Friday, October 28, 2011
Content Where You Are
Searching for cheerfulness by being impulsive can be fun, make us feel free from a boring routine, and all over renewed. Let yourself be taken with the wind but only touchdown on the things that feel right. Happiness may not be in another horizon, it could be right where you are.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Personal Staying Power
When we stay on track with our plans, stay motivated for the right reasons, allow only the positive fill the nooks and crannies of our minds we allow progress, growth and upturns in our lives to be revealed. Personal staying power comes from your own consistency!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Get Warm, Cozy and Snuggle
Gloomy, sick and rainy days may seem like they ruin the flow of life. Perhaps it is just what was ordered from above. Sometimes we just need to slow down, get warm and cozy and snuggle.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Me? A Caretaker?
Me? A Caretaker?
“Why did you and your mom come in separate cars?” “I won’t get in the car with her anymore, she’s dangerous!” One day a frightening eye opening truth may sear us: “Our parents need our help.”
Our mature family members are living longer and are being diagnosed with deteriorating diseases. Their reflexes are less responsive and multi-tasking is history. Agitation, forgetfulness, and intelligence revert to childlike behavior and innocence. Disturbingly, their independent lifestyle could one day turn to dependent convalescence.
As convalescent costs continue to soar caretaking in the home is now commonplace. Although we are not trained professionals, we can prepare ourselves:
Seek a healthcare professional. Obtain helpful information on what to expect and programs available to aid caretaking families.
Start dialogue early. Planning long term care is vital.
Keep spouses involved and informed. Discussions can be more comfortable when it’s time for change. Especially if there is a possibility that mom and/or dad may be moving in.
Plan for relocation. It may be wise and/or necessary to relocate well before illness has manifested or mobility becomes difficult.
Embrace change early. Making life altering changes when all are well can make the challenged future more comfortable to ease into.
Exercise. Everyone should exercise everyday or at least 3 times a week to strengthen muscles, increase energy, and lower stress.
Prepare a living trust. Adding a trusted family member’s name to property or bank accounts can also ease future obstacles.
Keep family informed. Have parents speak to the family while they are still well giving all the opportunity to know their wishes so that there are no surprises or hurt feelings.
If already living in a caretaker’s role:
Accept help. Learn how to say “yes.” Get away for a few hours or for the weekend. It’s healthy for your mind, body and spirit.
Laugh often. It’s a great natural elixir!
Have patience. Aggression may seem to be aimed toward you. Always remember it’s the illness that’s attacking.
Acknowledge and accept. If mom and dad are visited only on birthdays and holidays then acknowledge and accept that daily help may not arrive.
Don’t keep score. Keeping score won’t change reality.
Love. Love. Love. When your own name irks you, you’ve changed sheets 4 times today, or the food you’ve prepared has been rejected again, step out of the room, breath deep, call on your patience or the neighbor, pray if you need, and say “I love you and I know it’s the illness that makes you this way.”
Use moments of peace to refocus. While they are sleeping take a few moments of peace to sit by their side, regroup and concede to their frailty. Your welled up heart will tell you “you’re doing the right thing.”
If we lived long enough wouldn’t it be our hope that our own children would mimic the compassion, caring, patience and love we once gave and will grant us the same blessing? You are the seed of hope.
“Why did you and your mom come in separate cars?” “I won’t get in the car with her anymore, she’s dangerous!” One day a frightening eye opening truth may sear us: “Our parents need our help.”
Our mature family members are living longer and are being diagnosed with deteriorating diseases. Their reflexes are less responsive and multi-tasking is history. Agitation, forgetfulness, and intelligence revert to childlike behavior and innocence. Disturbingly, their independent lifestyle could one day turn to dependent convalescence.
As convalescent costs continue to soar caretaking in the home is now commonplace. Although we are not trained professionals, we can prepare ourselves:
Seek a healthcare professional. Obtain helpful information on what to expect and programs available to aid caretaking families.
Start dialogue early. Planning long term care is vital.
