Inspiration Archives • Page 2 of 13 • I Choose Beauty

7 YEARS of #ichoosebeauty (Day 2558)

November 28, 2020November 21, 2020 by Sahar Aker

I’m just over here celebrating 7 YEARS of #ichoosebeauty with this scrumptious cupcake, the breathtaking ocean, and a magical rainbow that wanted to join in, too! ⁣

7 YEARS!

I can’t believe it’s been that long ⁣since I posted my very first #ichoosebeauty picture on Instagram, that changed my life during what was a very difficult time.⁣⁣

Sometimes I wonder how long I’ll keep going. I really have no idea. I just know that the practice still helps me to this day.⁣⁣

The best thing to come of this project, besides my healing, is my connections with all of you. I’m beyond grateful for the way we’ve been brought into each other’s lives. ⁣⁣

Remember: Beauty is all around you. You just have to choose to see it.

15% off EVERYTHING!⁠⁠

November 28, 2020November 19, 2020 by Sahar Aker

It’s been a long year, amiright?!?! So I thought, why not start the Black Friday savings early to spread some cheer?!⁠⁠

Please enjoy 15% off everything in the I Choose Beauty shop, starting now! Plus FREE US shipping on all orders $50 or more!⁠⁠

Shop the sale here. Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout. Offer ends Monday, November 30.

As always, 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠I really appreciate your support for my little biz, especially this year. ️⁠⁠ xx

Introducing… I Choose Beauty’s new Printable Inspirational Quotes

November 28, 2020November 18, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁣⁣Think of them as a security blanket for 2020, made with the healing power of words.⁣⁣

I really wanted to create something that would uplift, comfort, and empower you after so many tumultuous months.⁣⁣

And also be:⁣⁣️

Affordable (just $5.95 each)
⁣️Something without the concern of mail delays (simply print at home or at a local printer)⁣️
Giftable or keepable – your choice⁣⁣

That’s how the new printables came to life.⁣⁣

They’re all from my collection of coping statements that have personally helped me, and that I’ve shared online with you. These particular quotes seemed more relevant this year, so I thought they’d be perfect to offer as printables so that you can look at them every day.⁣⁣

There are 10 designs altogether. Print them, frame them, hang them…⁣⁣

Let them be your reminders to hope, persevere, and thrive despite the challenges of 2020.⁣⁣

Shop the Printables here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America

WHEN IT’S DARK, LOOK FOR THE LIGHT (hoodies)

November 28, 2020November 15, 2020 by Sahar Aker

When it’s dark, look for the light⁠⁠⁣⁠⁣.

Hoodies come in Indigo Blue (pictured) and Irish Green. A perfect way to comfort your soul this chaotic year. ⁠⁣⁠⁣

Shop the WHEN IT’S DARK, LOOK FOR THE LIGHT hoodies here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

No matter what happens, I will be okay

November 16, 2020November 12, 2020 by Sahar Aker

I thought this was fitting to share right now, while there’s so much turmoil in the world. ⁠⁠

This coping statement helped me so much several years ago, when I had some stuff going on with my health. It was soothing, brought me a little bit of calm, and helped lower my anxiety level. I hope it does the same for you. ⁠⁠

Save this post so you always have it nearby. And if you know someone who could use this inspiration, share it with them – maybe it’s just what they need to see today.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HOLD ON (tanks)

November 4, 2020October 28, 2020 by Sahar Aker

If you’re hurting and don’t think you can take anymore, hold on. You will get through this pain, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.⁣⁠⁣

Tanks come in Vintage Purple (pictured), Envy, and Indigo tri-blend… and are perfect for working out or working out, running errands, or lounging.⁣⁠⁣

Shop the HOLD ON tanks here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

FOCUS ON THE GOOD (Mugs)

October 25, 2020October 22, 2020 by Sahar Aker

We get to choose what we focus on in life, even during trying times. The more good things you can shift your attention to, the more hopeful you will feel.⁣⁠⁣

All of our mugs are created using the healing power of words, and come in two sizes – 11 oz. and 15 oz.⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣

Shop the FOCUS ON THE GOOD mugs here.

