inspiration

  • Inspiration, Mindset

    The art of Fika

    Be more Fika! Discover and embrace this easy, simple and popular Swedish philosophy which has so many benefits professionally and personally. This article will explore The art of Fika, what is Fika, how to be Fika and the benefits of Fika.

    What is Fika? Fika Meaning – Fika Definition

    Fika is not only a noun and a verb, it is a Swedish concept and state of mind. Fika is known as a coffee break but it is much more than that!

    Fika is a moment to slow down, to appreciate the good things in life.

    To unplug from the ever busy world we live in and embrace the slowness of life.

    To meaningfully connect with someone over a coffee or tea. No phones, no mind chatter, no distractions.

    To accept and be in the moment.

    This concept resonates with many cultures around the world.

    To have a coffee or tea break. To take a moment for yourself. To get your mind off things. To hone in on the present moment. A breather as Australians would say. 

    Fika in Sweden – Is it just afternoon Fika? It is interesting to note that Fika is actually taken multiple times throughout the day in Sweden, “almost all employers in Sweden encourage their employees to enjoy fika twice a day when at work; 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon.” This emphasises the importance of more than one break in a working day which is easy to forget when you are caught up in the hustle and grind of work. 

    Next time you find yourself at work feeling stressed or when life is flying by – Fika.

    Coffee anyone?

    Coffee anyone? The art of Fika

    The art of Fika – Coffee break

    Five ways to be more Fika at work

    The benefits of Fika

    Fika cafe locations around the world

    Fika locations around the world
    Fika locations around the world

    Fika in the USA

    Fika New York. Fika NYC – Konditori, a Swedish Fika Espresso Bar in New York. In fact Konditori means a traditional gathering place to enjoy warm drinks, delicious baked goods and treats – Very Fika! Fika Hattiesberg in Mississippi known for it’s cosy and relaxing atmosphere with delicious sandwiches. 

    Fika in Australia 

    In Perth, Fika on Brix who pride themselves on excellent coffee. Melbourne has several FIKA cafes. FI:KA in Hawthorn (Fika Hawthorn), Melbourne – a very instragrammable location with its pink theme and drool-worthy rainbow hotcakes. In Ballarat FIKA Coffee Brewers has quickly established itself as the Fika hub of Ballarat with is all about attention to detail and considerations from the first sip. Fika Manly – Fika Swedish Kitchen and Fika Bondi in Sydney NSW. Both Sydney FIKA locations, bring all the best things about Swedish culture together with modern Aussie café culture.
     

    Fika in Canada

    Fika Cafe Toronto – Located in Kensington with beautiful house made food and coffee of course! It is known to be very instagrammable with it’s cool and airy interrior and artistic book wall feature. Also in Toronto, Moonbeam Coffee Company a cosy, homey spot for espresso drinks with an outside patio area too.

    Very instagrammable!
    Fika Toronto Feature Book Wall

    Fika in the UK

    Fika Liverpool popular amongst locals for authentic tasy food and milkshakes. Fika Uppermill known for their afternoon teas and a place for baby showers. Fika Oakham a Scandi cafe offering Nordic inspired breakfast & lunch. Fika@44 in St Leonards-on-Sea known for good food in cool surroundings.
     

    Fika in China

    SMAKA café & bakery in Changning District prides itself on serving the finest and most delicious menu heavily inspired by Swedish and Scandinavian heritage and flavors, but also with an innovative and modern twist. Swedish coffee chain Wayne’s Coffee has a location in downtown Shanghai serving coffee, sandwiches and Swedish pastries.
     

    Fika in India

    Fika in Adyar, Chennai where Scandinavian design and Wes Anderson-inspired elements come together for a beautiful café and community space. “The style of the space is something of a hybrid—rustic chic. The vibe is relaxed and lounge-y, and the space itself is fluid and constantly evolving. It is also like an empty canvas and has the capacity to adapt to any events, like Diwali, or Halloween parties” says Architect Mahendra Kumar of Studio 62 in Architectural Digest India.
     

