SMART life


Just do it. Just say no.


Saying no to some things can lead to opportunities that are closer in line with your goals Too much of a good thing


T


here are lots of ways to say “no.” Nuh-uh. Tanks, but no thanks. Ummm, nope! N-O. No. So why is it so darn hard to say? Sometimes we do


things we don’t want to do because we have a responsibil- ity to do it, or to help a brotha out. Tat’s all good. But when you’re finding


yourself saying “yes” every time out of obligation, we need to talk. When you say yes to giving in to what you don’t want, you are saying no to your best self! Energy Vampires


Whether you were Team


Note to Self Faye Armstrong


Jacob or Team Edward, the vampire craze is so over – es- pecially when it comes to what I like to call “energy vampires”: those toxic people who drain us of our positive energy. It could be that they are


consciously trying to bring you down, or they’re just constantly complaining and raining on your parade. Whatever the case, eliminating negative entities from


your life will make room for more positive people and energy. Cutting someone out of your life might seem harsh, and is not always the answer, but sometimes peo- ple serve a purpose in our life for a time and then their contract with us is up. In those cases, you can best serve each other by part-


ing ways (think “conscious uncoupling” like Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin). If Debbie Downer is someone who you simply cannot


cut from your team, put up blocks. Limit your time with this person where possible, and when you do have to be around them, spend a few minutes beforehand (or dur- ing!) putting up emotional boundaries. You can do this by meditating on an image or mantra


that emanates feelings like control, protection, happi- ness; whatever reminds you that YOU are in the driver’s seat of your emotions – not them.


OK, so you’ve said buh-bye to your toxic relationships


and now you’re flooded with other opportunities and barely have enough time in the day to get it all done. Nice problem to have, right? Slow down there, future CEO. It can be tempting to


say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, but if you want to do your best work, you’re going to have to prioritize. Look at your options alongside your goals. Which ones


line up? Which ones do you feel really excited about? Choose the things that really resonate with you and your vision, and put the rest on hold or scrap it all together. It’s important to say yes to opportunities, but you don’t


have to say yes to everything that presents itself. No means no


You know what you need to say, but how do you say it?


Here are a few tips: ∙Be direct without blowing them off. “I’d love to help,


but I’m not the best person for this/it’s not something I can take on at this time/I really have my hands full with X right now.” Chances are, they’ll appreciate your honesty and would probably rather you say no if you can’t give it your all anyway. ∙Practice makes perfect! Practice saying no with a


friend or even by yourself, going through all the potential scenarios of what could happen if you say no. It’s probably not as bad as you think. ∙Keep your eyes on the prize. Keep your goals top of


mind. It’s a lot easier to say no to people and situations when you can clearly see that they don’t align with your vision. ∙No means… yes? Remember that saying no to one


thing also means saying yes to something else. It might be more time with your family, more energy to devote to a project that you’re passionate about, or simply more room in your life for what truly makes you happiest. And that’s something worth saying yes to! Faye Armstrong is a life coach based in Winnipeg who is


passionate about living life to the fullest and helping others do the same. For a little motivation or to learn more about personal coaching, visit www.fayeaarmstrong.com.


Get rid of the "energy vampires" in your life who suck the positive energy out of you. Photo by Alex F.


Forget T-shirt time, it’s bathing suit time! Even if you haven’t been gym/tan/laundrying all year long, there is the right suit for you


many of us still rejoice in a hint of sun and frolick in our bathing suits.


I Swimsuit sea-


son has been known to make some women run for hi l ls, while ot her s have been plan- ning their sum- mer wear since winter. It is possible


In Vogue Ally Champagne


to find a bathing suit that fits and suits your figure as well as allows you to feel ter- rific while wear- ing it.


Demystifying the process can take a


little preparation, such as removing any unwanted or unsightly hair – especially if you are shopping with someone else. And one must remember to never, ever try on a swimsuit minus your undies. Tis is where your hygienic code must be followed to the letter. You may even wish to set out on the jour-


ney before a meal, or on a “skinny day,” to set out in the best spirits and avoid building on a bad body image. When your body and spirit is ready for the


try-ons, find a swimsuit store that special- izes in swimming attire. Tis will greatly facilitate the process. You might think to yourself that you do not want to spend a fortune on a bathing suit, but by going to the experts, you will decidedly find what looks best on you. And that is important.


14 SMART TAB


t seems the warmth of summer is finally here. Although we have not had an over- the-top hot and sunny season to date,


with smaller hips, choosing this bottom can create a more hourglass figure. Beware: these bottoms are not for eve-


ryone, and may feel uncomfortable unless your hips are straight. Women with larger hips should avoid these. Two-piece evolution


Tankini tops have come a long way. At


one time, these suits were made for women with perfect tummies. Today, you can find them longer and more flared to hide any tummy excess. Tey also create the illusion of length in the torso, a plus if you are short on length. Women with larger busts are now finding


bikini tops conducive to their assets. You can now find tops with underwire support, thick chest bands to prevent your glorious girls from escaping, and straps so fine you can dare run in the sun. Tried and true


One-piece bathing suits are still the best option for those who can't sit still. Photo by Holly Lay. Once you get that information, you may


then wish to turn to some great online shopping.


Colours and patterns You will want to look for colours and


fabrics that bring out your “wow” factor, highlighting your best attributes and toning down the parts you are not so happy with (and we all have those!). Flaws or less-loved areas are best hidden


by using a bright colour or pattern. You can use dark colours with pale skin and bright colours for dark skin for the concealing ef- fect. Tanned or dark-skinned women look great in patterns with bright yellow, orange or coral.


Helping your silhouette Creating a bust line can be as easy as


buying a bathing suit with ruffles gracing the top edges. Creating a waist or hiding


Mix and match When buying a two-piece or tankini, do


the two pieces have to match? Absolutely not. You can choose a top with a bright or patterned colour to highlight your top and camouflage the bottom with a dark colour. Most shops now sell the mix-and-match two-pieces. To draw eyes to the bust, you can try


halter tops, as well as triangle tops and tie- front bikini tops. Te latter pulls the breasts closer, creating the look of being more boobescent. If you are lacking in the upper domain, this might be a great style for you. Boy shorts allow your hips to appear


wider, no matter what colour you choose. Suppose you have a rather endowed top


www.smartcareers.ca If you are a serious swimmer, the one-


some tummy fat can be done with ruching or shirred sides which also add the element of length.


piece is perfect. Tere are so many styles and colours available as well as suits for longer torsoed women. Remember, it’s in the fit and how it makes


you feel. If any of your body parts are expe- riencing any level of pinching or bulging, it is not the size for you. Bite the bullet and go up one size. Keep in mind that suits can sometimes


stretch from a half-size to a full-size after wearing them in the water, but pinching at the seams is still a sign of misfit. You want it snug but comfortable and attractive. Lastly, they now have magic suits, con-


structed especially to hide muffin tops or tummy extras as well as to create lift in your booty area. Tey cost more but the result is spectacular. So find a few shops, and go find the look


that will make you feel like Bo Derek. Happy hunting!


August 2014


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