5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

BE HAPPY WITH NOW⁠⁠ (Women’s Tees)

October 18, 2020October 14, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠⁠Reach for the stars. Go after your dreams. But as you do, be grateful for all that you already have.⁠⁠

Women’s tees come in purple (pictured), blue, and green tri-blend… and are perfect if you could use an inspiring message for yourself or for a friend.⁠⁠

Shop the BE HAPPY WITH NOW⁠⁠ tees here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

KEEP GOING (hoodies)

November 4, 2020October 7, 2020 by Sahar Aker

Keep going, even when you don’t think you can.⁠⁠

Hoodies come in Irish Green (pictured) and Indigo Blue, and are a perfect way to comfort your soul this chaotic year. ⁠⁠

Shop the KEEP GOING hoodies here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

CHOOSE BEAUTY EVERY DAY (tanks)

September 27, 2020September 26, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠It’s out there, even during this overwhelming year. And honestly, the heaviness of 2020 makes it extra important to take a moment to find beauty in something… anything… every day. ⁠⁠

Tanks come in Envy (pictured), Indigo, and Vintage Purple tri-blend… and are perfect for working out or working out, running errands, or lounging.⁠⁠

Shop the CHOOSE BEAUTY EVERY DAY tanks here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

LET IT GO (Mugs)

October 25, 2020September 17, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠Let go of how you expected things to turn out in your life. ⁠It’s only then that you can see all the opportunities in front of you, even though they weren’t what you originally planned.

⁠⁠All of our mugs are created using the healing power of words, and come in two sizes – 11 oz. and 15 oz.

Shop the LET IT GO mugs here.

5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

Releasing resistance in 2020

September 22, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sahar Aker

2020 is a good time to practice this one. There’s so much out of our control right now. It’s important to surrender, accept things as they are, and release resisting what we cannot control.⁠⁠

Now, this certainly does not mean that you have to love what’s happening, by any means. But when you stop resisting, you can take that energy and put it towards something within your control instead.

For example, reaching out to your friends and family to see how they’re doing; keeping healthy habits with your sleep, diet, and exercise; and simply being present as much as you can.

⁠⁠I’m currently working on this myself. It’s been challenging, but I’m getting better at surrendering.⁠⁠

If you know someone who could use this inspiration, share this post with them – maybe it’s just what they need to see today.

Believe simpler times will return

September 14, 2020September 14, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠Simpler times will return. We have to keep believing. ⁠⁠

That said… if you’re struggling with your mental health right now, know that help is available. My partner, Mental Health America, has plenty of resources on its website: everything from free and anonymous mental health screenings to DIY tools to information on affordable treatment if you don’t have insurance. Click here to get started.

If you’re in crisis, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK).⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

JUST BE (tanks)

September 8, 2020September 3, 2020 by Sahar Aker

Feel at peace with letting this moment be enough. Let the judgment go… and just be.⁠⁠

Tanks come in Indigo (pictured), Envy, and Vintage Purple tri-blend. Perfect for working out, running errands, or lounging.⁠⁠

Shop the JUST BE tanks here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

Take the #ichoosebeauty Covid Challenge to lift your spirits

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020 by Sahar Aker

How are you feeling, friend?

⁠⁠If you’re looking for something to help lift your spirits right now, the #ichoosebeauty Covid Challenge may be just what you need. It’s free, and you can get started right away!⁠⁠

The 10-day Instagram challenge will help you find one good thing each day, even in the midst of the coronavirus chaos. Noticing the beauty in your world has been scientifically proven to help you find joy and meaning in everyday life. And we could all use some of that right now.

⁠⁠Every day for 10 days, I’ll send you an email telling you what beauty to photograph and share on Instagram using the hashtag #ichoosebeauty. It’s the perfect virtual support system to help us connect, share life’s beauty with each other, and uplift our community as we navigate through the pandemic. ⁠⁠

I’m looking forward to seeing the beauty in your world! Sign up for the challenge here.

CELEBRATE EACH STEP, NO MATTER HOW SMALL⁠⁠ (Women’s Tees)

August 30, 2020August 26, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠⁠Especially during these difficult times!⁠⁠

Women’s tees come in purple (pictured), blue, and green tri-blend… and are perfect if you could use an inspiring message for yourself or for a friend.⁠⁠

Shop the CELEBRATE EACH STEP, NO MATTER HOW SMALL tees here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

How to celebrate your small wins during Covid

August 17, 2020August 17, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠In a year where we’ve faced so many challenges and have been forced to adjust our goals and plans over and over, it’s easy to feel like we’re getting nowhere fast. But that’s simply not true.⁠⁠

It may be hard to see the small wins in your life in the midst of all the chaos in the world right now, but writing them down helps so much. I keep track of mine in this simple notebook, and it’s made such a difference in how I feel about myself. ⁠⁠

It’s proof that good things are happening and that you’re making progress… maybe in a different way, or on a slightly different schedule than you planned… but you’re still moving forward.

