Be Up Life!

What is the hidden power of a smile?

2014-11-10T06:05:00.000-08:00

TED?

Some of you may be familiar with TED. TED? TED's mission is to "TED is a nonprofit Devoted to spreading ideas, Usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less)." Originally, they were conferences about technology, design and entertainment. Currently, these talks cover almost all topics, whether business, sciences, ... it's definitely an incredible source of inspiration and learning, a genuine spirit openness.

The videos are in English but you can add subtitles in the language you want (by watching videos on their website). Short and varied, these videos allow us to have an opinion, a quick taste then allow us to do more research on the topics that interest us.

I would like to regularly share with you my findings, start with you a debate ... based on a TED video that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. Are you in?

Is the world that gray?

To start this series, I hope you'll appreciate, I suggest this (short) video on the importance of ... a smile! Specifically, the hidden power of a smile! On the street, in public transport, in shops, there are many people who seem sad, lonely, anxious, stressed, ... not talking about people who cannot leave their screen. Sad, is not it? Why? Why the world around us still seem so gray? I am one of those who think that by deciding to be happy, to smile, to be positive, we actually become happier. We become happier by making the choice to be happy. Happiness is a choice, a decision to make but also a change of our habits, our actions, our thoughts and smile is one of those habits to adopt. For those who do not regularly smile, I advise you, every day, to close your lips around a pencil during 5 minutes. This habit will exerce the muscles of smile. By the simple act of smiling in a "forced" way, you get into the habit of smiling a lot more often and, even, without realizing it.

Why smile?

Smile? It's simple, right? So why do not we smile more? Why do not smile to strangers we meet every day? Why not share some joy, warmth, good mood? Why are we stuck behind a screen and we do not talk? At least, saying "hello"?

Increased life expectancy, real stimulator improving health and mood... Yes, these are effects of a simple smile. And you know what? Smiling is contagious! Really? Try to frown in front of someone who smiles at you: difficult, isn't it?

And that's not all! A person who smiles seems more friendly ... and more competent!

Challenges?

I challenge you to, every day, insert a pencil between your lips for 5 minutes until smiling becomes automatic rather than a thoughtful gesture. In addition, let's break the walls between us that we set unconsciously, say "hello" to 5 strangers you meet in stores, in the street ... with a smile!

So what are you waiting for? Smile, smile to life!

5 Tips to be more productive and save time

2014-10-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Be more productive at work to have more time for leisure, we want it all. Here are 5 ways to increase productivity ...

List the tasks

I live with lists. I do not list everything, but I focus on certain specific lists to advance in my projects more effectively. As I often think about certain things when I'm not behind a desk, I have downloaded an application ("Task List") that allows me to easily build lists, set priorities on their content, to reschedule, set reminders ... There are a lot of applications to create lists. Personally, I like "task list" because it suits me; it is efficient and easy, just the minimum needed.

Most important tasks

It is important to list the tasks by priority and start with the most important tasks. Generally, we are more productive and focused in the morning rather than the afternoon. However, it depends on each one and I advise you to analyze yourself to know when are your moments of great concentration.

Some people prefer to start with smaller priority/shorter tasks to more quickly reduce the list and then have all the time for important/long tasks.

Take breaks

Take a break, walk ... allow us to free our mind and then to better concentrate. There are various techniques of time management to be productive, one of them is the Pomodoro. The principle? During 25 minutes, you work and then you are entitled to a 5-minute break. The idea is to estimate our activities in increments of 25 minutes, to eliminate any distraction during these periods and to estimate how many periods of 25 minutes we program by (half) day. There is no unique way to manage time and be productive but it is interesting because it allows you to adopt a certain pattern, it encourages structured work and provides time periods for distractions. In fact, every 25 minutes, you can give yourself 5 minutes to distract you and after 4 periods of 25 minutes, take a break of 20-30 minutes will allow you to make a real break.

You are in full concentration and you suddenly think of something else? Write it on a sheet of paper so you can reconsider later.

