1. Get moving. Research out of Duke University shows that depression may be just as easily treated by exercise as medication - for free and without all those side effects. "Other research shows that in addition to health benefits, regular exercise offers a sense of accomplishment and opportunity for social interaction, releases feel-good endorphins and boosts self-esteem," writes Jen Angel for Yes magazine. If you're short on time, even just 10 minutes a day of moderate, sustained movement will be enough to get your endorphins going.
2. Have a laugh. According to healthy-living guru Dr. Andrew Weil, laughter really is the best medicine. He says that laughing "constitutes a powerful collection of internal and external feedback loops of positive emotion," so read the comics, watch a funny YouTube video or, for an extra boost, share a joke with some friends. "When we see or hear people laugh, we tend to laugh ourselves, which makes them laugh more, and so on," Weil says, "If you want to be happy, put yourself in such situations as often as you can."
3. Do something nice for others. "Researcher Stephen Post says helping a neighbor, volunteering, or donating goods and services results in a 'helper's high,' and you get more health benefits than you would from exercise or quitting smoking," Angel writes. She suggests making "altruism and giving part in your life, and be purposeful about it." Real Simple magazine's Gretchen Rubin says whatever you do, make your relationships with others the most important aspect of your efforts. "Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel more friendly toward you, but you'll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people."
4. Forgive Someone. It's been said that refusing to forgive is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It's the behavior that may be holding us back from joy in all other areas of life. "Many of us have erroneously incarcerated ourselves to a life choked with grudges, hostility against family members, co-workers and frenemies, zapping our precious spiritual and mental energies," writes T.D. Jakes for the Washington Post. Forgiveness is difficult to master, but allowing yourself to be free of grudges and bad blood could be the key to emotional freedom as well. "We must ask ourselves, 'What could we attain if we cast off the weight of yesterday and embrace the galling winds of a changed mind and an open heart?"
5. Act happy. Even if you don't feel happy, going through the motions and physically acting happy will get you to the real thing much quicker. "Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood," Rubin says. It's all about activating those feedback loops, according to Weil: "It's similar to the way that sound coming from a speaker can be picked up by a microphone and sent back through the speaker as amplified feedback. This has huge significance for those who aim to improve their emotional well-being, because it suggests that we can consciously control our emotional lives much more than we might have suspected."
If you're interested in the full article, find it here.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
5 Easy Ways for Moms to Keep Their Sanity
I'm always seeing articles about ways to keep sane as a mom or mom of a toddler, I always know it was written just for me, but I never actually follow the advice. It's ridiculous, really. This time will be different. I'm posting it here so I can come back whenever I need a little reminding to treat myself gently.
You can go here for the full article.
Put yourself in time out My mother-in-law often recalls how, as a mother of three spirited young boys, she would find it necessary to lock herself in her bathroom, sit on the floor and let out a few screams and tears of her own. I always chuckled at the thought of my sweet mother-in-law hiding from my husband and his brothers in what is arguably the least-dignified room in the house. Oh I laughed alright, up until the day I found myself seeking refuge in my own bathroom, Diet Coke in hand, as my children banged on the door until they presumably found themselves bored with the whole tantrum theatrics and moved on to their puzzles. You know what? After a few moments of alone time, I found in myself the strength and will to open the door, wipe my tears away and dispose of the "kids for sale" sign I'd been working on all afternoon. Find your 5 minutes of peace throughout the day, whether it be meditating in your own little corner or sitting in your parked car in the garage. These 300 seconds will get you through the most difficult hours, of this I am certain. Treat yourself As the wife of a graduate student, my budget for all things frivolous is painfully limited. My thoughts are often consumed by the stack of bills laughing at me from my desk, the groceries that seem to run out much faster these days (who knew my 18-month-old would have such an appetite?), and the guilt brought on by my desire for a new pair of heels. But setting aside a little money and time each week to spend on something that makes you happy is an extremely worthwhile investment. For me, that splurge can be as small as a McDonald's ice cream cone or as extravagant as a pedicure. In fact, your treat doesn't even need to cost you a cent. Reading your favorite book while soaking in a bubble bath is zero dollars, you know? Whatever your indulgence may be, make it something that rejuvenates you; something that reminds you that hard work deserves a little reward. It's completely worth it. Exercise I know, I know, on the daily list of to-dos exercise can be one of the harder tasks to squeeze in. But a little bit of physical activity not only helps a busy mom stay healthy, it can greatly contribute to her happiness as well. The American Council on Exercise offers a list of tips for moms who want to make exercise a part of their busy routine. Some of those suggestions include scheduling your workouts for the week ahead of time, buying workout DVDs to maximize school and nap time, and joining a gym with a good daycare. Another tip: Involve your kids in your workouts. Instead of driving to the park, load them in the stroller and run. For the extra ambitious, you could even set up an obstacle course in the yard. Schedule a monthly night out with girlfriends This is perhaps the one that takes the most effort, but for me it yields the most effective results. Pencil in one evening a month with the girls and without the children. Go to dinner, see a movie, check out a museum, stay in and gossip over junk food — it's not the activity that matters, it's the off-the-mom-clock time and adult conversation that makes all the difference. Forgive yourself As mothers, we are our own greatest critics. We're going to yell, we're going to lose our temper, and we're most certainly going to feel a little inadequate. We often see the glowing mothers around us who handle their children with seemingly effortless grace and wonder how it is we were entrusted with our own little people when we fall so short. But it's time we as mothers cut ourselves some slack and celebrate the things we're doing right. We're keeping humans alive and happy, for crying out loud! And that, my friends, is no small feat.
You can go here for the full article.