Keep spouses involved and informed. Discussions can be more comfortable when it’s time for change. Especially if there is a possibility that mom and/or dad may be moving in.
Plan for relocation. It may be wise and/or necessary to relocate well before illness has manifested or mobility becomes difficult.
Embrace change early. Making life altering changes when all are well can make the challenged future more comfortable to ease into.
Exercise. Everyone should exercise everyday or at least 3 times a week to strengthen muscles, increase energy, and lower stress.
Prepare a living trust. Adding a trusted family member’s name to property or bank accounts can also ease future obstacles.
Keep family informed. Have parents speak to the family while they are still well giving all the opportunity to know their wishes so that there are no surprises or hurt feelings.
If already living in a caretaker’s role:
Accept help. Learn how to say “yes.” Get away for a few hours or for the weekend. It’s healthy for your mind, body and spirit.
Laugh often. It’s a great natural elixir!
Have patience. Aggression may seem to be aimed toward you. Always remember it’s the illness that’s attacking.
Acknowledge and accept. If mom and dad are visited only on birthdays and holidays then acknowledge and accept that daily help may not arrive.
Don’t keep score. Keeping score won’t change reality.
Love. Love. Love. When your own name irks you, you’ve changed sheets 4 times today, or the food you’ve prepared has been rejected again, step out of the room, breath deep, call on your patience or the neighbor, pray if you need, and say “I love you and I know it’s the illness that makes you this way.”
Use moments of peace to refocus. While they are sleeping take a few moments of peace to sit by their side, regroup and concede to their frailty. Your welled up heart will tell you “you’re doing the right thing.”
If we lived long enough wouldn’t it be our hope that our own children would mimic the compassion, caring, patience and love we once gave and will grant us the same blessing? You are the seed of hope.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A New Day Brings Opportunity
A New Day Brings Opportunity
Improvements in our routine, development of our talents, and a boost in our outlook does not happen with the blessing of a new day. A new day brings opportunity to enhance our practices, broaden our skills set and enrich the landscape of our eyes.
Improvements in our routine, development of our talents, and a boost in our outlook does not happen with the blessing of a new day. A new day brings opportunity to enhance our practices, broaden our skills set and enrich the landscape of our eyes.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Self Perseverance Has Rewards
Self Perseverance Has Rewards
There are times we are tempted to blow off our diet and exercise, to give less on a project or relationship, to sleep rather than move or be productive. Stand up to temptation with positive affirmations, a “can do” attitude, and a plan that is uncomplicated so that you’ll keep moving forward. The results of self-perseverance will be beneficial, worthwhile and rewarding.
There are times we are tempted to blow off our diet and exercise, to give less on a project or relationship, to sleep rather than move or be productive. Stand up to temptation with positive affirmations, a “can do” attitude, and a plan that is uncomplicated so that you’ll keep moving forward. The results of self-perseverance will be beneficial, worthwhile and rewarding.
It's Okay To Take A Break
It's Okay To Take A Break
If you feel like you’re running yourself ragged take a break. You are in charge of your own schedule. It’s okay to not have a filled to capacity calendar. Not being busy doesn’t mean you are not being productive. Decline an outing or meeting once in a while and learn how to be comfortable just do nothing. A refreshed body and spirit will make an imposing world look welcoming, a goal more attainable and a tricky task more doable.
If you feel like you’re running yourself ragged take a break. You are in charge of your own schedule. It’s okay to not have a filled to capacity calendar. Not being busy doesn’t mean you are not being productive. Decline an outing or meeting once in a while and learn how to be comfortable just do nothing. A refreshed body and spirit will make an imposing world look welcoming, a goal more attainable and a tricky task more doable.
No Limits
No Limits
To know success could be a fluke. Why limit yourself. Be consistent in your goals, persistent in things that matter most, and steady in your uplifted approach. Other will notice your genuineness of heart, the compassion you embody, and will feed off the inspiration you personify.
