored, but truth is that it makes you look sophisticated!

These are so flattering on the younger folk because it accentuates curves!

Belts REALLY add to clothing so why no go all feminine!?! PURTY!

Fashion Friday #1

So, I think I wan to start getting into the habit of creating a small composition of things I see and love around me and share with you all to see on Fridays.  Now, I'm not big into BIG on trends, but I do like timeless pieces and do like to keep my look updated too while comfy.  Here's a few things I've seen lately that light me up and get me all puppy-eyed to try out once my baby bump expires :-)

Remember that your style is mostly made up of confidence so no matter what you decide to wear, own it!  If you;re looking into forward fashion from some modest people who are always on the lookout in urban life, then check out:

Thread Ethic - two sister fashionistas set out to showcase modern, modest and urban styles for women strong enough to follow their principles.  The authors are also part of a beautiful piano group.

not REAL! So get REAL!

America Ferrera is such a natural beauty and is seen by millions on a regular basis.  Some of us are blssed to have a fuller body like hers, but then it's also true to see how girls/women let themselves be so mentally judged by social beliefs...So, without further delay:  The lies Photo Editing can "help" tell and problems it creates...

Can YOU tell?

(Photo from PETAPIXEL)

Actually, it makes me feel a bit sick to my stomach to even look at this image.  This was an ad for Ralph Lauren that took quite a bit of heat back in 2009.  I want to show you this image to educate you girls on the power of Photoshop.  This image goes to show you, you can take a seemingly normal body and use a tool called “liquify” that can potentially make your waist look smaller than you head!  Yes, check out the photo…and please say it ain’t so!  Honestly, the poor girl is so warped she doesn’t even look human anymore!  I think the thing about this ad that personally disturbs me the most is, I wonder how many desks this print went across and how many people signed off on it before it went to print…and not one person took a step back and said, “Wait a minute, this just doesn’t look right.”  Have we become that immune to startling thin women in magazines that this doesn’t raise an eyebrow within the advertising industry?

If anyone questions why an estimated 24 MILLION INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COUNTRY SUFFER FROM AN EATING DISORDER, this photo is probably a good indication why.  Girls, in particular, are trying to keep up with a body type that is physically IMPOSSIBLE!  Girls, none of us can compete with a Photoshop warping tool!  Take that in for a moment…you can’t compete with the impossible, so let go of that pressure to compete with what only a computer software can create.  The liquify tool reminds me of those warping mirrors that you sit in front of as a kid where your head becomes shaped like an hourglass alien?!??!  You know what I’m talking about!  The tool takes the normal and turns it into the impossible.

Below are some very interesting and startling facts about eating disorders that I found from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA AND ASSOCIATED DISORDERS while trying to pull the most recent data.

*Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness*Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents*47% of girls in 5th-12th grade reported wanting to lose weight because of magazine pictures*69% of girls in 5th-12th grade reported that magazine pictures influenced their idea of a perfect body shape*95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.8*The body type portrayed in advertising as the ideal is possessed naturally by only 5% of American females*81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat

Now those facts should be a tough pill to swallow.  If you are one of those 24 million people that are battling an eating disorder, or you aren’t quite sure if it is “technically” a disorder, I encourage you to GET HELP HERE.  You are not alone in this battle and there is no need for you to feel that way.  Your story might just save another girl from this deadly disease.

5 Forget-Me-Not tips for life

This was all inspired and paraphrased from a talk given by Dieter F. Uchtdorf from the LDS presidency and Relief Society Worldwide General Conference.  As Woman, we were reminded to value ourselves and that our Heavenly Father loves us ever so much.  We are strong and we are chosen to lead our families, the greatest responsibility in the face of the earth...to raise your children to walk their life on their own :-)  Among many other great and amazing talks given during the session, this is a fun and simple one I loved.  See the image below for a visual of a forget-me-not flower.  Five petals, five forget-me-nots:

1.  Forget not to be patient with yourself.
   DON"t spend so much time comparing yourself to others and celebrate your efforts.
2.  Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
   Give up something good for something of far greater worth, never jeopardizing your family time. Ask if you're committing your time and energy to the things that matter most.
3.  Forget not to be happy now.
   Stop desperately yearning for your golden ticket (perfect marriage, stress-free life, money and riches, etc). Look at what you have, do not miss the tiny wonders around you...the daily moments of sweetness.
4.  Forget not the WHY of the gospel.   Don't see the gospel and work therein as a list of more stress you will add to YOUR life and do not focus on HOW to do things, but WHY.  Remember why you committed to having that light and joy in your life.
5.  Forget not that the Lord loves you.
   You are not forgotten...wherever you are, whoever you are.  No matter how dark your day may seem, nor how overshadowed you may think you are, nor how many mistakes you make...He loves you!  You are his child.

There is so much more to this and all the talks.  If you're interested in listening to these talks, just check out the LDS webpage if you're a member.  If you're not a member yet, then you can check out MORMON.ORG

Best clothing colors for YOUR skin color

We've all heard that black is slimming and that certain colors can be too bright or too dark for us.  The difference in knowing this and knowing YOURSELF....which really matters.

So many of us havewalked by a beautiful top in a store, maybe your friend might try it on looking stunning and you look...eww, washed out! Here are a few tips in getting it right, just for you.

Remember that you can follow trends, if you like to do that, and color/seasonal trends as well.  Keep in mind that 2 factors weight in always into what you will exude: Hair color and skin color.  The eyes and other features are played up by your make-up.

1.  Determine your tone. There are 2 types of skin tone (not skin color, which is different) and they are: cool-toned or warm-toned.  Take off all makeup and look in the mirror with natural light. Look for warm(golden,olive) undertones or cooler(pinks,reds,blues) undertones in your skin. If you can't decide which one you are, look at the underside of your arm. If the veins look green, you're warm-toned.  If the veins look bluish, you're cool-toned. Your haircolor can either play up or play down your skin tone.

Can YOU tell which side is warm and which is cool?
Click here to see if you were right.

• Darker/black skin with cool tones is very dark and looks almost soft grayish. Darker/black skin with warm tones looks dark brown even yellowis with golden undertones.

2.  Now that you know what your natural look leans more to, it's time for the colors to come in and help. These colors enhance your natural skin tone, don't be afraid to try it, no matter your skin color...it't about tone.

and more in these tones!

• If you are cool-toned: bold, vivid, primary colors(red,yellow,blue) or icy, cool pastels. 
Also black, true white, blue reds, royal blues, fuchsia, lemon yellow, hot pink and blue greens.
• If you are warm-toned: black, true gray and navy make great base colors for black, brown or olive skin with warm, yellow and golden undertones. Also aqua, turquoise, evergreen, tangerine and orange-based reds.

and more in these tones!

Ask an honest friend for an undistorted opinion if you're torn in choosing something right for you. Once you are sure of what compliments YOU and YOUR features, go through your wardrobe and clean up.  It's THAT easy.  Don't deliberately stay with something because it's been there forever...there's a reason you were made the way you were and you gotta embrace it!

If you want to be safe or just make sure you always have a quick go-to color always, check out The 4 Universally Flattering Clothing Colors, by REAL SIMPLE.

Connection Obsession

I know we all live in a very high tech society now a days, but the truth is, how much are we living through electronics and connections rather than living real life?  I once  read a wonderful talk by Elder David A. Bednar, titled Things as They Really Are, in the Liahona LDS magazine we subscribe to, and it was like I was struck in the face with a harsh realization.  I highly recommend reading it.  I loved it and I realized how we ultimately have the control of either living through connections or if we live to make real connections with real people.  I quote one of my favorite parts, " Sadly, some young men and young women...today ignore “things as they really are” and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value." 