Put yourself in time out My mother-in-law often recalls how, as a mother of three spirited young boys, she would find it necessary to lock herself in her bathroom, sit on the floor and let out a few screams and tears of her own. I always chuckled at the thought of my sweet mother-in-law hiding from my husband and his brothers in what is arguably the least-dignified room in the house. Oh I laughed alright, up until the day I found myself seeking refuge in my own bathroom, Diet Coke in hand, as my children banged on the door until they presumably found themselves bored with the whole tantrum theatrics and moved on to their puzzles. You know what? After a few moments of alone time, I found in myself the strength and will to open the door, wipe my tears away and dispose of the "kids for sale" sign I'd been working on all afternoon. Find your 5 minutes of peace throughout the day, whether it be meditating in your own little corner or sitting in your parked car in the garage. These 300 seconds will get you through the most difficult hours, of this I am certain. Treat yourself As the wife of a graduate student, my budget for all things frivolous is painfully limited. My thoughts are often consumed by the stack of bills laughing at me from my desk, the groceries that seem to run out much faster these days (who knew my 18-month-old would have such an appetite?), and the guilt brought on by my desire for a new pair of heels. But setting aside a little money and time each week to spend on something that makes you happy is an extremely worthwhile investment. For me, that splurge can be as small as a McDonald's ice cream cone or as extravagant as a pedicure. In fact, your treat doesn't even need to cost you a cent. Reading your favorite book while soaking in a bubble bath is zero dollars, you know? Whatever your indulgence may be, make it something that rejuvenates you; something that reminds you that hard work deserves a little reward. It's completely worth it. Exercise I know, I know, on the daily list of to-dos exercise can be one of the harder tasks to squeeze in. But a little bit of physical activity not only helps a busy mom stay healthy, it can greatly contribute to her happiness as well. The American Council on Exercise offers a list of tips for moms who want to make exercise a part of their busy routine. Some of those suggestions include scheduling your workouts for the week ahead of time, buying workout DVDs to maximize school and nap time, and joining a gym with a good daycare. Another tip: Involve your kids in your workouts. Instead of driving to the park, load them in the stroller and run. For the extra ambitious, you could even set up an obstacle course in the yard. Schedule a monthly night out with girlfriends This is perhaps the one that takes the most effort, but for me it yields the most effective results. Pencil in one evening a month with the girls and without the children. Go to dinner, see a movie, check out a museum, stay in and gossip over junk food — it's not the activity that matters, it's the off-the-mom-clock time and adult conversation that makes all the difference. Forgive yourself As mothers, we are our own greatest critics. We're going to yell, we're going to lose our temper, and we're most certainly going to feel a little inadequate. We often see the glowing mothers around us who handle their children with seemingly effortless grace and wonder how it is we were entrusted with our own little people when we fall so short. But it's time we as mothers cut ourselves some slack and celebrate the things we're doing right. We're keeping humans alive and happy, for crying out loud! And that, my friends, is no small feat.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
100 Things To Do With Your Toddler
100 Things To Do With Your Toddler
I found this here and can't wait to start playing!
1. Color
2. Blow Bubbles
3. Play Hide-and-Seek
4. Peek-a-Boo
5. Play Chase
6. Do finger-plays
7. Sing a song
8. Collect rocks in a basket
9. Make an obstacle course out of cushions and/or furniture
10. Make a fort out of cushions and sheets
11. Go for a walk
12. Make a car out of a box
13. Read a book
14. Go to the park
15. Finger-paint
16. Play with play-dough
17. Toss bean bags into a bucket
18. Play the shell and pea game
19. Dance to music
20. Download games for toddlers from the Internet
21. Practice putting things in and taking things out of boxes and bags
22. Make a temporary slide out of a table leaf and your couch
23. Roll a ball back and forth on the floor
24. Scoop dirt or sand into a child’s bucket (or use serving spoon and bowl)
25. Practice climbing by stacking boxes on top of each other
26. Put on a puppet show
27. Go fishing with a yardstick and yarn
28. Make a horseshoe game
29. Make a shape puzzle
30. Play paper basketball
31. Run through a sprinkler
32. Play with a bucket of water and a sponge
33. Make a drum out of an oatmeal box
34. Play a kazoo
35. Wash windows together
36. Bang on pots and pans with a spoon
37. Brush each other’s teeth
38. Play dress-up with stuffed animals or children’s clothes
39. Stack canned or boxed food on top of each other
40. Let child stack mixing bowls inside each other
41. Make a playhouse out of a large box
42. Let child play with a sticker sheet
43. Put stickers on fingers for finger puppets
44. Play a musical instrument together
45. Go on a smelling hunt
46. Frost cookies
47. Plant a flower or vegetable together
48. Roll a tennis ball into an empty trash can or bucket
49. Draw on a mirror with dry-erase markers
50. Play hide and seek together in the bathtub
51. Have a splash party together in the bathtub
52. Put a leash on a stuffed animal and walk around the house
53. Record each other on a tape recorder
54. Make and try on paper hats
55. Give a piggy-back ride
56. Play “horsey”
57. Talk into an electric fan
58. Play tug-of-war with a blanket
59. Collect flowers
60. Make a camera and go on a Safari
61. Play games with frozen juice lids
62. Disconnect your phone and pretend to make phone calls to relatives
63. Leave your phone connected and really make phone calls to relatives – let your child talk too (Facetime)
64. String large beads onto or along a shoelace
65. Squirt each other with squirt bottles
66. Glue shapes onto paper
67. Make sock puppets
68. Make paper puppets
69. Fill an old purse with toys
70. Use a paper towel tube as a megaphone
71. Make binoculars and go “bird watching” or “stuffed animal watching”
72. Put snacks in different fun containers (paper sacks, empty canisters, etc.)
73. Act out a story from a book
74. Walk on a balance beam – use a 2x4 placed on the ground
75. Draw with chalk on the sidewalk
76. Sketch an outline of your child on the sidewalk or paper with chalk
77. Paint child’s palms with tempura paint and blot on paper. Makes a great card.
78. Put lipstick on child and kiss a mirror.
79. Make a puddle on cement and splash barefoot in it
80. Let child decorate and eat an open peanut butter sandwich
81. Make a toilet paper barricade or child to go under, over or through
82. Do the Hokey Pokey
83. Make a super-hero costume out of household items
84. Do knee-bouncing rhymes
85. Play “Red light, green light” saying “go” and “stop”
86. Make a shoe-box train for stuffed animals
87. Make a pillow pile to jump on
88. Make an easy puzzle with felt and Velcro
89. Make bracelets or collars for stuffed animals out of pipe cleaners and jingle bells
90. Learn numbers from a deck of cards
91. Play the matching game with a deck of cards
92. Make a domino chain
93. Have a picnic in the park, backyard or living room
94. Play dress up in mommy or daddy’s clothes
95. Make a tin cup telephone and talk to each other through it
96. Make a nature collage
97. Mirror each other
98. Make a Mummy mommy with toilet paper
99. Make and walk along a paper trail.
100. Take a nap!
I found this here and can't wait to start playing!