    Fika in Pakistan

    Fika Coffee Co. in Karachi, Pakistan known for their variety of coffee blends and cakes such as Tiramisu. They continuously search for the best and most innovative artisanal beverages in Pakistan.

    Coffee anyone? The art of Fika

    Find out more about the art of Fika

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  • Inspiration, Mindset, Self Love

    What is beauty, on being beautiful

    On being beautiful? Beauty is an ever evolving, dynamic concept. It is viewed from the lens of each individuals perspective.

    On first thought, the external appearance will be what many people think of.

    There is no one definition of beauty.

    Girls of all kinds can be beautiful – from the thin, plus-sized, short, very tall, ebony to porcelain-skinned; the quirky, clumsy, shy, outgoing and all in between. It’s not easy though because many people still put beauty into a confining, narrow box…Think outside of the box…Pledge that you will look in the mirror and find the unique beauty in you. 

    TYRA BANKS

    Beauty does not have to be superficial.

    “Some of us teach ourselves and our children to love the superficial outer; our looks, hair, skin, clothes rather than the greater beauty that resides within whereas it is that inner beauty that really defines you and who you truly are.”

    Rassool Jibraeel Snyman

    Although the concept of beauty can definitely take into account your appearance if you so choose to see so.

    “Outer beauty pleases the EYE. Inner beauty captivates the HEART.”

    MANDY HALE

    To me, beauty is beyond the external.

    Beauty is a state of mind, it is a feeling.

    Being beautiful.

    When you glow on the inside, you inevitably radiate beauty on the outside.

    Beauty is being comfortable in your own skin.

    Beauty is knowing you are worthy.

    Beauty is being confident in yourself.

    Beauty is to radiate love.

    Inspirational quotes on beauty and on being beautiful

    Beauty is. Beauty is inherent in all beings. You are beautiful.

    “There is nothing ugly; I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may, — light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful.”    

    John Constable

    Inner beauty is beauty in its truest form.

    “I believe inner beauty is beauty in its truest form. When we nurture ourselves, it brings an inevitable, positive transformation.” 

    PAULA ABDUL

    You determine whether you are beautiful, no body else does.

    “People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing you are the beholder.”    

    Salma Hayek

    You are beautiful, even if you can’t see yourself.

    “Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.” Anonymous

    Naya Rivera

    The best part of beauty is beyond your physical external appearance.

    “The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express.”

    FRANCIS BACON

    What you see in the media isn’t necessarily true or beautiful.

    “Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images.”

    Cheri K. Erdman

    On beauty, it is how you feel about yourself.

    “How I feel about myself is more important than how I look. Feeling confident, being comfortable in your skin that’s what really makes you beautiful.”     

    Bobbi Brown

    Being beautiful is to be at peace with yourself.

    “I feel beautiful when I’m at peace with myself. When I’m serene, when I’m a good person, when I’ve been considerate of others.”     

    Elle Macpherson

    Being beautiful is to love yourself.

    “Beauty is when you can appreciate yourself. When you love yourself, that’s when you’re most beautiful.”

    ZOE KRAVITZ

    Affirmations on beauty and on being beautiful

    ♥ I am beautiful.

    ♥ I love who I am.

    ♥ I am comfortable in my own skin.

    ♥ Beauty radiates from within me.

    ♥ My beauty shines inside and out.

    ♥ I see all the beauty within me,

    ♥ My self confidence makes me beautiful.

    ♥ My big heart makes me beautiful.

    ♥ Being kind makes me beautiful.

    ♥ I feel beautiful today!

    ♥ I appreciate who I am inside and out.

    ♥ I love my smile.

    ♥ I love how I take care of myself.

    In conclusion on what is beauty and being beautiful

    Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. But you are eternity and you are the mirror.     

