5 Ways To Rock Every Day In Your Universe (For Type A Personalities)

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TheWooOfPoo   #CollectiveBias

I'm what people like to call 'Type A'.

It makes getting out of bed in the morning easy, but every other part of the day extremely tedious and exhausting. The need to be and do my very best in even the smallest activities I attempt can quickly make life feel more like a chore than an adventure.

When I succeed I thrive, and quickly move on to the next goal or project- when I fail I'm often left ruminating over what I could have done to make things go differently.

My mother once told me, "You're never going to please everyone, so you might as well please yourself."

For those like me, who often feel as though life has caught them with their pants down, that little quote can mean so very much.

Those who are driven to succeed are often successful, but are also not very good at handling failure. We tend to judge ourselves far more harshly than those on the outside looking in at us, and frequently experience anxiety over topics and decisions an ordinary person would otherwise not think twice on.

But the only person you can guarantee to please is yourself- so in truth, you are the one person you should never disappoint!

I know you, because you're like me.

You're sitting, standing, squatting, lying there thinking, "But Jenna, I'm not perfect. That's impossible. I'm bound to fail at something, somewhere."

This is true, and the first thing you can do to please yourself if to accept this. Failure is a fact of life- but failure is also defined by you. Sure there are pass/fail markers and measurements on many aspects of life- but the simple act of you writing something off as a failure is entirely in your own mindset.

It sounds simple, but you and I know it's a hard concept to put into action.

On the same note, pleasing yourself begins much deeper with small steps you can take to help improve your self, and world perception, one shift (or as the author would say sh*t) at a time.

I recently stumbled across a delightfully tongue-in-cheek, quite literal bathroom book, on Amazon called The WOO of POO: Change Your Life In The Time You Take a Sh*t by Suzy Batiz and The Poo Crew. It's a fabulously illustrated inspirational/self help read designed with short, easy to read, chapters intended to be consumed on the toilet (or anywhere else you have a few stolen moments of peace and quiet in your life).

1. The WOO of POO

What makes Suzy Batiz and her Poo Crew worthy of your golden throne moments, or experienced enough to tell you how to shift your life one squat at a time? Well, Suzy is the inventory of a very popular and innovative bathroom aid, Poo~Pourri- the Before-You-Go® Toilet Spray. She not only innovated a convenient, great smelling, product users could spray on their toilet water's surface before going to mask offending smells, she pioneered the discussion of poo in a shame free environment. You may have seen her viral video "Girl's Don't Poop" on YouTube (if not, you should go now, it's well worth the 2 minutes of your life), and you may recognize the witty redhead in a blue dress with punny sentiments on the art of pooing.

Yes, Suzy has built an empire on poo, well, the WOO of POO to be exact; but there's a very deliberate method to the madness of her entrepre-manuerial success. See what I did there?

The WOO of POO: Change Your Life In The Time You Take a Sh*t shares the uniquely positive and moving outlet of every stage of Suzy's success, and how you can use these lessons and tricks as tools in your own everyday life. It's a delightfully punny read that seamlessly weaves in real-world advice and actual practices you can begin implementing immediately to help change your universe.

Note how I said 'your universe'- changing the world is great, and you should never give up those aspirations, but changing the micro-universe of your everyday life is ultimately going to spill over into things much grander and even more amazing.

It's like they say, what's good for the goose, is good for the gander- Don't expect your universe to rock your socks unless you show up just as open-minded, and prepared inside and out, yourself.

2. Embrace yourself.

I don't mean a literal hug- though, studies have shown quite literally wrapping one's arms around themselves for 30 seconds a day might be quite beneficial. I mean really having a deep conversation with yourself about what makes you you.

As yourself what it is you love about yourself. When those inevitable faults and criticisms sneak in during this internal conversation tell them to take a rain check. It's important you identify what you are genuinely proud of. What is it that you do better than anyone else you know. What is your favorite feature about yourself? What brings you pure joy- I don't mean fresh baked cookies joy, I mean something that satisfies your soul so much not a single negative criticism, worry, or thought ever dared sneak in while you were doing that one thing.

