Switch your bad habits for good ones

The Power of Small Steps with Big Results

Are you ready to unlock the potential for positive change in your life? It’s time to embark on a journey of transformation by mastering your habits, one small step at a time.

You see, habits are like the building blocks of our lives. They shape our daily routines, influence our behaviors, and ultimately determine our outcomes. But breaking free from bad habits and embracing good ones can feel like an overwhelming task, right?

Well, I’m here to tell you that change doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, it’s often the small, consistent actions that lead to the most significant results. That’s why I’m excited to share with you some simple yet powerful strategies for transforming your habits and reclaiming control over your life.

The #1 thing to do to break a bad habit is to admit that you have it. I recommend starting there. Start changing one habit. And start small. Baby steps will get you where you are going.

Now that you know which bad habit you are going to start with, decide which good habit that you want to replace it with. You need to fill that void.

Simple Yet Powerful Strategies

Write down the new habit that you want to adopt.
Tell your accountability partner about it.
Make it easy.
Use reminders.
Stack your new habit with another habit you already have, commonly referred to as habit stacking. i.e. brushing your teeth, brewing coffee in the am, walking the dog, etc.

Here’s a helpful acronym:
T.A.G. – Tiny. Achievable. Goal

Often, we get derailed from our good intentions because we get overwhelmed. Breaking a new habit down into bite sized pieces makes it much easier to adopt and internalize thereby making it a habit.

See what I did there? T.A.G.

Small Steps With Big Results

So, are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you?

Here’s to small steps and big results!

Remember, every small action you take towards breaking bad habits and forming good ones brings you one step closer to the life you’ve always dreamed of. You can make it happen. I believe in you.

Breaking the Soda Spell: My Journey to Vibrant Living

Overcoming my own soda addiction

In my journey to wellness,, I encountered a significant challenge that required both self-reflection and determination: overcoming my own soda addiction. As a wellness guide, it is crucial for me to share this personal story in the hope of inspiring you to make
positive changes in your life.

Growing up, my household had a refrigerator in the garage that was dedicated to soda.. It was filled to the brim with various sodas. The mere thought of those sweet fizzy beverages instantly brings back memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and lazy Sunday afternoons.

As I became a parent myself, I continued the tradition of having soda in my own refrigerator. No one, including my only child, was allowed to have the last serving. I had to
know the next drink was going to be there. It was a horrible thought to imagine wanting a glass of soda and there not being any.

I realized that my attachment to soda was not just about the taste or the refreshment it provided. I had an addiction. It had become a coping mechanism, a crutch that I leaned on during moments of stress or fatigue. It became a symbol of comfort and familiarity, a constant companion through the ups and downs of life. The addiction held a grip on me that I needed to break free of.

Taking the first step towards change was challenging. I acknowledged the emotional
connection I had with soda and understood that overcoming this addiction required determination. I devised a plan that involved gradual reduction and substitution, exactly like the roadmap in this book. Instead of reaching for a cola every time I craved
one, I explored healthier alternatives like herbal teas, cold water, and natural fruit juices.

IT WORKED!

My refrigerator underwent a transformation of its own. Slowly, the space that was once dedicated to soda was now filled with fresh produce, nutritious snacks, and beverages that nourished my body without compromising my well-being.

Breaking the cycle was not easy, and there were moments of temptation when the familiar sweet fizz called out to me. However, my commitment to a healthier lifestyle kept me on track. I learned to appreciate the natural sweetness of fruits and the invigorating effects of drinking water.

Through this journey, I not only overcame my soda addiction but also discovered a newfound sense of balance and vitality. As a wellness guide, I share this story with the
hope that it inspires you to examine your habits, make conscious choices, and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant life. Remember, every small step counts on the path to wellness.

Your own path to wellness

Starting your journey to quit drinking soda is a wonderful decision that can bring about transformative changes in your overall well-being. Congratulations on taking your first step.

Read more from the Stop Drinking Soda Guidebook and begin your journey to vibrant living.


Sound bath with stretching

My Sunday morning selfcare was playing a flute sound bath while stretching.

What are you doing for selfcare today?

Embracing the Journey of Aging

Aging successfully

As we gracefully navigate the journey of life, embracing the process of aging is an integral part of our well-being. Today, I want to share some simple yet powerful tips that can help you age successfully, focusing on taking care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health.

Taking Care of Your Physical Health:

  1. Stay Active:
    Embracing an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym for intense workouts. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s a leisurely walk, dancing to your favorite tunes, or tending to your garden. Physical activity not only benefits your body but also lifts your spirits.
  2. Make Healthy Food Choices:
    Nourishing your body with wholesome foods is key to aging well. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Remember, it’s not about restriction but about choosing foods that make you feel good.
  3. Get Enough Sleep:
    Quality sleep is a cornerstone of good health. Establish a bedtime routine that helps you unwind, and create a comfortable sleep environment. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support your body’s natural rejuvenation process.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health:

  1. Practice Mindfulness:
    Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing, meditation, or simply being present in the moment, these practices can help reduce stress and enhance your mental well-being.
  2. Cultivate Social Connections:
    Surround yourself with positive relationships. Spend time with loved ones, engage in activities that bring you joy, and foster meaningful connections. Social support is a powerful buffer against the challenges that life may present.
  3. Embrace Learning and Creativity:
    Keep your mind active and engaged. Pursue hobbies, learn new skills, and embrace your creativity. Whether it’s reading, painting, or solving puzzles, these activities stimulate your brain and contribute to mental agility.