Limit distractions

It should be "eliminate" but I know how hard it is to eliminate them. One of the biggest causes of non-productivity is the presence of these distractions such as: social networks, calls, sport, tv, ... However, it is important to schedule time for these distractions, to be able to work more seriously out these periods. I also think that being productive is associated with a varied, healthy and sporty life. I'm not very sporty but some sport regularly helps clear our mind to be able to focus when we go back to work.

Make an important task before reading your emails ... in the morning

Why? Because it will allow you to stand on the right foot to start the day. After waking up, before watching your emails and go into the daily routine, focus on a task that you must do. Indeed, in the early morning, you are more concentrated and it will allow you to be in a good mood from the start of your workday as you have already done something you absolutely have to do.

And you, what are your tips and tricks to be more productive?

Why you should go out now

2014-10-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

Yes fall is present, yes, it's getting cold, it rains often ... so what? Why not going outside? As the Swiss would say "There is no bad weather, there are only bad equipments!"

Go outside, why?

First to move! Moving is about feeling good, it allows us to practice some sport, to think about other things, to find inspiration, walking helps to clear ones head, to see what happens outdoors, meet some people, to see other things, eliminate a moment all the little annoyances of everyday life, to step back ... Even when you have to work and stay focused, it is important to take breaks and move, walk outside, get some fresh air ... and then be able to better focus on ones work. Moving increases productivity! Besides, if you're interested, an article about productive work is coming soon.

Move: when?

Move in the morning! Some sport in the early hours is a great way to start the day!

It's cold outside!

So what? Whether it rains or there is wind, whether there is sun or snow, walking is always a great sport to be practiced without moderation! And what a joy to be able to warm up around a nice woodfire after an afternoon in the fresh air! Walking alone, in groups, with friends, with strangers (many (fitness/power) walks are organised everywhere) to take a break, to do some sport in a known location or to discover new landscapes,. .. the possibilities are endless, walking can be practiced anytime, anywhere and for any reason (besides, should we really have one?)

In autumn, the colors are beautiful, nature changes completely, so feel free to hang out with a camera, organize the last picnic of the year with some friends in a park, create a group of walks with friends, ... Art in the City is increasingly present in some areas, which does not displeases me, either by the presence of works on the streets or in parks, open your eyes and (re) discover your city from a different angle.

Some parks, and this is particularly the case in Brussels or Göteborg are so large, beautiful and stunning, they make us forget that we are in the city. A sense of countryside in the city, yes it's possible! However, do not hesitate to get away in a small village, the countryside is beautiful and some quiet time during weekends: it feels great! Take a step back, take time for yourself, think about something else, let ones mind wander, are essential things and it makes us happier! Because yes, sometimes the simple things are the things that make us happier!

My advice?

Get used to walk a little every day, and reserve half days to make real/long walks!

So what are you waiting for going outside?

A discovery of poetical street art: Pejac

2014-10-13T01:17:00.003-07:00

I am curious by nature and love to discover again and again new things, new artists, new art expressions. As explained here, I hope you can, thanks to this site, make many beautiful discoveries. The artists are very numerous and unfortunately art and culture are areas sometimes put aside by our society, especially in times of crisis, while they allow to escape a few minutes, take a step back, smile, discover, share, ...
Besides, if you're an artist, feel free to share your work!

I recently discovered, quite by chance, a Spanish artist: Pejac!

This artist makes completely surreal art works! I do not mean the surrealist movement but his contemporary works are completely out of the ordinary.

Whether it is paintings or street art, this artist makes totally amazing works.

Street art is not one of the art expressions that I prefer, I have rather conventional tastes. But the idea of creating works in places completely unusual, be able to sublimate concrete walls ... is a very interesting idea! In addition, external works of Pejac truly worth the detour. I hope to go soon to Paris to be able to take a closer look. Besides when touristic guides would incorporate these works of art in their tours?