    Kahlil Gibran

    More on being beautiful

    11 Ways to Feel Beautiful – Jenny Bailley, Oprah

    Read this today if you don’t feel beautiful today – Ella Cajayon, Literally, Darling

    Is Beauty A Feeling? Science Says Yes, So Here’s How You Can Capture It Yourself – Julia Guerra, Elite Daily

    Click here to read more

  • Anxiety, Inspiration, Mental Health, Mindset, Quotes, Resources

    Inspirational quotes that will cheer you up

    Feeling down? We all experience ‘good’ and ‘bad’ days, ups and downs, wins and losses.

    When times get hard it can be nice to read some inspiring quotes that will cheer you up.

    These quotes may also help you a cheer someone up such as a loved one such as a friend, family member or partner.

    Radiate love and it will be contagious 🙂

    They serve as reminder of how incredible you are.

    They serve as a prompt to reframe your thoughts and see an issue from a different perspective.

    They serve as a reminder of the love that surrounds you.

    Here are some quotes that will cheer you up. They will instil love and positivity within you.

    Hopefully these inspiring quotes will bring a smile to your face or a bright moment.

    It is important to note that it is okay to feel down or sad at times, we are human and this is normal. Honour yourself and allow yourself to process what you are feeling before moving on.

    “Everyone deserves a sad day once in a while,” Calista told me. “Sometimes things are too big for cheering up. Sometimes the best way to make things better is just to let yourself be sad for a little bit.”

    Lisa Graff

    Note if you are feeling down – reach out to someone you trust, someone who loves you. You are strong for reaching out. Talk to them. Be in silence with them. Just know you are never alone. If you don’t have someone please contact a medical professional such as your doctor or a psychologist who can help.

    Sending love, light and positivity always.

    Inspirational quotes that will cheer you up

    Stay focused on what you desire and want to achieve, it will provide the motivation you need.

    “When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.”

    UNKNOWN

    You are alive! 🙂 Today may be your day!

    If you are still breathing maybe it is not such a bad day after all.     

    Darren E. Laws

    Find a reason to be positive – you can do it! Change your thoughts and change your world.

    If you’ve got nothing to dance about, find a reason to sing.     

    Melody Carstairs

    Find the light within you.

    Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.     

    Benjamin Franklin

    No situation is permanent.

    “The bad news is nothing lasts forever,
    The good news is nothing lasts forever.”

    J. COLE

    You offer something unique to this world.

    “There’s something in you that the world needs.”

    UNKNOWN

    Spread the love.

    The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer someone else up.     

    Mark Twain

    Enjoy ever moment before it becomes a memory.

    Enjoy the little things and be joyful,for one day you may look back and realize they were actually the things that mattered!     

    UNKNOWN

    No one can take away the successes you have already had.

    “No matter what, nobody can take away the dances you’ve already had.”

    Gabriel Garcia Marquez

    Be at peace knowing everything happens for a reason and one day you will realise why.

    “Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.”

    UNKNOWN

    Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place. 

    Unknown

    Tough times in our life teach us lessons.

    “Stars can’t shine without darkness.”

    UNKNOWN

    Keep moving forward.

    “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way.”

    UNKNOWN

    “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” 

    Michael Jordan

    Whatever we endure, prepares us for the future.

    “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”

    C.S. LEWIS

    It’s all about perspective.

    “I didn’t fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.”

    Benjamin Franklin

    Failure doesn’t exist, you get something out of everything, one of the best? A lesson learnt.

    “There are no failures – just experiences and your reactions to them.”

    Tom Krause

    “Don’t be discouraged by a failure. It can be a positive experience. Failure is, in a sense, the highway to success, in as much as every discovery of what is false leads us to seek earnestly after what is true, and every fresh experience points out some form of error which we shall afterwards carefully avoid.”

    John Keats

    Turn your wounds into wisdom. 

    Oprah

    You are resilient.

    Tough times don’t last. Tough people do. 

    Robert H. Schuller

    We can turn pain into motivation.