Identify these things and do them often. If it's your bright green eyes you love most, buy a new top that brings them out even more. If you have the best recipe for apple pie cookies in the state make them more often- don't only make them, make them and share that pride and joy with others. Your pride and good vibes are definitely contagious!

Suzy Batiz, (author of The WOO of POO: Change Your Life In The Time You Take a Sh*t) also suggests you embrace yourself by doing "Epic Sh*t" and notes that "fear is always going to be there when you are doing something creative". This is something especially true for us 'Type A's' who tend to have creative aspirations but stay on calculated projects and paths where the outcome can be predicatively analyzed.

Once you've identified what it is about you that makes you the awesomest version of you its time to step out of that comfort zone and accept that fear as a badge, rather than a roadblock!

3. Discover Your Flow.

In a particularly inspiring chapter, early on in Suzy's book she encourages her readers to "Let It Flow", in a punny analogy intended to inspire both on the toilet and in real life.

Coming off of Tip #2, above, she notes that we as humans often lose track of who we are in an attempt to live someone else's life. Take a look around. Are you where you want to be? Is your home filled with items you can't recall the importance of, your closet full of things you rarely wear and bought for the expensive labels, or your work a simple means to an end of an income?

Suzy sites Wu Wei Wu (action without action) as the state of finding your own path when you put the least effort into guiding it. Sometimes, in life, we are so focused on where we are going that we entirely skip the journey. As a result our minds appear closed off to new opportunities and paths that the universe is subtly making for us.

The more you work on embracing your true self, and the positive, real, you, the more your mind's eye will perceive these open doorways and the path the universe has laid out for you.

4. What's On The Inside Counts, Too.

This one is a no-brainer, far from ground-breaking, concept that you have undoubtedly heard echoed since childhood.

You are what you eat.

Much like the mental status of generating positive thoughts and imagery regarding yourself, inside your own head, the food and fuel you put into your physical body impacts how successfully you can tackle the day ahead.

Whether it's choosing to eat a well rounded, protein-packed, breakfast to jump-start your day, or cutting back on added sugars and eating one dessert a week to lower your overall blood sugar. Each of these smart dietary decisions really add up towards a healthier, fueled, you.

5. Help Be Someone Else's Change.

Taking even 30 seconds out of your day to stop and do something unexpected for another person, particularly a relative stranger, is the surest way to immediately brighten up your universe. For me ROAKs (random act of kindness) are kind of like a drug. Whether I do them in a moment for someone directly in front of me, or I leave a little bit of kindness behind for an undetermined person to discover, the knowledge that I have done something nice to improve someone else's day is in a sense even better than having someone do something kind for me.

You never know, your little act of kindness just might be the shift someone needs to succeed that particular day, or even a much greater inspiration to pass on the kindness to someone else.

The WOO of POO: Change Your Life In The Time You Take a Sh*t has several proactive exercises at the end of each chapter intended to inspire you to begin putting the principles of the previous pages into action.

One of my favorite Take A Shift exercises from the book is one in which Suzy and The Poo Crew list 10 life hacks to 'be a secret agent on behalf of the universe'. There are 5 of my favorite quick hacks, taken from the exercise, above but you'll find all 10, and many more fun tips and tricks in the easy to digest (pun intended) book, for sale on Amazon, now.

Now that you're prepared to start changing your universe through positive thoughts and powerful deliberate actions, it might be a great time to perk up your bathroom. Check out the all new, limited edition, WOO of POO Before-You-Go® Toilet Spray. Not only is this a woman-entrepreneur driven product, made in the USA, it's made of real essential oils and free of parabens, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances. It'll literally change the way you sh*t so you can go boldy in more places than ever before!

It's not always struggling with those internal whispers when going through each day, but, as Momma indicates, you are your biggest champion. What small steps have you been taking to improve your personal universe? Grab your copy of The WOO of POO: Change Your Life In The Time You Take a Sh*t book, by clicking the button below!

