Happy Valentines Day!

February 14, 2014 / brookehargett / Leave a comment

Happy Valentines Day!!

Today is your day to revel in all that we’ve accomplished with the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project“ I designed. Thank you for taking this journey with me and for all your participation.

Here are links to each post to go along with the recap collage above. Sending all my love your way!

Happy Love Day!! xoxo Brooke

30 Days to Love Yourself Project

Day 1 Post: ME TIME

Day 2 Post: LET IT GO

Day 3 Post: CUT NEGATIVE EATING

Day 4 Post: GET OUTSIDE

Day 5 Post: WORKOUT

Day 6 Post: GRATITUDE

Day 7 Post: GET RID OF TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS

Day 8 Post: CUT SUGAR

Day 9: SORT & DONATE

Day 10: REDUCE STRESS

Day 11: ROCK YOUR OUTFIT

Day 12: MEDITATE

Day 13: INDULGE

Day 14: APPEARANCE T.L.C.

Day 15:GUILTY PLEASURE

Day 16: GRAND GESTURE

Day 17: FEEL SEXY

Day 18: FAVORITE FEATURE

Day 19: MAKE YOUR SOUL HAPPY

Day 20: RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

Day 21: DRINK MORE WATER

Day 22: SAY SOMETHING

Day 23: SLEEP

Day 24: SOMETHING FUN YOU’VE PUT OFF

Day 25: DOWN-TIME

Day 26: CONNECT

Day 27: CALL FAMILY MEMBER

Day 28: FORGIVE

Day 29: SPLURGE

Day 30: CELEBRATE YOU

Day 30 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” CELEBRATE YOU

February 14, 2014 / brookehargett / 1 Comment

Day 30!!! YAY!

Put your best foot forward- Dress up, let the sun in, laugh as much as you can, turn up the music, spend time with loved ones, celebrate your uniqueness, acknowledge the strides you’ve made, appreciate your body, your mind, your heart and love with wild abandon.

Congratulations on making it to our 30th day in the project! I hope that you’ve been able to learn some things about yourself, stretch your limits and have some fun along the way. Tomorrow is Valentines Day. I love the idea to celebrate love by starting with yourself, which is the thought that started this whole thing. I designed this project to bring us full circle- back to the beginning.

My final thought I want to leave you with is this:

You are enough.

Everything in your being, exactly as it is right now- no more, no less, is as it should be. You are enough.

You have been though things. Hard things, that have changed you and left scars. You are enough.

You are loved. You don’t need validation from someone else for this to be true. Reach deep yourself and you will find it. You are enough.

You are beautiful inside and out. You are enough.

You have things to contribute to this world that no one else can. You are enough.

If there’s one thing I could etch onto your hearts after this month, it is that you are enough. You’re not broken, or ugly, or out of shape, or boring, or lazy, or unloveable. You are enough. Just the way you are.

Revel in that.

My friends, on this Valentines Eve, and at the end of this project, I hope you’ve been able to internalize the things we’ve done to help you appreciate yourself and all you have to offer. I hope you feel rejuvenated and ready for whatever you have planned tomorrow, feeling confident and happy.

All my love, Brooke

(If you missed any of the previous days of the 30 Days to Love Yourself Project” you can read the posts HERE.)

Day 29 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” SPLURGE

February 13, 2014 / brookehargett / Leave a comment

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Day 29: Splurge! Do something, purchase something, or go somewhere that will put a huge smile on your face.

The Blurb: We did some heavy lifting yesterday, so today’s topic is really light and fun. Today I want you to do something that makes you insanely happy. Something that you don’t usually get to do that will make you grin from ear to ear.

Suggestions: It has to be something that means something to YOU. If you’ve been saving for a shopping spree, go. If you want to spend some time with a good friend, do it. If you just need a night out, make the arrangements. Maybe you just want to track down that waffle truck and try those waffles everyone raves about. Some of you might just want a quite night at home. Or maybe you want to binge-watch a series. Whatever it is that will make you feel lighter and happier, do that.