I never noticed how intense our sometimes "addictions" to these cyber lives can effect our overall effective human experience; it's misusing the true purpose of our physical bodies as well.  I can't sit for hours, mostly because of my hyper-active child, and lose myself in the Internet, but I realized that we don't have to be too submersed in it for it to take over, in some degree, the reality of reality.  I hope I'm making sense.  Elder Bednar explained this better than I.  Well, after reading his article, I have been working hard to limit my own time on the computer and even have set scheduled posts to limit my time and instead write ideas as they flow into my mind or write experiences as well for reflecting.  Writing helps me see clearer, let things flow out and Internet helps me learn, connect and expand my knowledge.  I plan to keep my relationship with Internet limited and real.  I have witnessed how people are so consumed by their Wi-Fi connections, iPhone, texts, facebook, Internet, and media wants to such a degree that I rarely see people sitting in public places just looking at the world in front of them.  Instead, everyone's faces are directed down to screens of some sort.  Why?  Sometimes it takes some time for others to get someone's attention that's entrapped in cells phones or media.  Cyber entrapment only stiffens our sensibility towards feelings and emotions.  Have you noticed it? 

Let's get better people.  Let's look at the world, our families and get back in touch with our senses.  Let's not let the opportunities of life pass us by as we give our somewhat addictions "5 more minutes."  I know my feelings have sometimes been hurt by people close to me ignoring the fact that human interaction is essential, that communication through talk is more important that staying up-to-date with other people's lives.  I tend to leave the computer on all day because of my photography business and for tutorials I follow along while I'm learning something new fro my home or self-enrichment, but I'm not perfect and sometimes I fall into the stride of clicking away.  I usually log onto facebook because I like to write, like I said earlier.  It's a good thing to write, but to get consumed in surfing the web or dulling my senses is bad.  Some days, I try not to turn the computer on, but there are many times I need to.  I'm striving, just like everyone out there, to be better.  It's hard, yes, but I have priorities and that's when Internet and electronics have no room to fill in the big picture.  It's all up to me.  I have the control, not a lifeless electronic.  I have a divine potential and I cannot waste the precious time in life that has been given to me.  When we want to see a change in something, no matter how big or small, it starts with us.  So, I need to be an example to my little one and show him that device enticement is not healthy nor a priority.

Well, until next time.  I've written to my little heart's content in the past 15 minutes and need to get back to finishing details on my husband's presents.  Like always, I love my life and opportunities I have had and will have soon and look forward to everything that my real life can offer.

My measurements and almost ending the detox/cleanse

So, last week on, Saturday, I started my diet to just get my insides better. So far, I've improved in stamina, energy, activity, less dry skin, and especially my mood. I can't even try to explain how great I really feel overall. Well, on the plus, I've lost some weight. From what I remember at my last doctor's visit, I was 137lbs. I will also give out my measurements(no shame): 45, 39, and 47. Yeah, pretty thicky-thick, huh, considering my height, 5'2. I know, but the good news is that I'm now: 39, 33, 39 exactly! So I lost: 6in, 6in, and 8in. The latter I believe I lost more because I've been taking walks daily. So, as you can see, the results are just 7 days away everytime I cleanse and detox. All I did was the Pineapple diet. Everyone around me, except my family because they do it too, was thinking I was starving....I wasn't. I was full all the time and cleasing while kicking out junk from my insides and also making my metabolism a bit faster as well. I loved it! I can't lie, nor put up a hype...it was simple and luckily, I will be doing it again with my husband in 2 weeks to help support him since he now wants to do it as well.

Since I don't think it's a good idea to do only Pineapple Diet repeat in such close range, I will combine it with the Raw Foods Diet Cleanse and Detox.

Oh, when I get a chance to weight myself, I will and post those results too.

My Needed Detox and Cleanse

So, I've been gaining some weight recently.  I know I don't eat wrong, like junk food or fast food, and I cook everything I eat, but...I'm very stressed.  Stress is our bodies enemy because it releases toxins into your bloodstream, as does anger and fear.  I've gotten married and I just worry about everyone else over me...but I love lovin'.