However, can we all agree? Where is the line between "art" and vandalism? Anyway, street art in the way ofPejac, I want it more! (As long as there is no degradation of buildings and works are produced on gray walls, old street tsigns, road, billboards (I'll soon tell you more about a great idea about it ) ... Art in the City, I am for from the moment it does not negatively impact the beauty of a city. Art extends to uncountable forms and we must admit it is often a matter of taste ... and everyone's taste is different ... Really? There are certainly some limitations to set, at least as regards to the relationship between the subject of art and the place where it would be placed. All things cannot be shown and some places do not require additional works of art to be magnified Art is good, it's beautiful, it's interesting but its expression and its exposure may need certain limits when it comes to public places.

Go to Paris to see the works of Pejac? Yes! These works are funny, poetic, touching. Pejac sublimes dull, gray, walls, gutters, gray through his drawings.

Street art, paintings but also ... "window art"? How to define the art of painting on windows ... while taking outside world as scenary? Specifically, taking the landscape he sees through his window, Pejac paints on his window (acrylic paint or paper collage) characters, small designs, while simple and delicious that make us smile, make us dream.

All pictures come from Pejac's website (http://www.pejac.es/) and the Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com).

And you, what do you think?

How to start the day to be more productive?

2014-09-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

Wake up ... One of the hardest steps of the day for some of us ... And yet, so mandatory. Alarm clock, leave our bed, shower, look in front of the mirror, breakfast ... and presto, we jump in our car, we take public transport , ... The day really begins, we leave, perhaps already late, for work. This is the daily routine for lot of us.

How to wake up earlier?

Still, there are a few techniques for an early morning much more productive and less stressful. Wake up well begins by well going to bed. Ideally, it is better to go to bed at a regular time and early enough with the aim that our body (and mind) gets enough time to rest. This is essential. Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of sleep to a healthy lifestyle, avoid certain health risks, be more zen, more easily master our weight (you eat more when you are more tired ), ... Go to bed early is good, but not always easy. Personally, with a very intensive professional life, and a social life that is more, it is not always easy for me to go to bed early. But I try, whenever possible, to reserve some evenings when I force myself to go to bed at a reasonable hour or mornings when I remove all clocks (not easy because I tend to consider sleeping late as a waste of time). In short, go to bed early to the extent possible, avoid screens before you fall asleep and relax. I advise you to do some physical exercises; it soothes us and let us fall asleep before going to bed.

The day before?

A productive wake up begins also by a preparation the day before. Preparation? Yes, prepare your clothes ( it avoids the eternal "I do not know what to wear today ") and think about your tasks for the next day, which saves you having to rethink every morning to what you need to do and it gives you the possibility to do small tasks before you go to work .

D-day

On the d-day, get up quickly, the longer you stay in a lying position, the more difficult it will be to leave your bed. Cruel but effective, set your alarm clock away enough from your bed. Then, stand up, shower, clothes and hop, breakfast, full of vitamins. Do not miss this step. At worst, take with you your breakfast at work. The must? Get some exercise, go run ... it'll free your mind, relax before starting a day at work. Studies show that exercising for 20 minutes before going to work, 3 times a week in the morning, makes people less tired and more productive. Do you save time? Take time to do things that you really like, think about your personal projects, what you'll make during your day, do not check right away your emails, take the time to engage in activities you enjoy, what will motivate you to continue to get up earlier.

The must? Complete a task to do first for the day. Why? After completing this action, you will be in a good mood to start this morning.

In your car? Listen to information, stay informed, always. Information is key in our society and, unless you voluntarily choose to spend some time "off", stay in tuned mode.

Projects?

Do you have a great project? Do you need calm and concentration? Get up early! Don’t we say that the future belongs to those who get up early? Make a habit of getting up (more) early is not easy, it starts by going to bed earlier. Change your mindset, see sleep as an activity in itself that allows you to charge your battery. We tend to sleep late because we want to quickly finish small tasks, have a last look at our emails, browse through the social networks ... But the next morning, quietly and without distraction, you'll be much more productive.

So, wake up!

I'm young... and I like classical music! If I say Versailles and Mozart, what do you say?

2014-09-17T10:31:00.002-07:00

I'm young ... and I like classical music!

It may be trivial to some, amazing to others, and yet ...

