Zero in on simple life
Ottawa author and happiness expert offers tips for those at breaking point
Sometimes all it takes is a negative look, another request for help or news that a loved one is ill to upset the apple cart. When hectic lives reach a breaking point, many of us don’t know where to turn.
Several years ago, Ottawa author and publicist Kita Szpak faced her own aha moment and admitted that she was unhappy and had to make a change in her relationship.
“It takes a lot of courage to face the music and admit something is wrong. Often there is a trigger point.”
“Most people’s lives are so jampacked and bursting at the seams. We’re burned out, sleeping less, gaining weight and spend too much time with gadgets.”
Szpak has written a 78-page book called The Simple Life: Shiny Objects Not Required ($12.95). In six concise chapters, she offers suggestions on how to avoid messy situations, respond to challenges and ways to disengage from the craziness in order to live a simpler, more satisfying life. She also co-wrote The Tipping Point to Happiness in 2010 and has written several children’s stories.
The West Wellington resident, who has three grown sons and two grandchildren, finds balance through leading a healthy life and in her passion for running. She is lacing up for her fifth marathon on Sunday at the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.
“Sometimes lessons in life are hard but there is wisdom and growth. You can’t stop change. The Simple Life offers solutions on how to respond when things aren’t going your way.”
Szpak, a happiness expert, shares three key suggestions on how to lead a more satisfying life. To find out more, visit Kitaszpak.com.
TURN OFF THE NOISE
“Do a self-assessment, look at your priorities, core beliefs and habits and identify what is and isn’t working. You need to turn off to start listening to yourself. Eat, sex and sleep are all key. There’s a lot of components with sleep: darkness, coolness and avoiding television and any blue-screen devices.”
MINDFULNESS
“Once you observe yourself and are more aware of your actions, you will make better choices. It is a continual personal evolution.
“Life’s shiny objects: drugs, alcohol and shopping can be both distracting and deadly. Having the courage to seek help is a good step forward. Having meaning will move your life forward.”
APPRECIATE, BE GRATEFUL
“Being conscious of what is good around you is important. Give thanks for even the little things around you. At night, think about three best things that happened to you that day.
“Get away from the drama.”