Life Is Messy, Love Is Messier- Let's Discuss It With #TheChoiceChat #IC

This post was sponsored by Lionsgate as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

Momma Told Me: Every choice leads to another path.

When I was 17, already through my first semester of college, I packed up my first car (a lovely pearl Saturn if you're wondering) and drove across country with my best friend. I was moving to Rhode Island to be with my high school sweetheart, she was tagging along for the commentary in her life's memoirs. The road trip was fairly uneventful but I distinctly remember laying my head on the pillow, in whichever value motel we happened to stop at once our eyes begun to droop, and imaging the day that would mark the end of our journey. The day I would step out of my car and into HIS arms.

It may have been that I was a beautiful 17 year old Southern California girl exercising her newfound independence with a recklessly romantic act- but the moments that followed that final screech of my tires onto his mother's gravel will forever be burned into my mind. It was exactly one week before my 18th birthday the leaves had already begun to turn every so slightly and the warm Summer winds rustled the trees towering high above my head. It felt as though I were in a whole new world, despite the fact I had been there so many times. My heart pounded and butterflies began to knot my stomach. The reality of my decision was finally setting in. We had dated all through high school, but what if her didn't want me here, now?

What followed was a sequence that, in my mind, will always play out like the perfect screen from a romantic movie- I remember my feet swinging up off the ground as he held me as tight as he could. His grin so wide and constant it gave his own true feelings away. My hands ached for hours from the grip, hand in hand, neither of us willing to separate. It was young love, but it was simple and carefree love.

The Summer, then Fall, that followed now remains the most vivid of my life- It is filled with warm feelings and sweeping memories that play like ancient home movies in the back of my mind. And while we were far from each other's soul mates, we had our time, and that time was perfect. It's funny, really, when I'm asked to reflect upon 'my first love' in casual conversations with girlfriends or in discussion groups, my eyes get a bit glossy and I tend to smile, "It's a bit like a romance novel," I'll say.

People tend to get a little confused- Surely, if it was such a great romance, it would still be continuing. How could someone have such fond and vivid feelings about a person they no longer share those feelings with? I can't explain it, but it's true. And that is precisely what makes me a Nicholas Sparks fan.

My first Nicholas Sparks film was, actually, The Notebook 5 weeks after it hit theaters, and that very same, magical, Summer. I like to think the endearing love story portrayed in that film went on to inspire the months that were about to enfold, at least in mentality. I saw The Notebook 4 more times in that little Rhode Island theater. After that, I couldn't get enough- I went backwards to A Walk To Remember, then collected each and every Nicholas Sparks book. I won't say I've read them all, but I've read most- and most many times. And every time a new on screen adaptation of one of my favorite Sparks' novels is released I am swept up and taken back to my own love story and memories of reckless abandon and young love.

The Choice, coming to theaters this Friday February 5, 2016, is a book I've long held a love-hate relationship with. The story, so quickly told, hits you in it's entirety only after it has ended. In some portions, you know what is coming, you feel the decisions, the Choices, the characters struggle to make but the ultimate question will leave you torn inside no matter your feelings on life, love, and the time we are given.

I wish I could discuss the book candidly- Given the imminent release of it's motion picture counterpart, and how drastically some of the key elements seem to have been altered based on the previews, I can only best urge you to read the book AND watch the film. At it's core The Choice chronicles the somewhat whimsical but extremely raw love story of independent medical student from a privileged past Gabby, and small town ladies' man Travis. Both going about their lives relatively happy until their world's collide setting forth a series of defined choices. The movie and book both dare to ask- "How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?" a question which weighs heavy in introspect when we are asked to turn the question to our own lives.

I don't want to spoil the film or the book so I am limited in what I can say. What I can tell you is that The Choice does not disappoint in terms of those heart-wrenching twists and chest pumping highs. The characters are solidly flawed making them immediately identifiable, and compassionately human. The title holds a solid theme throughout their story, because The Choice really is the story of two people and the decisions they make once their paths cross, and at many times you are sure to find questioning what you would do were you in their situations.