The stereotype of the person who loves classical music is a person aged 45, who has a family, who has principles, which is cultivated, intelligent, who has money ... What a pity! Why only these people could enjoy classical music, a so rich and varied music? We are not talking of summer hits but requiem, concerto, opera, ... many of composer/songwriters have died long before we stop to interpret their works.

You don't have to try to understand classical music to enjoy it. Let yourself be taken away by the sound, notes, instruments, ... And contrary to popular belief, this musical style is not restricted to those of the upper classes. Many initiatives, and I strongly encourage them to do, want to make classical music accessible to a much wider audience, both from a financial and a cultural perspective.

Who ?

Do you know Insula Orchestra? This French orchestra, co-founded by Laurence Equilbey, who conducts it, is built around a repertoire ranging mainly from classicism to romanticism. Laurence Equilbey also founded the chamber choir Accentus which is very invested in the a cappella repertoire, oratorio (dramatic lyric work), opera and contemporary music.

The orchestra and the choir, accompanied by four soloists and directed by Laurence Equilbey record now the Mozart Requiem, majestic work in a no less majestic place: the royal chapel of the Chateau de Versailles.

The idea ?

Through a web series, they show us, day after day, what goes on behind the scenes of the recording, this place and they talk about this so famous requiem.

In practice ?

In 4 episodes (4, 5 minutes each), in addition to the teaser and epilogue, thanks to Lorenzo, a young fan of classical music, who may attend the recording of the Requiem of Mozart, we witness what goes on behind the scenes, we visit the chapel of the castle of Versailles. Through his conversations with various people, including Laurence Equilbey, we understand how the requiem is recorded, what are the techniques to conduct an orchestra, accompanied by a choir and soloists, and especially we learn more about this requiem, its history, the composer (and his pupil).

Agenda ?

Monday 15/09: Episode 1 - The Palace of Versailles

Thursday 18/09: Episode 2 - The eighth measure

Monday 22/09: Episode 3 - Remember

Thursday 25/09: Episode 4 - It was not snowing

Thursday 2/10: Epilogue - Legend(s)

The teaser

An interesting introduction; here's the video:

Episode 1 - The Palace of Versailles

This episode shows us the scene (the Royal Chapel of Versailles Palace) and the behind the scenes of the recording of a requiem (the technical lodge, the role of the sound engineer ...)

Episode 2 - The eighth measure

(I had the chance to see a preview) With this episode, you'll learn more about the requiem itself, its history, that of Mozart and his pupil (Süssmayr) and then the famous eighth measure of Lacrymosa

(Update) The Episode 2 is online!

Episode 3 - Remember

This third episode is about the Recordare (which reminds to Mozart his mother's love), the Tuba mirum (the symbolic of the trombone), soloists, basset horns,...

Episode 4 - Il ne neigeait pas

Rex Tremendae, Confutatis, authority of Mozart's father, composer's death, you will find here a few explanations.

Epilogue - Legend(s)

Who ordered the requiem? How did Mozart die? Legend or reality?

Reveal your inner artist - The artistic challenge

2014-09-11T12:55:00.001-07:00

Are you an artist?

You're not an artist? Yes, you are one! We are all artists, we all can be creative even if we refuse to admit it.

Why do we think that we are not artists? Because we are afraid. Although we do not always dare to admit, the judgment of others on our own creative work scares us. Sometimes it is enough that one made fun of us a few years ago to no longer dare to express, to draw on a sheet corner, to sing loudly ...

Art is not an exact science, a painting is not good or bad from the time it is personal. Certainly, there are techniques to acquire if we want to respect the concepts of perspective, proportion, etc. You can not replicate a Picasso, Manet or Magritte overnight but is that really the goal? Why not dare to start simply, whatever the result?

Reveal the artist within you!

It depends obviously on your ambitions. Either you want to become an artist (professional), then yes, I would recommend taking specific training.