1. Color
2. Blow Bubbles
3. Play Hide-and-Seek
4. Peek-a-Boo
5. Play Chase
6. Do finger-plays
7. Sing a song
8. Collect rocks in a basket
9. Make an obstacle course out of cushions and/or furniture
10. Make a fort out of cushions and sheets
11. Go for a walk
12. Make a car out of a box
13. Read a book
14. Go to the park
15. Finger-paint
16. Play with play-dough
17. Toss bean bags into a bucket
18. Play the shell and pea game
19. Dance to music
20. Download games for toddlers from the Internet
21. Practice putting things in and taking things out of boxes and bags
22. Make a temporary slide out of a table leaf and your couch
23. Roll a ball back and forth on the floor
24. Scoop dirt or sand into a child’s bucket (or use serving spoon and bowl)
25. Practice climbing by stacking boxes on top of each other
26. Put on a puppet show
27. Go fishing with a yardstick and yarn
28. Make a horseshoe game
29. Make a shape puzzle
30. Play paper basketball
31. Run through a sprinkler
32. Play with a bucket of water and a sponge
33. Make a drum out of an oatmeal box
34. Play a kazoo
35. Wash windows together
36. Bang on pots and pans with a spoon
37. Brush each other’s teeth
38. Play dress-up with stuffed animals or children’s clothes
39. Stack canned or boxed food on top of each other
40. Let child stack mixing bowls inside each other
41. Make a playhouse out of a large box
42. Let child play with a sticker sheet
43. Put stickers on fingers for finger puppets
44. Play a musical instrument together
45. Go on a smelling hunt
46. Frost cookies
47. Plant a flower or vegetable together
48. Roll a tennis ball into an empty trash can or bucket
49. Draw on a mirror with dry-erase markers
50. Play hide and seek together in the bathtub
51. Have a splash party together in the bathtub
52. Put a leash on a stuffed animal and walk around the house
53. Record each other on a tape recorder
54. Make and try on paper hats
55. Give a piggy-back ride
56. Play “horsey”
57. Talk into an electric fan
58. Play tug-of-war with a blanket
59. Collect flowers
60. Make a camera and go on a Safari
61. Play games with frozen juice lids
62. Disconnect your phone and pretend to make phone calls to relatives
63. Leave your phone connected and really make phone calls to relatives – let your child talk too (Facetime)
64. String large beads onto or along a shoelace
65. Squirt each other with squirt bottles
66. Glue shapes onto paper
67. Make sock puppets
68. Make paper puppets
69. Fill an old purse with toys
70. Use a paper towel tube as a megaphone
71. Make binoculars and go “bird watching” or “stuffed animal watching”
72. Put snacks in different fun containers (paper sacks, empty canisters, etc.)
73. Act out a story from a book
74. Walk on a balance beam – use a 2x4 placed on the ground
75. Draw with chalk on the sidewalk
76. Sketch an outline of your child on the sidewalk or paper with chalk
77. Paint child’s palms with tempura paint and blot on paper. Makes a great card.
78. Put lipstick on child and kiss a mirror.
79. Make a puddle on cement and splash barefoot in it
80. Let child decorate and eat an open peanut butter sandwich
81. Make a toilet paper barricade or child to go under, over or through
82. Do the Hokey Pokey
83. Make a super-hero costume out of household items
84. Do knee-bouncing rhymes
85. Play “Red light, green light” saying “go” and “stop”
86. Make a shoe-box train for stuffed animals
87. Make a pillow pile to jump on
88. Make an easy puzzle with felt and Velcro
89. Make bracelets or collars for stuffed animals out of pipe cleaners and jingle bells
90. Learn numbers from a deck of cards
91. Play the matching game with a deck of cards
92. Make a domino chain
93. Have a picnic in the park, backyard or living room
94. Play dress up in mommy or daddy’s clothes
95. Make a tin cup telephone and talk to each other through it
96. Make a nature collage
97. Mirror each other
98. Make a Mummy mommy with toilet paper
99. Make and walk along a paper trail.
100. Take a nap!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Words of advice
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
BE KIND ANYWAY.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
SUCCEED ANYWAY.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
BE HONEST AND SINCERE ANYWAY.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
CREATE ANYWAY.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
BE HAPPY ANYWAY.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
DO GOOD ANYWAY.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY.
Monday, March 12, 2012
10 Ways to Excuse Proof Your Workouts
Got these tips from Weight Watchers, here.
Make life easy for yourself
Plan a regimen that fits your lifestyle. If you work irregular hours, for example, don’t sign up for classes that start at the same time each week. Instead, choose activities that can be easily slotted into your day: Walk the kids to school or run errands on foot during your lunch hour.
Draw up a weekly timetable
To help you organize your time properly, draw up a weekly timetable of planned exercise and activities. This will also help you see how much activity you’re getting. Try to do something for at least 20 or 30 minutes each day, even if it’s just yard work or going on a brisk walk around the neighborhood.
Attach exercise to a treat
Give yourself a reward for scheduling in fitness. Buy flowers once a week for completing all of the workouts you scheduled. You can also attach exercise to an enjoyable event, such as playing with your kids in the park or catching up with a friend on a walk.
Get everyone else on board
Make sure your family and friends know when and where you plan to exercise. This way you shouldn’t get any unwelcome interruptions. If you need someone to watch the kids while you exercise, make sure you arrange this well in advance; don’t rely on last-minute favors.
Anticipate motivational dips
Everyone struggles with motivation from time to time, preparing for these feelings can go a long way to combating them. For instance, if you sometimes struggle to go to your aerobics class, get a friend to call you to make sure you’re not still sitting on the sofa.
Avoid danger zones
Many things can distract even the most hardened of exercisers: your favorite TV show, the lure of a night on the town with friends, or a neighbor popping in for an impromptu chat. Learn to recognize your particular “danger zones” and take steps to negotiate your way around them.