To know success could be a fluke. Why limit yourself. Be consistent in your goals, persistent in things that matter most, and steady in your uplifted approach. Other will notice your genuineness of heart, the compassion you embody, and will feed off the inspiration you personify.
Feel Good Inside and Out
Feel Good Inside And Out
Our words, attitudes and behavior are confirmation of what we feel inside. Take time to polish your vocabulary, buff out dark outlooks, and dust off conduct that is not noteworthy. Feeling good inside and out is necessary for the success of your plans, dreams and victories!
Our words, attitudes and behavior are confirmation of what we feel inside. Take time to polish your vocabulary, buff out dark outlooks, and dust off conduct that is not noteworthy. Feeling good inside and out is necessary for the success of your plans, dreams and victories!
Let The Best of You Come Out
Let The Best of You Come Out
We all have personal flaws, but why draw attention to them? Bury negativity and catch yourself doing something right. The more you notice what you already do right the more inclined you’ll be to do more of it! It’s in you – let the best of you come to the surface and sparkle! The world could sure use another shining star!
We all have personal flaws, but why draw attention to them? Bury negativity and catch yourself doing something right. The more you notice what you already do right the more inclined you’ll be to do more of it! It’s in you – let the best of you come to the surface and sparkle! The world could sure use another shining star!
Missteps Make For A Stronger Stride
Missteps Make For A Stronger Stride
Better to not be fixated on a one day food binge, a prolonged break in the exercise routine, or the mental crash that kept you hostage for a time.
Missteps make for a stronger stride, more resilient mental foundation and solid personal conviction.
Better to not be fixated on a one day food binge, a prolonged break in the exercise routine, or the mental crash that kept you hostage for a time.
Missteps make for a stronger stride, more resilient mental foundation and solid personal conviction.
Opportunity for a "Do Over"
Opportunity for a "Do Over"
Every day we have opportunities for a “do over.” Granted it is difficult to erase harsh words that slithered from our mouths, impossible to immediately cancel abuse of our bodies through bad choices of food or inactivity, or difficult to enjoy peace when we’re overwhelmed by our schedules, BUT IT IS DOABLE! Today, if at first you don’t succeed, try, or try again!
Every day we have opportunities for a “do over.” Granted it is difficult to erase harsh words that slithered from our mouths, impossible to immediately cancel abuse of our bodies through bad choices of food or inactivity, or difficult to enjoy peace when we’re overwhelmed by our schedules, BUT IT IS DOABLE! Today, if at first you don’t succeed, try, or try again!
Prepare Ahead, Keep On Track
Prepare Ahead, Keep On Track (food)
When we are sleep deprived, famished or upset we can reach for comfort foods as a quick fix. These things can temporarily satisfy but can also set us back in the long run. If life cannot run like clockwork, then take extra steps to insure you prepare ahead and make the best choices available to keep you on track and motivated for the days, months and years to come! What you succumb to today can affect what you oppose tomorrow.
When we are sleep deprived, famished or upset we can reach for comfort foods as a quick fix. These things can temporarily satisfy but can also set us back in the long run. If life cannot run like clockwork, then take extra steps to insure you prepare ahead and make the best choices available to keep you on track and motivated for the days, months and years to come! What you succumb to today can affect what you oppose tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Moments of Peace
MOMENTS OF PEACE
One day, in the midst of my wild paced life, I hit a wall (not literally of course). I realized I was so disconnected from my uncomplicated past that I needed a drastic change. I made a decision to schedule a very important activity in my day, “simple ME time.”
At dawn I stepped outside my front door. The sun peaked out at the horizon and the brisk spring morning air caused a tranquil mix of tepid warmth and cool morning dew. I closed my eyes, breathed deep and stood still.
I meditated in the quiet until the silence was broken by layers and harmony of sweet chirping birds seeming to wake the world person by person. A spirit then tickled my dull senses. It wasn’t long before a peaceful essence cued me to open my eyes and I began to walk.