Keeping It Real: Remember that the whole point of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” is to spend time on YOURSELF as we lead up to Valentines Day. Think about what you’ve been focusing on and see if there’s something that will line up with things you’ve discovered about yourself over the last 29 days.

For my Splurge today, I joined a Recreation & Fitness Center! I’m really excited about this because I’ve been wanting to ramp up my fitness and have a fun place to take the kiddos. I also moved recently and so I’m excited to meet some people in my new area. This was a really fun splurge that furthers some of the things I’ve been thinking about during this project.

Photo of the Day:

Alright guys, we only have one focus left! Thank you for all the comments and for participating in my little project. It’s been great to have something to think about each day and to learn more about you and things you’re working on. I’ll see you tomorrow, on our last day before Valentines Day. By now you should be feeling the love!

Here’s the CATCH UP POST and if you want to see what tomorrow’s all about…. here ya go!

Love,

Brooke

Day 26 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” CONNECT

February 10, 2014 / brookehargett / Leave a comment

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Day 26: Make time to connect with someone you wouldn’t normally see.

The Blurb: Who would you like to connect with that you wouldn’t normally get to see today? Spend some quality time with someone who means something to you. Life is busy…but today, make time.

Suggestions: The easy part will be thinking of the person. Someone will jump to your mind that you’ve been wanting to see, meaning to catch up with, or thinking about. Go with it. Make the call, make it happen.

Keeping It Real:

So… don’t! Choose wisely!

Photo of the Day: I’ve been wanting to spend some time with this beautiful girl, so I kidnapped her. No, I just invited her over for dinner.

We had a great time! I hope that you take advantage of the focus today. Relationships are so important.

If you missed anything, you can get caught up HERE. There’s only a few days left leading up to Valentines Day but there’s still some fun challenges left! Don’t miss out!

See you tomorrow!

Brooke

Day 24 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” DO SOMETHING FUN YOU’VE PUT OFF

February 8, 2014 / brookehargett / 1 Comment

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Day 24: Identify one thing you’ve wanted to make time to do and DO IT!

The Blurb: It’s Friday! You know that one thing you keep wanting to do but haven’t been able to do yet? Today is the day to do it! Things get so busy and it’s hard to let yourself have some ME TIME or INDULGE in something that’s just for you. But part of learning to love yourself is realizing the replenishing value of taking time to do things that make you happy!

Suggestions: Go to dinner with a friend. See a movie. Take a night off and just be lazy around the house. Try that new workout you’ve been eying. Reconnect with a friend. Skype someone you miss. Take that class. Plan a trip. Do something active. Order dinner in and read a book. Make your Bucket List.

Keeping It Real: You don’t have to justify this one to anyone. It doesn’t have to be fair. It doesn’t have to involve anyone else. You just do whatever you want. I give you permission.

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Photo of the Day: I’ve been so busy lately that all I want this:

Awesome movie- check
Yummy dinner- check
Comfy couch- check
Super soft sweats- check

If you’ve just discovered this project and want more excuses to do things that will make you happy, you can view the previous posts HERE. If you love having an excuse to do something fun you’ve put off and want to do and want more things like this, here’s the lineup of what’s left:

See you tomorrow!

Brooke

Day 23 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” SLEEP

February 6, 2014 / brookehargett / Leave a comment

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Day 23: Go to bed 1/2 hour earlier than normal so you can wake up refreshed.

The Blurb: Sleep is magical! I love the Irish proverb above and I believe it. Today’s challenge is to give your body an extra half hour break. It makes such a difference when you’re able to get the rest you need. The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Getting enough sleep will increase your memory, lower your stress, boost your immune system, increase your physical abilities, reduce inflammation, sharpen your attention and reduce depression.

Suggestions:

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Keeping It Real: Getting enough sleep gives you the mental break you need to reset your system. I wish I was one of those people who could fall right asleep the minute my head hits the pillow. But I’m more like this guy…

I’m getting better over the years, and I appreciate my sleep much more than I used to. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, sometimes a meditation exercise can calm your mind. Or maybe a story will help you relax- here’s one I wrote. Make arrangements to get that extra half hour of sleep tonight.

