What are you up to today? Did you have your morning cup of coffee or tea? I did. Are you ready to take on the day and everything it tosses at you? Lots of people are counting on you today. They’re going to be happy you show up and bring your A game. When today is over, you’ll have had more wins than losses. You’ll have made a difference in each space where you traveled. We need you and your A game. Bring it on. C’mon, you can do it.
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Month: May 2022
👊 Today’s Power Thought ~ Face the Wind and Laugh
When life blows a gale wind in your face, Stand tall in the wind, face it, and take its hardest blow. Then laugh. Laugh deep. Laugh out loud. Roar at the top of your lungs, “Is that the best you’ve got?” Then move on into the wind. Don’t give a second thought as to whether or not you have the strength. You do. You have more than enough strength. Laugh on.
💡 Something to Think About
I have fond memories of my mom. She taught me to respect women. She taught me to be kind. She taught me to reach out to others who are hurting. We were a poor family living in four room cold water flat. She never talked about poverty. She found ways to turn dinner meals into a table of plenty wether it was an overflowing bowl of pasta or a huge pot of pasta fagioil. If you stopped by, there was always a place for you at the table. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thank you. I love you.
👍 Today’s Good Word ~ Opportunity
Opportunity – Def: a chance to do something good.
A friend whose advice I valued, offered me this advice. She said, “Ray, when a good opportunity comes your way, grab hold of it and don’t let go. It won’t come by again.” I listened to her and it made all the difference. The best opportunities make us stretch, they force us to learn, and they make us uncomfortable during our learning process. You’ll never know what you can do until you take the chance to do it. C’mon, what are you waiting for, there’s an opportunity waiting just for you.
🤗 A Better Life ~ Lessons from the Birds
I have a birdhouse in the yard, each year a male and female bird take it over, build a nest inside, and raise a family. Watching the male and female work together, communicate, and protect their home fills me with wonder. All they do has a simple design, they are propagating their species. It’s hardwired into them. There are lessons to learn from them. These birds teach about commitment, hard work, and fulfilling a mission.
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🌞 Today’s Inspiration ~ Open the Door to Tomorrow, It’s Unlocked
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~ T. S. Eliot
💡 Something to Think About
Life would be a heck of lot easier if it were a straight line. It would be more predictable. Life is more like a winding road, with hairpin turns, and driving through the mountains with no guardrail to prevent us from going over the edge if we’re not careful. The ride isn’t for the timid. Don’t hide from the road. You can handle the twists and turns. Oh, there will be times when you grip the wheel with both hands, not to worry, you’ll make it. When you do hit straight piece of road, you’ll take a look over your shoulder and think, “Yes, I did. I did it. It couldn’t stop me.”
🍎 Today’s Health Tip ~ Nutrition and Stress
The Foods You Eat Can Help You Manage Stress
Too rushed or stressed to eat well? Think again!! Good nutrition is an important stress management tool. When our bodies are poorly fed, stress takes an even greater toll on our health. Nutrition and stress are interlinked. Here are some tips to eat well for academic success:
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- Eat regularly. Your brain needs glucose to work at its best. Eating regularly throughout the day helps keep your blood glucose stable. Studies have shown that more stable blood sugar levels are associated with better academic performance.
- Get your healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax seed and fish oil are associated with brain function. Deficiencies of this fatty acid can result in depression and/or anxiety.
- Eat your veggies. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals like copper, zinc, manganese, and vitamins A, E and C. Leafy greens are especially good for you. These vitamins and minerals work to neutralize harmful molecules produced when your body is under stress.
- Add high-fiber foods. High fiber intake has been associated with greater alertness and decreased perceived stress. So add fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Trade caffeine for more sleep. Caffeine leads to increased blood pressure and may make you anxious, especially if you are already prone to anxiety. While consuming caffeine may seem to help you concentrate better, some studies show that caffeine only restores what is lost through lack of sleep. Instead of turning to caffeine, try the natural grade booster – sleep!
- Stock up on healthy snacks. If you know that a stressful or busy time is approaching, prepare by stocking up on quick, healthy snacks. Healthy snacks are high in protein and/or fiber. Some examples are granola, almonds, peanuts, carrots with hummus or yogurt with fresh fruit.
🌾 Today’s Poem ~ Viven’s Song
Viven’s Song
Alfred Lord Tennyson
‘In Love, if Love be Love, if Love be ours,
Faith and unfaith can ne’er be equal powers:
Unfaith in aught is want of faith in all.‘It is the little rift within the lute,
That by and by will make the music mute,
And ever widening slowly silence all.‘The little rift within the lover’s lute
Or little pitted speck in garnered fruit,
That rotting inward slowly moulders all.‘It is not worth the keeping: let it go:
But shall it? answer, darling, answer, no.
And trust me not at all or all in all’.
👊 Today’s Power Thought ~ Catch Your Second Wind
If you’re a runner, you know what catching a second wind means. Right when you think you’ve given it all you got, a sudden surge of energy ripples through your body and you find the emotional and physical strength to go a bit faster and further. The key to catching the second wind, is to go hard enough and far enough on your first wind.