Either way, you just would like to create for the sake of creating something out of your fingers. In this case, I suggest you to try different techniques, different media and from there to find out what you prefer. In all cases, DARE. the hardest part is getting started, taking the plunge. It is not easy, but you'll be proud to have made the first step. You should not immediately show your work to others (the judgment of others is often a negative factor), or begin a great artwork. Start by drawing. Draw what? Where? How? When? The best answer would be all the time. Let me explain: take the habit, at least 1 time a day, to take a pencil, a paper and draw. What? anything! What you see in front of you, what inspires you ... It should not be a drawing specially worked, it could a little rough sketch done in a few minutes.

The purpose? Unleash your imagination, unleash your inner artist inside you, ... Create something and express yourself will make you happy.

Challenge?

I suggest this challenge (which I also intend to participate): to sketch once a day (two if you can not make the day before). We'll talk about in a while. Then we can discuss what we have thought and I hope by then to find lots of interesting little things about this topic. I remind you that the goal is not to show your drawings, or to make elaborate artworks (the excuse of lack of time will therefore not be accepted).

Obviously, if you prefer to paint, sculpt, sing ... it works too.

Let's go further

I plan to make you discover completely different artistic worlds artists, incredible, touching and amazing works. I will also keep you informed of my latest finds, tips and tricks, ... To be continued!

Learn, learn,...Why is it so important?

2014-09-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

If there is well one to understand when leaving the studies is to never stop learning!

And you know what? We are never too old to learn.

Why must we learn again and again?

Learn to progress

It might seem obvious but it is important to remember that we learn primarily to train, to learn new skills in order to progress in our carrière, to improve, to become better and better. We also learn from our mistakes and those of others.

Learn to be in the action

Lets learn to be active, not passive. When you know what is happening around you, what are the opportunities, what can be done and more importantly how to do it, it is easier to act an to achieve your objectives.

Learn by curiosity

Learning is also and above all the joy of discovering new things, just because we're curious. It is said that curiosity killed the cat. At the extreme, this is the case but I think that curiosity is, first and foremost, a quality. Curiosity is about what is happening elsewhere, it is to be open to the world, to question, discover, learn. I think it's important to be curious, to observe the little things in life, those that make us happy.

Learn to meet new people

Learn, learn, ... and why not learn a new language? How? There are a multitude of ways to learn a new language: internet, books, conversation tables, courses, ... Follow this blog and I'll tell you about sites I will test.

Learning a foreign language is to be open to a new culture, to travel, seize new opportunities abroad.

It is often forgotten but it is easy to learn the basics of a language via the internet. Indeed, many sites offer language courses, these courses are free or paid. Keep checking this blog and I will advise you the interesting sites to learn languages. Deepen a foreign language is indeed one of my goals and I will give you feedback about sites to visit.

Learn ... yes but HOW?

There are many ways to study and learn.

First, there are all the classic courses such as those offered by universities, schools, ... evening, day, distance education courses, ... free or paid.

On the web, there are increasingly more MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course). These MOOCs are very different in form: free or not, short or long, live or recorded, in English, French or another language, certifying or not ... and in their contents: art, architecture, web, programming, finance, entrepreneurship, mathematics, physics, ... Follow this blog and you will discover the MOOCs that I'll test and approve.

Let's also include newspapers, magazines, TV shows. Indeed, one of the first and most accessible sources of learning are the newspapers and the press in general. Whether you have 5, 10 or 40 minutes, take the time to look at what is happening around you, new discoveries, cultural habits, to see and seize opportunities that may arise to you.

Last but not least: Be Up Life! This site is dedicated to the curiosity, to investigations relating to happiness, culture, lifestyle, tips and tricks, ...

Facebook: a virtual world, beware!

2014-09-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Numerous studies show that Facebook users are beginning to get tired of this platform, while everyone still seems to be there ... For a good reason?

A world of image

Dare we say, Facebook is a waste of time. Many of us spend on Facebook "just a few seconds» to finally stay there very long minutes. But what is the real value of Facebook if not to spy on every move of his "friends"? Real hub of voyeurism , we like to hang out there to analyze the behaviors of others (comments, "like" , statutes, songs listened, games , ...) and the image they give ( pictures, number of friends , reactions, ... ) because yes , we are talking here about IMAGE . Facebook is an illusion where everyone becomes a character; create his own style, his “life”.