Taking Care of Your Cognitive Health:

  1. Challenge Your Brain:
    Keep your mind sharp by engaging in activities that challenge your cognitive abilities. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, or learning a new language are excellent ways to exercise your brain and promote cognitive health.
  2. Prioritize Stress Management:
    Chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive function. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature. Find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.
  3. Stay Curious and Open-Minded:
    Approach life with curiosity and an open mind. Be willing to explore new ideas, embrace change, and adapt to the evolving world around you. A curious mind remains vibrant and continues to grow.

Remember, aging is a natural and beautiful part of life. By incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine, you’re not only taking care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health but also savoring the richness that each stage of life brings.

Wishing you joy, vitality, and fulfillment on your journey of aging gracefully.

Down a rabbit hole again

Hello. I am Suzanne Horrocks

I am finally writing a memoir!!

It’s about a widow (me) determined to get through the grief process with her mental health intact.

I haven’t written a book before and am finding it quite difficult. I see why it’s called a craft. It’s takes a lot of trial and error to “craft” a good sentence, paragraph, or chapter.

I finally created an outline that feels right. One of the chapters is about selling our house.

It’s the first chapter I have really started digging in to and DAMN it’s hard!!

I knew it was going to be therapeutic for me to write it. But trying to keep a reader in mind or to keep the story flowing takes a lot more work than what you see in a book.

I’m going into some rather deep rabbit holes. For one, because the hole opens and I dive right in. I do that because writing this memoir is as much for me as it is for the readers.

So anyway, the advice I have heard says 30,000 to 40,000 words is a good size. With ten chapters, that’s 4,000 words each. I have ten chapters in my outline. I’m going for 4,000 words each.

I hand wrote most of this chapter first.

Then I typed the notes in to a computer file. The word count was just over 2,000 and I have only written about packing up the house. So, yay!!!!

Now I’m beginning to write about the real estate agent and the whole process I went through. I plunged head first into a rabbit hole about judgement, self confidence, and creativity. One just lead seamlessly into the next.

I can see why writing a memoir is therapeutic!! I’m diving deep. Or am I procrastinating? Ohhhhh, another rabbit hole I can distract myself with.

Ok now. I’m going back to the chapter. Thank you for reading this.

A pretty picture for no real reason.

Presents to myself, from myself.

Holiday presents to myself, from myself.

Crossing Bridges

Bridges help us cross difficult terrain, sometimes being the only way to get from here to there.

Are there memorable bridges in your life?

Speaking of bridges and crossings, and getting from here to there, I want to introduce you to a new endeavor I recently started. I am creating adult coloring books, journals, and to-do list notebooks. They are available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/author/suzannehorrocks

This new endeavor feels like crossing a bridge because it is a new avenue, a new path, a new road. Having a bridge connecting my wellness journey, my entrepreneurial journey, and my dream of creating a line of blank books is priceless.

What bridge have you built or crossed that changed your life? (Small changes count too.)



The Rule of Four

The Rule of 4 = 4 hours a day of serious mental focus.

Your brain can only handle 3 to 4 hours a day of serious mental focus.

Whether you are Jeff Bezos, Charlies Darwin, or you at your best, everyone gets 4 hours a day of focused brain power.

You can work through mindless administrative work or manual labor for longer but concentrated intellectual effort is maxed out at 4 hours.

It’s biological. No need to guilt trip or let your inner mean girl send you negative vibes.

Pick your golden 4 hours and time block it. Protect those 4 hours.

You will get more done with less aggravation. And then you can get the more mindless tasks done outside your brain’s power hours.

It’s good time management.
It relieves guilt and stress.

Remember, it’s biological. It’s natural law.

You get to choose a good day

Aloe Vera


How is March and Spring going for you so far?

Spring is time for new beginnings and awakenings. The flowers and trees are budding. We just took some of our houseplants outside for the warm half of the year.

Our bodies are ready to liven up after the rest and digest period of winter. Movement and cleansing are good areas to explore this season.

I have been drawn to cilantro recently. Chopping it up along with spinach and cabbage for a salad is amazingly refreshing and energizing. Cilantro is good for detoxing too. Perhaps that’s why it has come to me with such strong feelings this season. Give it a try. Or add some other light and leafy green if cilantro doesn’t float your boat. You can add it to sandwiches or salad. Use it as a garnish or make your own version of pico de gallo or a relish. Yum Yum!!

It’s your choice!

Along the thought line of “you get to choose”, how about choosing to NOT accept that guilt trip? Do you ever feel those? Either from inside your own head or from another person? You get to choose. Thank the guilt trip for reminding you to be mindful and let it go on it’s way. Don’t hang on to it. Seriously, guilt will find a home somewhere. You don’t have to hang on to it.

Life gets to be your choice. Live it as you like.

If you could make a change in your life, what would it be?

Happy Spring!