Buy figure-flattering workout clothing
You don’t want to look like a sack of potatoes when you’re exercising. Spend a little money on well-designed, flattering and supportive gym clothes; you’ll be more motivated to work out.
Have a specially designated drawer for fitness gear
When you’re in a hurry, the last thing you want is to be hunting around for your gym socks. Keep all your exercise clothes in a special drawer so you can find them quickly.
Leave your gym bag by the door
Leaving your gym bag by the door serves two purposes: you always know where it is; and it serves as a gentle reminder that an exercise session might be due.
Put your gym clothes straight into the wash
And last but not least, when you get back from the gym or pool, put your dirty clothes straight in the washer. Nothing is guaranteed to put you off exercising more than having to rummage around in the laundry basket for the least-funky pair of gym socks!
Make life easy for yourself
Plan a regimen that fits your lifestyle. If you work irregular hours, for example, don’t sign up for classes that start at the same time each week. Instead, choose activities that can be easily slotted into your day: Walk the kids to school or run errands on foot during your lunch hour.
Draw up a weekly timetable
To help you organize your time properly, draw up a weekly timetable of planned exercise and activities. This will also help you see how much activity you’re getting. Try to do something for at least 20 or 30 minutes each day, even if it’s just yard work or going on a brisk walk around the neighborhood.
Attach exercise to a treat
Give yourself a reward for scheduling in fitness. Buy flowers once a week for completing all of the workouts you scheduled. You can also attach exercise to an enjoyable event, such as playing with your kids in the park or catching up with a friend on a walk.
Get everyone else on board
Make sure your family and friends know when and where you plan to exercise. This way you shouldn’t get any unwelcome interruptions. If you need someone to watch the kids while you exercise, make sure you arrange this well in advance; don’t rely on last-minute favors.
Anticipate motivational dips
Everyone struggles with motivation from time to time, preparing for these feelings can go a long way to combating them. For instance, if you sometimes struggle to go to your aerobics class, get a friend to call you to make sure you’re not still sitting on the sofa.
Avoid danger zones
Many things can distract even the most hardened of exercisers: your favorite TV show, the lure of a night on the town with friends, or a neighbor popping in for an impromptu chat. Learn to recognize your particular “danger zones” and take steps to negotiate your way around them.
Buy figure-flattering workout clothing
You don’t want to look like a sack of potatoes when you’re exercising. Spend a little money on well-designed, flattering and supportive gym clothes; you’ll be more motivated to work out.
Have a specially designated drawer for fitness gear
When you’re in a hurry, the last thing you want is to be hunting around for your gym socks. Keep all your exercise clothes in a special drawer so you can find them quickly.
Leave your gym bag by the door
Leaving your gym bag by the door serves two purposes: you always know where it is; and it serves as a gentle reminder that an exercise session might be due.
Put your gym clothes straight into the wash
And last but not least, when you get back from the gym or pool, put your dirty clothes straight in the washer. Nothing is guaranteed to put you off exercising more than having to rummage around in the laundry basket for the least-funky pair of gym socks!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
It's the incredible, unforgettable, multi-dimensional ME!
You may remember the post I wrote about my amazingly thoughtful sister and her unique Christmas gift to help me combat the blues. If you don't, you can read about it here. Or, you can scroll down and read it because it's literally like 2 posts away. Don't worry if you don't want to do either (I don't blame you), I'll give a little run down before I begin the second part.
Depression sucks. Seriously. I actually think that it literally sucks my will to live sometimes. I happened to be confiding in my sister, just before Christmas, about how bad my depression had been and still is. I didn't expect anything from her, sometimes I just need to talk and she makes a phenomenal sounding board. Fast forward a couple of weeks to Christmas. I was anxious to open my present from her because she'd mentioned being excited to give it to me "if she could pull it off." Made me curious. What she gave me was one of the most (maybe the most) considerate, thoughtful, loving gifts I've ever received and may ever receive. A jar. Not just any jar, but a jar filled with paper folded stars of beautiful papers. With it, a note: "A jar of Love and Encouragement. Open one each week for a year."
I'm not sure how many I've opened so far, but we're not even two months away from Christmas and having opened them every time I've needed a pick me up rather than once a week, I'm certain I've opened waaay more than 8. Sad that I've needed so many, but I've been eternally grateful to have each of them in my times of need.
Now for the follow-up. You may learn a few things that surprise you, some things you never knew about me. Maybe you'll realize you don't know me as well as you think. I know I've certainly been reminded of several things I'd let myself forget. Here's the list of what I've opened so far:
Depression sucks. Seriously. I actually think that it literally sucks my will to live sometimes. I happened to be confiding in my sister, just before Christmas, about how bad my depression had been and still is. I didn't expect anything from her, sometimes I just need to talk and she makes a phenomenal sounding board. Fast forward a couple of weeks to Christmas. I was anxious to open my present from her because she'd mentioned being excited to give it to me "if she could pull it off." Made me curious. What she gave me was one of the most (maybe the most) considerate, thoughtful, loving gifts I've ever received and may ever receive. A jar. Not just any jar, but a jar filled with paper folded stars of beautiful papers. With it, a note: "A jar of Love and Encouragement. Open one each week for a year."
I'm not sure how many I've opened so far, but we're not even two months away from Christmas and having opened them every time I've needed a pick me up rather than once a week, I'm certain I've opened waaay more than 8. Sad that I've needed so many, but I've been eternally grateful to have each of them in my times of need.
Now for the follow-up. You may learn a few things that surprise you, some things you never knew about me. Maybe you'll realize you don't know me as well as you think. I know I've certainly been reminded of several things I'd let myself forget. Here's the list of what I've opened so far:
- You are so thoughtful and mindful of others. You're always trying to find ways to make others happy and more comfortable. Thanks for your example.
- "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela
- Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we re here, we might as well dance!
- "What you create doesn't have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don't let fear of failure discourage you." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
- I love that she is so good at cooking and thinks everything tastes better with food dye. -Scud (Who is my adorable nephew who makes purple scrambled eggs that only he will eat and sends me pictures of them, because like he said, I get it!)