    We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey. 

    Kenji Miyazawa

    Embrace the present moment.

    Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain. 

    Vivian Greene

    Tough times teach us a lot about ourselves and how strong we truly are.

    It’s in the darkest moments that we find our greatest strengths. 

    Steven Atchson

    You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it. 

    Unknown

    Tough times prompt change for the better.

    Pain doesn’t just show up in our lives for no reason. It’s a sign that something in our lives needs to change. 

    UNKNOWN

    Rough times lead to opportunities.

    In the middle of a difficulty lies opportunity.

    Albert Einstein

    Change leads to transformation.

    What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly. 

    Richard Bach

    Accept where you are now and find inner peace.

    The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of every day. 

    Unknown

    You have the power to cheer yourself up. You are powerful.

    It only takes one person to make you happy and change your life: YOU. 

    Charles Orlando

    Be brave, you may not be able to change what is happening but you can let go in your mind. Read here for more on true acceptance.

    One of the happiest moments ever, is when you find the courage to let go of what you can’t change. 

    Unknown

    Feeling down and need more cheering up? Please turn to these resources

    Beyond Blue – Australia

    Feeling Down? 7 Ways to Pick Yourself Back Up! – Zen Habits

    Low mood, sadness and depression – NHS UK

    Help Guide – USA

    The LifeLine – Canada

    Additional resources at in her vitality

    Struggling with anxious thoughts? Here are 22 powerful affirmations to reframe your thoughts for a positive mindset
    46 Affirmations to radiate self love

    Click here to read more

  • Inspiration, Mindset

    You are magic

    What does it mean to be magic?

    Yes you are magic.

    You are magic.

    You are made of stardust. You are and everything in the universe.

    The stars, the moon, the planets.

    Bright and beautiful.

    You radiate love and light.

    You are beauty – the sunrises, the ocean, the sunsets, the cosmos, life.

    You are one of a kind. There is no one else like you.

    So much potential surrounds you.

    So much potential is inside of you.

    You offer so much to yourself, the ones you love, the world, the universe.

    You are magic.

    Own your magic.

    You are magic meaning

    It’s physically and scientifically true, you are magic. The universe is magic.

    “There are as many atoms in a single molecule of your DNA as there are stars in the typical galaxy. We are, each of us, a little universe.”

    Neil deGrasse Tyson

    Magic is a mindset.

    “Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.”

    Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

    Magic is believing in yourself.

    “Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.”

    Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    Magic is all around us.

    “Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live.”

    Nora Roberts

    Magic exists in being aware of our surroundings.

    “The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.”

    Eden Phillpotts

    In conclusion on magic

    “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

    Roald Dahl, The Minpins
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_TBFFoAC7P/

    Finding more magic

    We are Stardust – Literally – National Geographic

    25 Universe Quotes for Your Spiritual Contemplations (P.S. You’re Everything) – Healing Brave

    You’re Magic! 9 Ways to Remember Your Magic – Nikki Starr Noce, M.D.

    10 Ways to Have a Magical Life – Medium

    Click here to read more

  • Inspiration, Mindset

    Today is your day

    What does ‘today is your day’ mean?

    Today is your day is to seize the moment.

    To make the most of your day.

    Every day is a gift. We have the most precious gift of all, life.

    We do not know what tomorrow will hold, we do not even know if there will be a tomorrow, there are no guarantees.

    Do not procrastinate. Do not waste this gift.

    Give it your all.

    Live with vitality.

    Grab today in your hands.

    Take the leap of faith.

    Take all that you can.

    Bask in love and potential without any fear.

    Lean in to all your desire, make your dreams a reality.

    Life is not a checklist, it is a collection of moments. Have a collection with no regrets. A collection you are proud of.

    Today is your day …

    The reality is everyday is your day.

    Everyday is a gift and everyday holds potential.

    Today is your day inspiration

    Everyday holds new potential and reinvention.