I strolled without a hurried feeling in my body. I witnessed sleeping flowers awaken and bloom with the first hints of the morning sun and observed humming birds feed off the nectar of blossoms. I could smell the sweet aroma of honeysuckle shrubs that filled the brisk morning air like perfume. So early and perfect was that time when the darkness from the night harmonized with the first light of day creating a flawless golden dawn.
As if summoned by a magnetic energy my thoughts now turned to my spiritual self. I commenced a heartfelt prayer to my Creator giving thanks as my sleepy spirit awakened to His presence. I felt live pulsations that pushed blood through my veins and vital organs that gave me life. I now felt a soul that had been roused.
I was reminded that I could once again enjoy simplicities and that I had control over the extreme burdens and responsibilities I placed on my life. My spirit now stirred stroked gently at my faith and I knew with clarity the message and simple truth that I sought, “Beneath the foolish tiring tiers of life I created, I was missing the peace of God’s love and blessings.” It was then I really began my walk.
Then, like a bolt of lightning, metal garage doors began to open and families jabbed each other with harsh and hurried first morning conversations as they rushed off to their morning destinations. Other walkers were now moving and noticeably keeping to their side of the street. They passed me without even a glance. The unrivaled earthy tranquility had faded away.
Fighting hard to stay in that intimate place I began to wrestle with a disturbing thought: “Will I return to dreariness, be robbed of peace and consciousness of my blessings and re-join the fast-paced life and harsh disregard for common kindnesses, gratefulness, and thankfulness?
I now ease into my mornings with a walk and moments of peace that continually set the tone for my day. These special moments offer hope, remind me of everyday simplicities, and give my heart what it needs to carry on.
One day, in the midst of my wild paced life, I hit a wall (not literally of course). I realized I was so disconnected from my uncomplicated past that I needed a drastic change. I made a decision to schedule a very important activity in my day, “simple ME time.”
At dawn I stepped outside my front door. The sun peaked out at the horizon and the brisk spring morning air caused a tranquil mix of tepid warmth and cool morning dew. I closed my eyes, breathed deep and stood still.
I meditated in the quiet until the silence was broken by layers and harmony of sweet chirping birds seeming to wake the world person by person. A spirit then tickled my dull senses. It wasn’t long before a peaceful essence cued me to open my eyes and I began to walk.
I strolled without a hurried feeling in my body. I witnessed sleeping flowers awaken and bloom with the first hints of the morning sun and observed humming birds feed off the nectar of blossoms. I could smell the sweet aroma of honeysuckle shrubs that filled the brisk morning air like perfume. So early and perfect was that time when the darkness from the night harmonized with the first light of day creating a flawless golden dawn.
As if summoned by a magnetic energy my thoughts now turned to my spiritual self. I commenced a heartfelt prayer to my Creator giving thanks as my sleepy spirit awakened to His presence. I felt live pulsations that pushed blood through my veins and vital organs that gave me life. I now felt a soul that had been roused.
I was reminded that I could once again enjoy simplicities and that I had control over the extreme burdens and responsibilities I placed on my life. My spirit now stirred stroked gently at my faith and I knew with clarity the message and simple truth that I sought, “Beneath the foolish tiring tiers of life I created, I was missing the peace of God’s love and blessings.” It was then I really began my walk.
Then, like a bolt of lightning, metal garage doors began to open and families jabbed each other with harsh and hurried first morning conversations as they rushed off to their morning destinations. Other walkers were now moving and noticeably keeping to their side of the street. They passed me without even a glance. The unrivaled earthy tranquility had faded away.
Fighting hard to stay in that intimate place I began to wrestle with a disturbing thought: “Will I return to dreariness, be robbed of peace and consciousness of my blessings and re-join the fast-paced life and harsh disregard for common kindnesses, gratefulness, and thankfulness?
I now ease into my mornings with a walk and moments of peace that continually set the tone for my day. These special moments offer hope, remind me of everyday simplicities, and give my heart what it needs to carry on.
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