Anyway, I don't get panic attacks, but I do worry a lot.   Lately, it's  money.  I don't mind saying it because everyone worries about it, a lot.  Ever since I stopped "working" I've stepped back from that control panel and my hubby has made some regrettable decisions, but he fixes them if possible.  He's learning, and I just have to let him learn about how money management is also a partnership, whether or not I get a payroll.  I'm kind of a control-freak too and I love to make plans. Plans make the world go 'round, in a very organized way.  I also have an IUD as my contraceptive.  Unfortunately (we are all adults here) this makes me have a super heavy menstrual.  I need a Tampax and Maxi change every 2-3 hours for 5 days straight.  No light days.  Im' regular though.  So, I inevitably developed anemia.  Another thing, Andrew is super active and I've had to channel some of his brain's activity to reading and learning since he was a year, but he's a never-ending human circus.  He's been like that since he could walk.  Many are impressed he's not in his terrible twos yet.  I love him though!  Then, there's a Guatemala vacation my husband wants to take with his family, which means more money, and we have to take our baby too because his family says he needs to experience it.  I know he won't remember a single thing though, but I gotta go with the flow and enjoy the ride fully to avoid any unnecessary stress.  It seems I'm almost venting, but I'm not.  I use music and art for that, and recently running too.

So, what am I gonna do to remedy at least partial of the stress and get rid of toxin loads?  A cleansing of course and detoxification!  I used to do this all the time before I married and maintained my weight at a healthy 123-125lbs.  I'm no doctor, but my dad is a self-taught nutritionist and while he was reading and testing things for himself, I followed/read along since I was a female and so we compared differences in results after trying our individual experiences.  My mom was always so busy and I was at a peak of wanting to know more...I guess I still am, haha.  Well, after I was married I became pregnant and ended at 179lbs right before my baby was born a little earlier than expected, but healthy.  Now, I weight 132lbs.  You gotta realize I have big cheeks and a round face, so my weight can be seen instantly.  I am also very short, 5'2. Don't get me wrong, I love my body and myself, but I know when my body needs to start getting in gear again from the inside.

I love cleansing my body and going through a detox because it rejuvenates me and maintains my weight without sacrifices.  Of course, I don't eat much junk food anyway or fast food, but I can get away with eating almost anything I actually like.  The reason I used to maintain my weight was because I cleansed my body  every 3 months or so.  Our bodies are like cars, you need to tune them up and make sure things run good from the inside.  Otherwise, that's how you start to get problems and buildup of toxins your body can't tolerate and we are such beautiful creations that it's a waste to be careless of our organs. Symptoms that you may be accumulating toxins at a rate higher than your body can process include fatigue, irritability, skin problems, digestive issues, aches and pains, stress, and even other behavioral problems.

Now, I've written very much and it's time to tell you the specifics of cleansing and detox so you can get a "tune up" if you wan to try.   I'm no doctor and you need to know your body well before committing to these methods of naturally cleansing.  I'm currently on my 3rd day of Pineapple and Chlorophyll juice.

Pineapple and Chlorophyll Cleanse/Detox
PURPOSE: Kicks your metabolism into high gear naturally from the pineapple, and chlorophyll acts as super nutrients and supports your intestinal and circulatory health, so your body gets a vacation from eating bad fats, but still gets all it needs.
EXTRAS:  Lose up to 10lbs along the process. My dad and I tried it at the same time and he lost almost 12lbs, while I lost 10lbs.  The juice is really tasty too!
WHAT YOU NEED:  Natural pineapple juice (no sugars or concentrate)and lots of it, 32oz Liquid Chlorophyll from Nature's Sunshine (it's the best/purest we've tried without "adding" more unnecessary ingredients), Spirulina tablets.
WHAT TO DO:  During 7 days, all you consume is pineapple juice with the Chlorophyll in it.  Nothing else.  I combine both in a clean, empty gallon and put it in the fridge and keep refilling until the 7 days are up.  For every 8oz of juice, add a teaspoon of chlorophyll.  If I go out, I carry my bottle with this mixture inside.  Take a Spirulina tablet in the morning and again at night, varying to how much meat you're used to consuming.  So the more meat you eat, then up the ratio, read the label too.
NOTE:  The first 2 days are always the hardest, mentally.  Realize that you need to fully commit to get through it. 