- "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
- This week, call me and let's find a time to go to dinner or lunch together. (Hey Haha, we totally need to do this still!)
- "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." -Judy Garland
- "When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
- "Look unto me in every thought. Doubt not. Fear not." -D&C 6:36
- You are never afraid (or never appear afraid) to use your voice to speak and stand up for what you believe. Wow!
- You are smart, witty and fun to talk to. Also, I'm always amazed by all you know because you pay attention! (How did I not learn that as a kid?)
- You are one of the most generous people I know, and like Heavenly Father, a cheerful giver of good gifts.
- "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." -Henry Ford
- "Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
- "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
- "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." -Lao Tzu. This week, I encourage you to let go. Let go of who you were. Let go of who you think you are. Trust yourself to live, to grow, to become who you can be. It will be beautiful.
- All of this attention you've received as a dispatcher is only the outward evidence of the inward amazingness of you. You are smart, brave, attentive. You genuinely care about others. You are doing things right. You are so good on the inside. You deserve an award daily.
- I love that she is so caring. -Scud
- I love that you're spunky, that you tease others and you're such a good sport. You're just so much fun.
- You can do this! You can do hard things! You're amazing!
- "Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof if we pursue the path that leads to it." -Joseph Smith
- I love the way she loves everyone. -Kaitybean (my wonderful niece who is not only equally spacey as her mother, but a beautiful, kind and wonderful, miniature version of her.)
- "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt. Remember, you are in charge! -Kaitlyn (See, I told you!)
- "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." Phillipians 4:13
- "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
- I love that you are fiercely passionate. What you love, you love wholly. What you do, you do passionately. Bravo! (This one gets me into trouble. A lot.)
- "Face troubles with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility." -Thomas S. Monson
- "God loves broken things." -Jeffrey R. Holland Remembering this has literally changed my life. I know, in my bones, that God loves me in my deeply broken state. His most treasured gifts are a broken heart and a contrite spirit. His love and mercy are constant, powerful. He loves me. He loves you!
- How blessed I am to have a sister, and that it is you! Please always remember how dearly I love you, all of you, and that you're deeply deserving of that love.
I saw a saying that describes our relationship perfectly. "My sister has the best sister in the world!" It's true... my sister's sister has the best sister in the whole world! (Did you follow that?)
Writing all of these out made me realize that my most wonderful gift didn't come in a glass jar filled with paper, but in Heavenly Father giving me the most creatively loving sister. Thank you Haha, for being you. And for loving me, just for being me.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
...what a difference 6 months (give or take) makes...
Check out the first picture, taken around Memorial Day 2011. These are by far the most beautiful, chubby baby faces in the whole world!
Next we have storytime with Grandpa on Christmas morning. I wish I'd gotten a better picture, of course it's my little guy who refuses to stay still. (Kenna if you got a picture of this and it's better than mine, can I have it please?)
No matter how much I tell them, "Stop GROWING!" they never listen.
Next we have storytime with Grandpa on Christmas morning. I wish I'd gotten a better picture, of course it's my little guy who refuses to stay still. (Kenna if you got a picture of this and it's better than mine, can I have it please?)
No matter how much I tell them, "Stop GROWING!" they never listen.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Have you ever wished Love and Encouragement came in a bottle?
Now it does!
I am convinced that Heavenly Father looked over the list of trials I would be called upon to face and in His infinite wisdom and mercy, saw fit to bless me with the kindest sister imaginable.
One of my favorite things about my sweet sister is her ability to give gifts that keep giving long after the holidays have been forgotten. Instead of giving what I think I want, she gives me what I need which ends up being what I really wanted.
For Christmas my sister gave me this jar filled with beautifully folded snippets of love and encouragement.
Here's what I've opened so far:
"You are so thoughtful and mindful of others. You're always trying to find ways to make others happy and more comfortable. Thanks for your example." -Haha
"I love the way she loves everyone." -Kaitybean
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela
I know I'm supposed to wait and open one each week for a year, but I secretly want to open them all at once and just pull one out when I'm feeling down. The tricky part, beside living up to who they know I am, would be folding each paper back into its star-shaped beauty.
Check back for more love and encouragement throughout the year.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I am convinced that Heavenly Father looked over the list of trials I would be called upon to face and in His infinite wisdom and mercy, saw fit to bless me with the kindest sister imaginable.
One of my favorite things about my sweet sister is her ability to give gifts that keep giving long after the holidays have been forgotten. Instead of giving what I think I want, she gives me what I need which ends up being what I really wanted.
For Christmas my sister gave me this jar filled with beautifully folded snippets of love and encouragement.
Here's what I've opened so far:
"You are so thoughtful and mindful of others. You're always trying to find ways to make others happy and more comfortable. Thanks for your example." -Haha
"I love the way she loves everyone." -Kaitybean
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela
I know I'm supposed to wait and open one each week for a year, but I secretly want to open them all at once and just pull one out when I'm feeling down. The tricky part, beside living up to who they know I am, would be folding each paper back into its star-shaped beauty.
Check back for more love and encouragement throughout the year.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christmas is about the Christ
In these precious moments we realize what we feel and know in our heart—that Christmas is really about the Christ.
Christmas and some of the cherished traditions of the season remind us that we, like the Wise Men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts: a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should offer Him our love. We should give Him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember Him always, to emulate His example, and to go about doing good. 1
We cannot offer Him the gift of perfection in all things because this is a gift beyond our capacity to give—at least for now. The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains. But He does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves, one foot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared and taught.
And what are the Savior’s gifts to those who are willing to bring these gifts to Him?
This may be the most one-sided gift exchange in the history of the universe. The Savior’s gifts to us are breathtaking.
Let us begin with immortality. Because the Savior overcame death, all men and women—both the just and the unjust—will live forever. 2
Then, forgiveness—even though our sins and imperfections be as scarlet, they can become white as snow because of Him. 3
And finally, eternal life—the greatest gift of all. 4 Because of the Atonement of Christ, not only are we guaranteed an infinite quantity of life, but He offers the possibility of an unimaginable quality of life as well. 5
Some of His divine gifts are reserved for that glorious future day when we return to His presence.