    “You have a clean slate every day you wake up. You have a chance every single morning to make that change and be the person you want to be. You just have to decide to do it. Decide today’s the day. Say it: this is going to be my day.”

    Brendon Burchard

    If you are not present today, you’ll look back and miss what was today.

    “Enjoy today. It’s one of the “good old days” you will miss in the future!”

    Etta Sawyerr

    We are in control of our today and the direction we choose to go.

    “Congratulations!
    Today is your day
    You’re off to great places
    You’re off and away

    You’ve got brains in your head
    You’ve got feet in your shoes
    You can steer yourself any
    Direction you choose

    You’re on your own
    And you know what you know
    And you are the guy
    Who’ll decide where you go

    Out there things can happen
    And frequently do
    To people as brainy
    And footsy as you

    And will you succeed?
    Yes you will indeed!
    (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed)

    You’re off to great places
    Today is your day
    Your mountain is waiting
    Go, get on your way!”

    DR. SEUSS
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_RBWYUAW1P/

    Additional reading on today is your day

    Making the Most of Each Day – Beliefnet

    How to Make The Most of Every Day – 8 Tips! – Retro Flame

    25 Ways to Make a Difference in the World Every Day – Lori Deschene, Tiny Buddha

    Click here to read more

  • Inspiration, Mindset

    Be a voice not an echo

    Be a voice not an echo. Let us ponder that thought.

    “It only takes one voice, at the right pitch, to start an avalanche.” 

    DIANNA HARDY

    At a young age we are conditioned to be ‘normal’ to follow as everyone else does. The typical life path. Grow up, get a job, grow a career, fall in love, have a family… we are moulded into societal norms.

    Do not be afraid to be your true self.

    Do not be afraid of being different.

    It is what makes you special.

    The origins of ‘be a voice not an echo’ could very well stem from Greek mythology. Zeus was an almighty God of the sky and thunder. He was enamoured by the nymphs on Earth, particularly one by the name of Echo. Echo loved to chat and used her gift of conversation to distract his wife Hera from the affairs he was having. When Hera caught onto this she took away what was most important to Echo, her voice.

    Don’t get caught out in the role of Echo.

    Our voice is a gift. You are a gift.

    You are so valuable.

    You are uniquely you, there is no one else in this world like you.

    Own your power.

    Voice your opinion.

    No, it is not easy, but we have to be brave.

    To have the courage to swim against the stream, to live our life with vitality, with zest, with fire.

    A soul fulfilling life.

    By voicing your opinion, how you feel and what you have to say – it inspires others to do the same.

    By voicing your opinion, you will create and open up discussion and alternative perspectives.

    By voicing your opinion, you create change.

    Be proud of who you are.

    Own it.

    Your voice matters.

    Inspirational quotes on being a voice

    “When you give yourself permission to communicate what matters to you in every situation you will have peace despite rejection or disapproval. Putting a voice to your soul helps you to let go of the negative energy of fear and regret.”

    Shannon L. Alder

    “It only takes one voice, at the right pitch, to start an avalanche.” 

    Dianna Hardy

    “The human voice is the organ of the soul”

    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

    “We all have a voice. Some a whisper, some a roar. If you can roar, roar for others. If you can only whisper, keep trying. Every roar started small.”    

    M.L. Shanahan

    ““Throughout human history, our greatest leaders and thinkers have used the power of words to transform our emotions, to enlist us in their causes, and to shape the course of destiny. Words can not only create emotions, they create actions. And from our actions flow the results of our lives.” 

    Tony Robbins
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_N0ZDAAlNv/

    Be a voice resources

    7 Reasons to Never Hold Back Your Opinion – Jayson DeMers Inc

    10 Benefits of Speaking your Truth – Melinda Campbell-Weber, Elephant Journal

    Speak Your Truth When It Scares You Because It Is The One True Measure Of Your Authenticity – Tony Fahkry, Medium

    Click here to read more