Raw Foods Diet Cleanse/Detox
PURPOSE:  This really sets your whole digestive system in good, clean shape.  Your body will get a rest from toxins and soon after you end you will immediately see what foods your body does not take well or what effects they bring if you do consume them.  Even the apple of your cheeks become naturally flushed!
EXTRAS:  Lose up to 10lbs if you do the 10-day liquids.  I lost 8lbs and my father lost about 10 with this too.  Your taste buds will also become very sensible afterwards and tastes of cooked foods can be powerful and some very sour.
WHAT YOU NEED:  Raw foods and a blender. Distilled water.  If you are deficient in anything else, please, take the necessary supplements.  Raw foods are all fresh foods like vegetables and fruits.  Nothing cooked or with preservatives, nor grains or meats.  Lemon or limes to help with digestion, cleansing, flavoring, and purifying.  Other than fresh produce, you can consume raw oatmeal, EVOO (first cold pressed), sea salt, natural honey and soy milk(minimally).  No nuts.
WHAT TO DO:  Start by eating only raw foods for 2 whole days.  On the third day, you will start with liquids counting as your first day of liquid raw foods, so you need to blend everything and make smoothies. Get creative and explore how satisfying this can be.  Here, you let your digestive system not do any work as far as breaking down your foods goes and so your body will naturally focus on other parts that have been needing some work or attention.  Amazing, huh?  There are three options while on the liquid part which are 3, 5, or 10 total days of liquids.  The longer you go, the more you clean, but 10 days is very cleansing and should be done about twice a year only.  While on the liquid phase, you cannot chew gum or stimulate your mouth to produce saliva in any way.  This will set your digestion into gear and defeats the purpose of letting it rest to detox.  If you do, drink water immediately.  Finally, after your liquid phase, end with another 2 days of eating raw foods and continue eating as normal afterwards.
NOTE:  Try eating rich fruits that will help still bring in Omega3 and other good fatty acids still in your system, like avocado.  Also, consume your smoothies fresh, do not store for more than 2 hours at a time.  Also, if you cheat(meaning even a bite of that nasty hamburger), then you must start from day 1, meaning eating raw foods.  It's not that hard, but we mentally make it a battle.

Well, I hope this inspires someone to detox or cleanse.  Get to know your bodies and find out why you have certain triggers or problems.  If anything is changing that's not normal, then try a cleanse and see if it gets rid of it.  Sometimes it takes 2 weeks up to a month for your body to get rid of something bad in the system.  Otherwise, see a doctor and tell them what you really are experiencing that is bothersome.  Whether you decide to see a doctor or cleanse, do it now.  Don't wait for things to get worse or decide to live with it because it will only result in something bad in the long run that could have been prevented.

Personal Improvement

I found these out by reading scriptures the night before and then again in a dream and woke up and told Hugo about them. Of course, after much pondering I noticed I have personally experimented on these myself in the past and have proven to never fail:



1. Optimism: You gotta think the right way to head in the right direction.

2. Acceptance of flaws: If you don't know what's wrong with you, you'll never be humble enough to fix it.

3. Replacing old habits with better ones: Very essential because in this way you won't feel like you're losing out or taking away something from your life, instead your filling gaps with something good. It's like plumbing: All the tubes are already in place, but if there's rusty ones take them out and put new ones in so that everything flows more smoothly.

4. Patience: Either with the outcome or if there's people involved, patience will reap results in the end in it's own due time.


Of course, the outcome follows immediately or may take a very long time depending on what the improvement needs to be. Well, that's it. It's nothing written on stone, nor anything I've specifically read, but I like it. I know it helps me out at least. That's what matters.