But He extends many gifts and His grace to us every day. He promises to be with us, to come to us when we need comfort, 6 to lift us when we stumble, to carry us if needed, to mourn and rejoice with us. Every day He offers to take us by the hand and help transform ordinary life into extraordinary spiritual experiences.
Of Curtains, Contentment, and Christmas
By: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional (2011)
Christmas and some of the cherished traditions of the season remind us that we, like the Wise Men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts: a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should offer Him our love. We should give Him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember Him always, to emulate His example, and to go about doing good. 1
We cannot offer Him the gift of perfection in all things because this is a gift beyond our capacity to give—at least for now. The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains. But He does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves, one foot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared and taught.
And what are the Savior’s gifts to those who are willing to bring these gifts to Him?
This may be the most one-sided gift exchange in the history of the universe. The Savior’s gifts to us are breathtaking.
Let us begin with immortality. Because the Savior overcame death, all men and women—both the just and the unjust—will live forever. 2
Then, forgiveness—even though our sins and imperfections be as scarlet, they can become white as snow because of Him. 3
And finally, eternal life—the greatest gift of all. 4 Because of the Atonement of Christ, not only are we guaranteed an infinite quantity of life, but He offers the possibility of an unimaginable quality of life as well. 5
Some of His divine gifts are reserved for that glorious future day when we return to His presence.
But He extends many gifts and His grace to us every day. He promises to be with us, to come to us when we need comfort, 6 to lift us when we stumble, to carry us if needed, to mourn and rejoice with us. Every day He offers to take us by the hand and help transform ordinary life into extraordinary spiritual experiences.
Of Curtains, Contentment, and Christmas
By: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional (2011)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Insight from a hooker...
I've been thinking a lot lately (and not-so lately) about self esteem and body image. It's terrible how closely and how often the two are linked in our society of unrealistic role models with their perfectly air-brushed everything.
This thinking has had me thinking this morning, of a line from a movie. My mom is always teasing me because I know nearly every line of every movie I watch by heart, basically the first time I've seen it. I think, while she would use it differently, that she's secretly jealous of my freakishly, amazing memory recall.
Here's the scene, pay close attention to the last line, it's the most important:
Vivian: People put you down enough, you start to believe it.
Edward Lewis: I think you are a very bright, very special woman.
Vivian: The bad stuff is easier to believe.
-- IMDb Quotes: Pretty Woman (1990)
How true it is that we begin to believe what is said, and how sad that in my case (and I suspect a great many others' as well) I am usually the first and loudest proponent of my own "bad stuff."
Despite my husband's valiant efforts to convince my over and over of my beauty and self worth, I'm bombarded with "bad stuff" making it difficult to ignore.
Today, I'm going to make a goal to think and say more good stuff about myself.
I hope you'll do the same for yourself.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This thinking has had me thinking this morning, of a line from a movie. My mom is always teasing me because I know nearly every line of every movie I watch by heart, basically the first time I've seen it. I think, while she would use it differently, that she's secretly jealous of my freakishly, amazing memory recall.
Here's the scene, pay close attention to the last line, it's the most important:
Vivian: People put you down enough, you start to believe it.
Edward Lewis: I think you are a very bright, very special woman.
Vivian: The bad stuff is easier to believe.
-- IMDb Quotes: Pretty Woman (1990)
How true it is that we begin to believe what is said, and how sad that in my case (and I suspect a great many others' as well) I am usually the first and loudest proponent of my own "bad stuff."
Despite my husband's valiant efforts to convince my over and over of my beauty and self worth, I'm bombarded with "bad stuff" making it difficult to ignore.
Today, I'm going to make a goal to think and say more good stuff about myself.
I hope you'll do the same for yourself.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Random Truths
- Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
- I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
- There is great need for a sarcasm font.
- How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
- Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
- Bad decisions make good stories.
- You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work (and at home for me) when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
- "Do not machine wash" or "Do not tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever!
- I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What did you do after I didn't answer, drop the phone and run away?
- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
- I keep some phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer.
- Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
- I would rather try to carry ten, over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring in my groceries.
- The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.
- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
- how many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front.
- Is it just me or do high school kids get smaller and smaller each year?
- There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Cookie Decorating 101
Between this book I just bought:
And this mind-blowingly AMAZING tip:
I'm in the mood to make cookies!!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
...my little football man...
I've never seen a little boy so excited about sports (so young) in general, but he especially digs football. He claps as soon as it comes on TV and watches happily with his uncle and his daddy. Not counting Cars, it's probably his favorite thing to watch.
Last week he went with us to the high school homecoming game. Here he is with his daddy, ready to go.
I found his super cute "Just try and tackle me" shirt in St. George while we were there a few weeks ago, I couldn't resist.
He sat on the steps with his cousins. (I wish I'd gotten a picture of him with Spencer who doted on him the entire time.)
He clapped, pointed, oohed and aahed enthusiastically nearly the entire game.
The rest of these pictures are how I found him tonight (In the super soft, comfy jammies bought for him by Uncle Jared) at Grandma's house. He was excited to see me, but only so long as I didn't interfere with the game. When I paused it, he squealed and kept squealing until I let him watch the game again. 
(As you can see, he's still pointing enthusiastically)
I don't know about you, but to me, this looks like the very picture of relaxation.
I love this little man. I can't help but smile when I see how his face glows. For football. For Cars, (which is why we've watched it no less than 50 times in the last week). At the discovery of so many things, new to him. Even in the depths of depression which still haunt so many of my days and nights, I can't help but smile. I thank my Father in Heaven every single day for my joyful, football watching, miracle boy.
Last week he went with us to the high school homecoming game. Here he is with his daddy, ready to go.
I found his super cute "Just try and tackle me" shirt in St. George while we were there a few weeks ago, I couldn't resist.
He sat on the steps with his cousins. (I wish I'd gotten a picture of him with Spencer who doted on him the entire time.)
He clapped, pointed, oohed and aahed enthusiastically nearly the entire game.
The rest of these pictures are how I found him tonight (In the super soft, comfy jammies bought for him by Uncle Jared) at Grandma's house. He was excited to see me, but only so long as I didn't interfere with the game. When I paused it, he squealed and kept squealing until I let him watch the game again. 