⁠⁠Any win counts. ⁠⁠

Try this exercise and let me know if it helps you. Don’t wait until you hit your ultimate goal to feel accomplished. Always celebrate your small wins. ️⁠⁠

And if you want to learn other ways to be mentally healthy, my partner, Mental Health America, has lots of helpful ideas on its website here.

IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY (Sterling Pendants)

August 16, 2020August 13, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠2020 has challenged us in all kinds of ways. And even though it may not seem like it right now – things really will be okay. ️⁠⁠⁠

Wear this sterling pendant close to your heart as a reminder.

Our pendants are custom-engraved in Los Angeles, and ship for FREE from Maui. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America. ⁣⁣⁠

Shop our entire collection of pendants here. ⁣⁣⁠

Look for the opportunity in the Covid crisis

August 6, 2020August 6, 2020 by Sahar Aker

I’ve posted this one before, but it speaks to everything going on in our world right now, so I wanted to reshare it.⁠⁠

When we look for some kind of opportunity during difficult times, it can help us get through them.⁠⁠

Maybe the challenges of 2020 have given you the opportunity to spend more time with family that you didn’t have before, or a chance to try a new skill, or a much-needed reset.⁠⁠

I’m not trying to minimize the hardships of this unprecedented time – many of us are struggling right now. But it can help to challenge your thinking, and to search for what may be an unexpected opportunity.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#ICHOOSEBEAUTY (unisex tees)

August 6, 2020August 5, 2020 by Sahar Aker

The hashtag that changed my life, and inspired so many of you to notice the beauty around you every day: ⁠#ichoosebeauty⁠⁠

In this old photo (😬), I’m wearing the Unisex tee in green – it has a looser fit than the Women’s Tee, and also comes in purple and blue tri-blend. ⁣⁣⁠⁣⁠⁣⁣⁠⁣⁠

Shop the #ICHOOSEBEAUTY Unisex Tees here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

⁠⁠Please note, there’s a shipping delay at our warehouse because of safety and staffing due to Covid.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN LIKE YOU EXERCISE YOUR BODY (Mugs)

August 5, 2020July 30, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠Both need consistent work to keep healthy. ⁠⁠

All of our mugs are created using the healing power of words, and come in two sizes – 11 oz. and 15 oz.

⁣⁠⁣⁣⁠⁣⁠⁠Shop the TRAIN YOUR BRAIN LIKE YOU EXERCISE YOUR BODY mugs here.

5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

THIS TOO SHALL PASS (tanks)

July 22, 2020July 22, 2020 by Sahar Aker

Who else wishes these trying times would just pass already?!

⁠⁠Our shop is still open if you could use an inspiring message for yourself or for a friend during this difficult year.⁠⁠

Tanks come in Indigo (pictured), Envy, and Vintage Purple tri-blend… and are perfect for working out or lounging.⁠⁠

Shop the THIS TOO SHALL PASS tanks here. 5% of net proceeds goes to Mental Health America.

Please note, there’s a shipping delay at our warehouse because of safety and staffing due to Covid.⁠⁠

⁠⁠What are you doing to help you get through the hard days of 2020?

July 20, 2020July 20, 2020 by Sahar Aker

⁠⁠What are you doing to help you get through the hard days of 2020?

⁠⁠I’ve definitely been leaning on my daily #ichoosebeauty practice of looking for life’s little things every day. It’s a nice reminder that beauty still exists despite the hardships we’re all facing because of the pandemic and everything else going on in our country.⁠⁠

Some of the other things that have been helping me over the last few months: going on walks, getting out in nature, watching funny shows to take my mind off things, naps, cooking, music, journaling, and therapy.⁠⁠

How about you? What helps you on the hard days? Share in the comments on this Instagram post.

What beauty did you notice today?

August 16, 2020June 25, 2020 by Sahar Aker

What beauty did you notice today? Was it the beautiful blue sky, the smell of your morning coffee, your favorite song on repeat?⁠⁠ Tell me in the comments in this Instagram post!

Register now to take the renowned #ICHOOSEBEAUTY 30-DAY CHALLENGE

...and find happiness with one photo a day.