HOW OFTEN DO YOU DO THIS? CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 123

Living a thankful life can make each day joyful, each burden lighter, each relationship better, and relieve the stress that plagues so many of us these days. With all the trouble in the world today it is too easy to think only of what is wrong in our lives.  I know it is easy to be bogged down with unhappy thoughts, angry reactions, bitter feelings, and despair over things that are not as we want them to be.  In spite of these things, however, there is one thing each of us can do to help ourselves.

Being thankful is not just for religious people, but it is for all people.  I truly believe that every person can find things each day for which to be thankful.  Beauty, music, art, nature, and kindness are available to all of us at no cost so even the poorest of the poor can enjoy them.  Family, friends, work, health, opportunities, and so many other things to be thankful for are truly blessings.

Today's message is:

COUNT BLESSINGS!

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMETHING TODAY? CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 107

Everyone in the world has something to be concerned about sometime, and some of us are worriers which can be very stressful and not good for us.  My mother elevated worrying to an art.  If she did not have something to worry about, she worried about that.  My daughter worries almost as much as my mother did. I can worry about some things but not for very long because I realized long ago that worrying does not change a thing.  It does not resolve a problem, it does not make someone well, it does not make anything better, and it is a terrible time waster and can ultimately be hazardous to your health.

Whatever is going to happen is going to happen, and sometimes the outcome will be not what we hope it will be.  Be that as it may, most of what we worry about never really comes to pass.  So when you find you are too occupied with concern, just tell yourself:

IT'S OKAY, REALLY!

DO YOU APPRECIATE LIFE? CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 90

Have you ever known anyone who is happy all of the time or most of the time?  Have you known anyone who is unhappy all of the time or most of the time?  What is the difference between them?  Do you think it is because one is more fortunate than the other?  Do you think it is because one is healthier than the other?  Is it because one has a happy marriage or relationship while the other has neither?  Is is because one loves his or her job and the other one either has no job or hates the job he or she has?

While I can accept that any individual's personal circumstances can affect their attitude, I really do not think that their happiness or unhappiness is the result.  I think people who are happy most of the time have a true appreciation for life and the wonder of it.  Life is a miracle..........look at a newborn baby and think about his journey to enter the world.  Think about all he will learn and do and how much he will physically grow in his first year of life.

Abraham Lincoln said something to the effect, "People are as happy as they make up their minds to be."  I very much believe he was right. We all have problems and misfortune from time to time, but each day look around you and actually identify the blessings of your life, the world, nature, family, friendships, work, and recreation.

Today's message is:

LIFE IS WONDERFUL!

ARE YOU STRESSED? CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 23

Life seems to be particularly filled with stress these days.  No matter your age, occupation, health, family, or income we are all susceptible to stress.  Stress is very damaging to  health and well being so it is crucial that you take care of yourself and find ways to relieve your stress.  Exercise, hobbies, music, volunteering, resting, reading and meditating are all known to be stress relievers.  Find what works for you.

Today's message is

Defeat Stress

CHANGING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS - DAY 8

Sometimes life' twists and turns can really get you down.  If you are feeling anxious about anything or sad about something, get up and get moving.  Even if you cannot move easily or quickly, get up and briefly get out of your head and over yourself.

Not only can movement distract you from worrisome thoughts, but enjoying fresh air and outdoor scenery can help to change your perspective.  It is good for your health to walk, and it is one of the simplest ways to clear your heads.

Today's words are really simple:

Go for a walk

When Things Turn Out As Hoped

Yesterday I had a luncheon for a neighbor who lives here in the desert only six months of the year. Then she returns to her primary residence in another state to escape the 100+ degree temperatures of our desert summers. This gathering was special because my neighbor is 92 years old, and we are not certain she will be able to return to us in the Fall. I made sure the table setting was pretty because she appreciates those touches and was a wonderful hostess in her day. Cooking for guests makes me nervous because I cannot be confident that everything will turn out as it should. When it does it is cause for great relief on my part. I made her favorite Hawaiian Chicken Salad served with cantaloupe slices, watermelon wedges, huge strawberries and piping hot croissants. I made creme brulee for dessert which is also one of her favorites. The weather was beautiful so my doors and windows were open; conversation and laughter flowed freely; spring flowers from other neighbors' gardens provided spectacular colors and fragrances; and she was reminded of how much she is loved and will be missed by all of us. Our prayer is that she will remain healthy enough to come back to us in October for another six months, but life is fragile and can change in an instant so we will hold our collective breaths as we wait for October and her return.