I’m a go-go-go kind of girl, so I know I’ll appreciate my extra half an hour of sleep. I’m already excited for it!

Photo of the Day:

Thanks for taking the time to participate in the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project!” I hope you’re enjoying these tips as we get closer to Valentines Day. See you tomorrow!

Love,

Brooke

Day 21 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Challenge” DRINK MORE WATER

February 4, 2014 / brookehargett / 1 Comment

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Day 21- Drink eight glasses of 8 oz. of water today.

The Blurb:

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Suggestions: One suggestion is to use a gallon jug and then just fill it with as much water as you want to drink that day. Then you will have a quick visual of how you’re doing. If it’s 3 in the afternoon and you’re not done with half… you better start chugging!

Keeping It Real: I did a study about water consumption back in college and what I remember about it is that the cells in your body hold onto water. If you are drinking enough water, your body can use and release water regularly because it knows more is coming. If you’re NOT drinking enough water, your body holds onto the water much longer… leaving you with old, putrid water surrounding your cells. Yuck! That thought was enough to make me want to drink, drink, drink.

Another suggestion is to have a big glass of water whenever you feel hungry and again before each meal. This can also help with appetite control.

This is one I need to work on. When I was pregnant I did a great job having a water bottle filled and out on the counter all day to make sure I was getting enough water. And then when I came home from the hospital they gave me this huge hospital water mug (Does everyone goes home with these?). This is a great reminder to pull it out and drink more water!

Here’s another idea:

Haha.

Photo of the Day:

I made this totally awesome (right?) water bottle to help me have a visual of how much more I need to drink in a day. I hope that you take this tip as a good reminder to drink, drink drink (Water).

See ya all tomorrow!

Recap of previous posts- HERE

Cheat Sheet- Below

Brooke

Day 20 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

February 4, 2014 / brookehargett / Leave a comment

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Day 20: Participate in a Random Act of Kindness!

The Blurb: Today focus is one of my favorites. This small act can change someone’s life. It can change yours. There have been handful of times in my life when someone has done something for me that I will never be able to repay. I can’t tell you how much those things have meant to me. They made a lasting impression on me, and I hope to be able to help others in a similar way.

Remember that movie “Pay It Forward?” The whole thing was based on the concept of Random Acts of Kindness and now “Pay It Forward” is a common phrase. Hopefully these little acts of kindness will inspire people to do things for others in the future. That way, one act of kindness spreads exponentially.

And just to make you feel old, if you DO remember that movie…. here’s what Haley Joel Osment looks like now:

I swear that movie’s not that old! I’m not that old! Anyway, that’s beside my point. My point is to Pay It Forward. Be the kind of person who gives back. I recently explored a variation of the Pay It Forward idea with my post on Six Degrees of Separation. I learned that Kevin Bacon set up a non profit organization with an easy way to Donate to Charities. It’s an amazing way to Pay It Forward and you can read more about it HERE.

Suggestions: Click on the link below for a comprehensive list by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for ideas:

Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

It turns out that there’s a whole week in February dedicated to Random Acts of Kindness:

Here are some additional things you could do, courtesy of Oprah, who has no shortage of brilliant ideas:

1. Say “Good morning” to a person standing next to you in the elevator.
2. Pay the toll for the driver behind you.
3. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you’re rushing.
4. Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention. Kids love getting mail.
5. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, especially in extreme weather.
6. Give a homeless person your doggie bag.
7. Say “I love you” to someone you love.
8. Put a coin in an expired meter.
9. Help a mother carry her baby stroller up the subway stairs, or hold a door open for her.
10. Each time you get a new item of clothing, give away something old. (*** Note from Brooke- see my previous post on this: SORT & DONATE)
11. Take someone’s shift as the car-pool parent.
12. Bring your assistant coffee.
13. Out of the blue, send flowers to a friend.
14. Say “please” and “thank you”—and really mean it.
15. When you’re on a crowded train or bus, offer your seat to an elderly, disabled or pregnant person.16. Don’t interrupt when someone is explaining herself.
17. Let a fellow driver merge into your lane.
18. Offer to baby-sit for a single mom.
19. Put your shopping cart back in its place.