But, most of all, The Choice remains a classic Nicholas Sparks novel of deep connection and love set among beautiful lush environments. I am sure many women will be asking to see this film for Valentine's Day, and many couples will walk out of the theater with quite a bit to discuss. And, in true Sparks' form, I am certain emotions will overwhelm until the very last scene has rolled. Check out the Official Trailer for The Choice then let me know, below, if you've ever had to make tough decisions in the name of love.

What Daughter Says: I didn't marry my high school sweetheart but I don't regret my choice to move across country to be with him. At the time, it was what I needed. In the end, it led to another path.

Talk.Read.Sing® With A Child Today And Help Them Grow! #First5California

Momma Told Me: The world is an open book.

Long before my nephew, Nathan, took his first breath outside his mother's womb, the family and friends who already loved him so very much were committed to nourishing him and helping his brain grow. You read a lot about studies done over the value of classical music, and other stimuli, while in the womb. We're no scientists, but one thing was clear, baby Nathan was well aware of the world outside and he showed it by reacting to the voices and sounds that engaged his growing brain most.

Babies change more in their first year of life than any other time. Their world is constantly expanding with every sight and sound- just like a sponge, soaking up the world around them. The first year is crucial to their development and only matched by the importance of engagement of Talk. Read. Sing.® in the first 5 years of life.

Born in California, Nathan and his family know all about the crucial Talk. Read. Sing.® First 5 California initiative. It's one every state should have- and a topic that shouldn't require exposure, but it does. One would think talking, reading, and singing with one's baby would come natural. Savannah was reading everything from tutorials and self help to romance novels to baby Nathan long before he was born. But, sadly, the role of Talk. Read. Sing.® does not fall solely on parents, but reaches the whole community. And, with the busy lives and demands of modern day some crucial opportunities are being missed!

Often it doesn't take anything extra to engage those growing brains and Talk. Read. Sing.® with children 5 and under. If there's a pair of small eyes watching you, you have the floor- whether you're Mother, Aunt, neighbor, or family friend, take the stage and engage a child's growing mind with precious stimulus that, let's face it, can also be quite fun! Nathan's favorite cartoon just so happens to be Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (also my second cousin, Sadie's favorite show!) which engages growing brains on all levels- primarily with music. Have you ever noticed how much more you seem to absorb when a concept is put to a catchy tune? Little Nathan shakes his adorable butt every time the Mouse and gang start singing!

Now 14 months old, baby Nathan has also been listening to his big sister Sabrina (13) play the flute since before he knew her face. I like to joke he's a little more fortunate for that, since she first began playing just 9 months before he was born and the 'stimuli' was a little more painful back then. Today Sabrina's a member of her school band and can carry quite a tune- Nathan loves to listen and 'play' along to her practice songs and rhythms. In fact, First 5 California has some wonderful resources to get your baby or toddler up and moving with special music videos and recorded songs just for First 5 growing minds!

Remember how I said the whole family likes to help out by engaging baby Nathan's growing brain? It's not secret his grammy can't turn him down for a nap-time story- and his father's equally a sucker. Whenever the tablet comes out, Nathan expects to be entertaining, even if it's just the sounds of an engaged adult explaining the screen in front of him! You don't have to be doing something specifically targeted towards infants and toddlers to help them grow through Talk. Read. Sing®, the truth is everything can be turned into a chance to talk to a child, read out loud, or sing along. So, the next time you have a pair of little eyes and ears watching you, why not engage their growing brain by talking or singing along to whatever's going on? 

Need more inspiration for ways to turn everyday events and occasions into Talk. Read. Sing
®moments? Check out the First 5 California landing page for activities, statistics, and tips to help engage children under 5 during their most crucial development years! Do you have a child under 5 in your life? How do you like to engage them and their growing mind?

What Daughter Says: You don't have to be a parent to help a child's mind grow. Talk. Read. Sing® with a child today!