But imagination sometimes takes precedence over reason and we get lost in the virtual world. Some envy the lives of others, others rely on this site to discover a new met person. Even the tax administration, among others, uses Facebook to compare the tax returns of individuals to the "real" lifestyle they lead, according to their virtual profile!

But since when do we need an internet platform to get an idea of a person we just met? Are we so dependent on these notions of images and appearance that seem to govern our society?

Although some of us regularly take facebook breaks, this image tool has become a factor of stress, whether for couples who lack confidence, people who accepted their colleagues as friends on facebook or those already suffering from a lack of self-confidence.

A Facebook message or a call?

While Facebook allows us to keep in touch with distant people or those that we have less chance to meet regularly but what about our closest friends? Would it not be a tool that separates us from them? Do you actually prefer to receive a facebook message, a like under a picture or a comment, rather than sms, or, better, a call? Do you prefer a discussion via interposed screens rather than going for a drink with the other?

Yes, Facebook is interesting for contacts with distant people but also for all invitations. In fact, we have lost the habit of calling or sending invitations in favor of creating an event on facebook. So much, that sometimes we forget to invite our friends who are not on facebook ! Rare are these people, but they exist and their number is increasing. The members of this marginal community say they are happy since they left facebook.

Moreover, is it so nice to hang out on a platform where the ads are more and more invasive and every of our gesture is registered? What about birthdays? Birthday messages cannot be less natural as Facebook reminds us to wish a happy birthday to our friends.

Like our page

I am not against facebook, I find this site useful, I have an account and I invite you to like the page ofthis blog to be kept informed of all the news and to discover so many other things. However, it is important to take a step back. This is a website of images! And never forget this rule: every private thing should not be on Facebook!

Only Facebook?

I talk about this particular website, but this analysis can be extended to all social networks. They are useful, more and more essential but beware!

Do you really want to be happy? Make the choice of happiness!

2014-09-08T14:19:00.002-07:00

Being happy ... we all want to be happy, really? Being happy is a lifestyle choice, not always easy to make, but that makes life so much nicer.

Many people keep trotting their misfortunes, their losses, their failures and always find a reason for complaints. You do not become happy overnight but step by step. The first step? Choose to be happy. To do this, we must dare to turn the page. This step can be difficult but it is necessary. The challenge is not to forget the past, but manage to leave it where it is to live in the present, enjoy it and be able to run with confidence in the future. In addition, we must learn to love ourselves. No one is perfect, everyone has default but we are all unique and have our qualities and strengths.

A choice?

Being happy is to choose to be happy, it is to give, enjoy all the little pleasures of life. Wanting to be happy is not always easy, it does not mean that everything is perfect but it is the choice to see beyond the imperfections, to have confidence in the future. It is also renounce to worry about things that do not depend on our will, to live fully, act, smile, try and release fully what weighs on our shoulders. Being happy is to see things from a different angle, is enjoying what surrounds us and spend time with those we love. Being happy is to love who you are, what you do, be proud of yourself. Happiness is taking care of yourself and spend time with those we love, it is respect for oneself and less gossiping, it is not being afraid to go ahead and dream, it is to think and act, it is to have ambition and to empower yourself to achieve your goals, it is smiling at life and seize opportunities available to us. Be open to others, be curious, explore, enjoy, take time out, meet new people make you happy.

There is no unique way to be happy and there is not a path to get there, to each his path. For some, happiness is successful challenges they launch daily, others like to give love and feel loved, some become happy by giving , others become happy by learning to enjoy the present without always worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. We must be able to draw lessons from the past but not try to change it, it is not possible. Happiness is not something specific; it is a state of mind, a set of aspects that makes us happy.

Pay attention, to be happy does not prevent encountering problems or having to overcome real pains in our lifetime. You can be happy at different scales; we can meet some very hard times and have to overcome hardships. However, a happy mind, an optimistic perspective allows us to take a step back, to go through these events more easily, although it can be very hard and significant.

Happiness is a choice, a philosophy of life that you will not regret. Life is not always easy but it is so much more beautiful when you are happy.