(As you can see, he's still pointing enthusiastically)
I don't know about you, but to me, this looks like the very picture of relaxation.
I love this little man. I can't help but smile when I see how his face glows. For football. For Cars, (which is why we've watched it no less than 50 times in the last week). At the discovery of so many things, new to him. Even in the depths of depression which still haunt so many of my days and nights, I can't help but smile. I thank my Father in Heaven every single day for my joyful, football watching, miracle boy.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Housework - Gag!
I was recently directed here from a comment thread on another blog, I read the post I'd been directed to; it's great, I highly recommend it. Then, I skimmed the side bar for anything of interest.
This popped out at me. Gag, is certainly one of the first reactions that comes to mind when I think of housework. That or cringe.
Then I conveniently think of something I need at the store, and while I'm at the store I decide we should go to Salt Lake and watch a movie or go to dinner. And I end up eating too much, including dessert. So when I get home, I'm a little fatter and my house is still dirty.
I don't know that I'll even go to the website she suggests in this post (if it still exists), but I really loved the suggestions she listed. Here they are for those of you who either don't want to go to the other site, or don't know how. (Don't be offended, I'm totally talking to my mom and she knows it!)
"You can't organize clutter; you have to get rid of it! In order to find peace in your home the clutter has to find a new place to reside.
Release your clutter. Spend just 15 minutes a day de-cluttering. When you bring home something new; get rid of something old."
Another thing she says is keep your kitchen sink clean ALL THE TIME. And it's amazing what a difference this one chore makes.
Her basic mantra is that we have to have routines/habits in place. If we don't, we can spend all day cleaning then the place just gets messy again immediately. But if we've developed routines/habits that we do almost automatically, we can keep the mess at bay.
Here is my daily schedule (to quote from an article I once wrote): think of it as B,B,C,D,F, which sounds like a poor report card but which stands for: Bed (make it), Bathroom (a quick swish and swipe while you're in there getting ready), Clutter (quick pick-up, especially working on the "hot spots" that gather stuff to them--I do this pretty much all day), Dishes (keeping the sink clean and empty), and Floors (sweep daily). There are many other chores we have to do of course (for example, she also talks about conquering Mount Washmore), but even if I do only these five things every day, I can keep the appearance of a tidy home and not panic if someone comes over unexpectedly.
Housework is a huge obstacle in my life, it's gotten to the point where I've quit even trying to stay afloat and just let myself sink below the surface. I'm hoping that this gem of a discovery will help me find a place to start.
This popped out at me. Gag, is certainly one of the first reactions that comes to mind when I think of housework. That or cringe.
Then I conveniently think of something I need at the store, and while I'm at the store I decide we should go to Salt Lake and watch a movie or go to dinner. And I end up eating too much, including dessert. So when I get home, I'm a little fatter and my house is still dirty.
I don't know that I'll even go to the website she suggests in this post (if it still exists), but I really loved the suggestions she listed. Here they are for those of you who either don't want to go to the other site, or don't know how. (Don't be offended, I'm totally talking to my mom and she knows it!)
"You can't organize clutter; you have to get rid of it! In order to find peace in your home the clutter has to find a new place to reside.
Release your clutter. Spend just 15 minutes a day de-cluttering. When you bring home something new; get rid of something old."
Another thing she says is keep your kitchen sink clean ALL THE TIME. And it's amazing what a difference this one chore makes.
Her basic mantra is that we have to have routines/habits in place. If we don't, we can spend all day cleaning then the place just gets messy again immediately. But if we've developed routines/habits that we do almost automatically, we can keep the mess at bay.
Here is my daily schedule (to quote from an article I once wrote): think of it as B,B,C,D,F, which sounds like a poor report card but which stands for: Bed (make it), Bathroom (a quick swish and swipe while you're in there getting ready), Clutter (quick pick-up, especially working on the "hot spots" that gather stuff to them--I do this pretty much all day), Dishes (keeping the sink clean and empty), and Floors (sweep daily). There are many other chores we have to do of course (for example, she also talks about conquering Mount Washmore), but even if I do only these five things every day, I can keep the appearance of a tidy home and not panic if someone comes over unexpectedly.
Housework is a huge obstacle in my life, it's gotten to the point where I've quit even trying to stay afloat and just let myself sink below the surface. I'm hoping that this gem of a discovery will help me find a place to start.
Monday, September 26, 2011
... eat drink and be merry ...
... for tomorrow I start the Weight Watchers online program!
This is yet another step in my journey toward a happier, healthier me.
This is yet another step in my journey toward a happier, healthier me.
A friend of the furry persuasion.
I came back from my break to find that we had a new friend in dispatch. Wish I could keep him. He's super cute and (although also very high energy) very well behaved.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Look at that face!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, September 5, 2011
Back on the wagon again!
Confession...
Several months ago I made a couple of goals, kick the caffeine and run on the treadmill. I don't think I made it a week. Weak, right? I know.
I've decided (and this has been coming for quite a long time) that something drastic has got to change. In my experience, for anything drastic to change, I have to be held accountable, to myself at the very least. So, I'll be checking in here at least once a month, but hopefully more like once a week. I'll list how I've done on my goals and track the progress I'm making.
I've acquired a couple of things to help me on my way. First, I bought these...
Several months ago I made a couple of goals, kick the caffeine and run on the treadmill. I don't think I made it a week. Weak, right? I know.
I've decided (and this has been coming for quite a long time) that something drastic has got to change. In my experience, for anything drastic to change, I have to be held accountable, to myself at the very least. So, I'll be checking in here at least once a month, but hopefully more like once a week. I'll list how I've done on my goals and track the progress I'm making.
I've acquired a couple of things to help me on my way. First, I bought these...
from Strive Running Co. My dad found a jogging stroller for us at a killer price... $5, killer! And since Heavenly is in the academy he needs to be running more than the 10+ miles/week he's already been running, I've got myself a running partner.
One of my co-workers made the decision to quit drinking soda pop starting today and I decided that'd be a great time for me to do the same. He bought us these...
Saturday, August 27, 2011
9 tips for surviving rough times with a smile
I found this article here. I loved this advice, I hope it helps you too.
