Words can heal.
Words can inspire,
Words can sh0ow our respect.
Words express our love.
And, words thoughtlessly uttered destroy relationships, degrade, shame, and disrespect.
We all feel better when our words build, heal, and elevate.
We are designed to be active and engaged. Our level of engagement is directly related to what is meaningful in our life. When we make a decision to commit to something or someone beyond ourselves our lives fill with meaning. Meaning gives us a reason to get up, get dressed and get moving. It provides us with stories and experiences we otherwise would not have. Opportunities for meaning surround us. Reach out and grab an armful.
If you are experiencing ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide support and guidance on how to manage your emotions and improve your mood.
Next time you open the fridge and stare into it wondering what looks good to eat grab hold of feel good. Feel Good is something we give to ourselves each time we smile a big smile, ear to ear. We give it to ourselves each time we do a kindness. We give it to ourselves each time we let go of a past hurt. C’mon, widen that smile, you’ve got a beautiful smile and the world is waiting for it. Each time you smile you let others know love is around.6
“Physical muscles build up by facing the challenge weight. Mental muscles too grow stronger as we challenge them. According to Barbara Fredrickson, a leading positive psychology researcher, “in life there are situations where you have to perform in areas where you are weak, and it is those situations that may bring the most pride and the most lasting sense of confidence, achievement, and strength as well.” ~ Source
NOTE: Think back to your greatest successes, those that brought you the deepest satisfaction. More likely than not, you overcame significant challenges on your road to success. You faced difficulties and didn’t shy away. The result was success and an inner feeling that you did something special. You felt good about yourself. Don’t fear challenging situations. You knock them down and keep on going. Bring it on is your motto. You are confident.
“It only takes $5 spent on others to make you happier on a given day, according to a 2008 study. And selfless acts can also help your marriage become a more enjoyable experience for you and your spouse. After performing good deeds, people are happier and feel their life has more purpose.” Source
NOTE: The gift doesn’t have to be monetary. It can be as simple as being present to another and actively listening to them. Yesterday, at the gym, a friend and I were talking about electric lawnmowers. He was thinking of buying one. When I went home I texted a photo of my electric lawnmower to him as well as the online information of where I purchased it. He was grateful and I felt I like did a good deed.The cost? A bit of time. I’m grateful for him for giving me an opportunity to help out.
Every time I think of my mom, I smile. She’s been gone a while, but the things she taught me have stayed with me.
Here are a few of the things my mom taught me.
What did your mom teach you? What memories of your mom make you smile?
“Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.” ~ Robert H. Schuller
NOTE: Nighttime isn’t permanent. Storms run out of wind and rain. It’s tough when you’re in the middle of the storm. It may seem as if it will never end. It will. Dawn will break and the storms will drift over the horizon leaving behind sunshine and blue sky. Don’t think of quitting. Don’t consider giving up. You’re strong. You’re stronger than you can imagine. It’s all going to work out.
NOTE: Each of our days begins with an important decision. We decide when we awake the kind of day we’re going to heave. We are making a fateful decision. In that moment we can dare to affirm that we will have a great day seeking the best in ourselves and in those we meet. We affirm that we have the strength and resources to meet whatever challenges come our way.
Sun yourself in the morning. Sunshine helps wake you up, nourishes your body, and improves your mood. While too much sun can damage your skin, too little sun can cause vitamin deficiency and illness. Put on some sunscreen if you are a fair-skinned and head outside in the morning.[1]
NOTE: We easily fall into habits. Most of our habits help us to navigate the day. Our habits, however, can get us stuck in a rut. Think about how you start your day. Same old, same old, right? What if you got up 15 minutes earlier and went for a brisk walk? The slight change in a habitual routine may make your day a great one.