20. Call or write to a teacher who changed your life.

21. Bring a box of doughnuts to share at the office.
22. Forgive someone a debt–and never bring it up again.
23. Listen with all your senses.
24. Write a note to the boss of someone who helps you, and explain how great a job that person is doing.
25. Simply say “I’m sorry” when you’re wrong.
26. Throw away your trash—and someone else’s—after a movie, picnic or visit to a park.
27. Encourage someone who seems despondent.
28. Volunteer to take care of a friend’s dog while he is vacationing.
29. Help a friend pack for a move.
30. Ask someone “How are you really doing?”—and then really listen to her response.
31. Offer change when the person in front of you at the register comes up short.
32. Before a friend moves away, give her your favorite recipe or quote and a photo of the two of you together.
33. Leave a generous tip for a pleasant waiter.
34. At work, offer to transfer a caller who needs help from another department.
35. Pass along a great book you’ve just finished reading.
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Keeping It Real:

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I hope everyone takes today’s focus to heart and participates. Let’s make the world a better place together.

Photo of the Day:

Thanks for participating! If you missed anything, it’s not to late to join in on all the fun. You can catch the RECAP HERE. See below for the cheat-sheet of what’s left until Valentines Day!

Have a great night! See you tomorrow!!
Brooke

Day 18 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” FAVORITE FEATURE

February 2, 2014 / brookehargett / Leave a comment

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Day 18: Celebrate your favorite feature. Take a picture and post it on a social media site. Embrace what makes you YOU.

The Blurb: What’s your favorite physical feature?

It’s probably a much harder question than what you dislike about you body, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid talking about today. Why do we put such a heavy emphasis on the aspects we want to change? Why doesn’t anyone say instead, “I have the best arms,” or “Seriously, I should be a foot model.” Most of our conversations about our body image revolve around the things we want to change.

Today we are going to embrace something that you LOVE about yourself.

Suggestions: Do you have the straightest, whitest teeth? How about your ankles- do they have a perfect curve? Do you love your junk in the trunk? How about your smile? Your ears? Maybe you have amazing legs. How about your freckles? Think about what makes you feel proud!

Once you decide, take a picture showcasing this feature. You can even have a friend or significant other take a few fun shots. Then just post the pic on your favorite social media site to participate for the day.

Keeping It Real: I’m fan of the hilarious Tina Fey (In fact, I just did a sketch impersonating her when I was in charge of moderating THE AMAZING Delicious Reads Book Club I go to for our discussion of “Bossypants.” I’ll post the video of my monologue sometime soon!) Tina Fey has some amazing things to say about beauty in her book. Here’s a funny excerpt:

I hope you have fun with this focus today!

Photo of the Day:

Hope you’re having a great Saturday night! Live up the weekend!

Go HERE if you missed any of the prior days for a recap. Here’s the cheat-sheet so you can see what we’re doing tomorrow and you can post the pic below to your social networking sites as well! The more the merrier!

See ya tomorrow!

Brooke

Day 17 of the “30 Days to Love Yourself Project” FEEL SEXY

January 31, 2014 / brookehargett / 1 Comment

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Day 17: Do something that makes you feel sexy.

The Blurb: It’s Friday night! Let’s do something that makes you feel sexy! We’ve been doing lots of things to help you feel good in your own skin, appreciate your unique assets, develop your best qualities, and let go of things that have been holding you back. Today you can revel in your success and do something that makes you feel sexy.

Suggestions: Here’s a fun and flirty list of 50 things you can do to feel sexy, by Redbook:

50 Little Ways to Feel Sexy

Or if that’s not working of you, Monica from Friends has a diagram of the Seven Erogenous Zones on women:

Keeping It Real:

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Photo of the Day:

I hope you have sultry, sexy Friday night.

Here’s the RECAP and here’s what we will be doing tomorrow:

See ya tomorrow!

Brooke

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