Question:
How do people stay positive when things are really rough? I know we can’t be the only family struggling to keep our heads above water. Could you give us any tips for getting through the discouragement? How can we stay happy in the face of huge setbacks and problems?
Answer:
I’m so glad you asked this question because you are definitely not alone. Most families are experiencing some fear and stress about their situations right now.
Here are nine tips for surviving rough times with a smile.
1. Understand that even if you can't control outside circumstances, you can decide how you want to experience them. Since negativity will get you nowhere, choose a positive attitude even if it’s ridiculously optimistic. Refuse to dwell in fear.
Consciously choose to trust that you will make it through and gain strength and wisdom from this experience. Every situation makes you a better person and this one will serve you in some way. Choose to believe good things are coming. They might be – you don’t know what’s around the next corner and it’s more enjoyable to expect the best than the worst.
2. Remember this won’t last forever. Life is cyclical and you will always have your ups and downs. Life is a beautiful mix of blessings and challenges. Whether things are good or bad, it won’t last forever. Decide to accept the impermanent nature of life. Those who expect it to always be easy will always be disappointed. Try to embrace the difficult times as a perfect and inevitable part of your journey.
3. Hang out with positive people. Avoid negative people who wallow in their stories of woe. Misery loves company but it doesn’t have to be yours. Choose to associate with people who think positive. Make friends with people who are problem solvers and motivated to create good things in their lives. It will rub off on you.
4. Read encouraging, uplifting books and listen to upbeat, happy music. Choose books that give you a fresh perspective on life and music that makes you want to dance. A library card and listening to the radio are both free. The personal development author and speaker Og Mandino wrote about the night his life fell apart. He thought about killing himself but decided to go to the library instead. He read every book he could find on positive thinking and it changed his life. It could change yours.
5. Start a gratitude journal. Focus on what you do have. Enjoy even the smallest of blessings and treasure every simple happy moment. Take time each day to write down five things you are grateful for. You’ll be amazed at how blessed you really are.
6. Work on your spirituality. Research shows that those who practice faith and maintain a relationship with God live longer and more satisfying lives. Turn your worries over to a higher power and practice faith.
7. Laugh as much as possible. Laugh together as a family. Watch funny movies, read joke books and keep your sense of humor alive. Watch "Wipeout" or "America's Funniest Home Videos." For some reason watching other people fail really cheers you up. When we were struggling we often laughed about just how bad off we were. We had nothing more to lose so we just had to laugh at it.
8. Reach out to others who are worse off than you. Get your focus off your own problems. Perform acts of service. Find a place to volunteer. Service will change your perspective. You will feel better right away.
9. Get some help. A little professional help could make a huge difference especially if you are feeling depressed. You are in charge of your destiny so get some help to change the course of your life. There are many life coaches, counselors and therapists in your area to call on.
"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change. Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us." - Earl Nightingale
Kimberly Giles is the founder and president of LDS Life Coaching and www.claritypointcoaching.com. She is a sought after life coach who has a popular radio show LIFEadvice on Utah's AM 1430 Saturday Mornings at 8 a.m. MST
Question:
How do people stay positive when things are really rough? I know we can’t be the only family struggling to keep our heads above water. Could you give us any tips for getting through the discouragement? How can we stay happy in the face of huge setbacks and problems?
Answer:
I’m so glad you asked this question because you are definitely not alone. Most families are experiencing some fear and stress about their situations right now.
Here are nine tips for surviving rough times with a smile.
1. Understand that even if you can't control outside circumstances, you can decide how you want to experience them. Since negativity will get you nowhere, choose a positive attitude even if it’s ridiculously optimistic. Refuse to dwell in fear.
Consciously choose to trust that you will make it through and gain strength and wisdom from this experience. Every situation makes you a better person and this one will serve you in some way. Choose to believe good things are coming. They might be – you don’t know what’s around the next corner and it’s more enjoyable to expect the best than the worst.
2. Remember this won’t last forever. Life is cyclical and you will always have your ups and downs. Life is a beautiful mix of blessings and challenges. Whether things are good or bad, it won’t last forever. Decide to accept the impermanent nature of life. Those who expect it to always be easy will always be disappointed. Try to embrace the difficult times as a perfect and inevitable part of your journey.
3. Hang out with positive people. Avoid negative people who wallow in their stories of woe. Misery loves company but it doesn’t have to be yours. Choose to associate with people who think positive. Make friends with people who are problem solvers and motivated to create good things in their lives. It will rub off on you.
4. Read encouraging, uplifting books and listen to upbeat, happy music. Choose books that give you a fresh perspective on life and music that makes you want to dance. A library card and listening to the radio are both free. The personal development author and speaker Og Mandino wrote about the night his life fell apart. He thought about killing himself but decided to go to the library instead. He read every book he could find on positive thinking and it changed his life. It could change yours.
5. Start a gratitude journal. Focus on what you do have. Enjoy even the smallest of blessings and treasure every simple happy moment. Take time each day to write down five things you are grateful for. You’ll be amazed at how blessed you really are.
6. Work on your spirituality. Research shows that those who practice faith and maintain a relationship with God live longer and more satisfying lives. Turn your worries over to a higher power and practice faith.
7. Laugh as much as possible. Laugh together as a family. Watch funny movies, read joke books and keep your sense of humor alive. Watch "Wipeout" or "America's Funniest Home Videos." For some reason watching other people fail really cheers you up. When we were struggling we often laughed about just how bad off we were. We had nothing more to lose so we just had to laugh at it.
8. Reach out to others who are worse off than you. Get your focus off your own problems. Perform acts of service. Find a place to volunteer. Service will change your perspective. You will feel better right away.
9. Get some help. A little professional help could make a huge difference especially if you are feeling depressed. You are in charge of your destiny so get some help to change the course of your life. There are many life coaches, counselors and therapists in your area to call on.
"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change. Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us." - Earl Nightingale
Kimberly Giles is the founder and president of LDS Life Coaching and www.claritypointcoaching.com. She is a sought after life coach who has a popular radio show LIFEadvice on Utah's AM 1430 Saturday Mornings at 8 a.m. MST
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